Assistive Devices for the Deaf

Many different devices have been invented to help those who are deaf or have deafness hear as much as possible and operate effectively in everyday society. These devices range from the very expensive medical devices to help improve hearing to very simple visual devices to let someone who is deaf know what is happening without needing sound.

Alarm Clocks

• Alarm clocks have been invented for the deaf, which have a number of notable features that don't require sound to be effective. Some alarm clocks have flashing strobe lights that are (hopefully) bright enough to wake the deaf person out of deep sleep at the proper time. Other alarm clocks have simple flashers that keep flashing when the alarm goes off from a variety of points around the room. The most effective alarm clocks combine a flashing light and a vibrating option, which relies on the deaf person's sense of feeling as well.

Silent House Alerting System

• Wireless silent alerting systems have been set up within the homes of the deaf to alert them when people call the house or ring the doorbell. The system can be connected to a strobe light that is installed on the wall, a vibrating device like a pager or cellular phone in their pocket, or a lamp within the house, clicking it on and off when someone arrives or calls. Different flashing patterns will delineate what device is being alerted at different times.

Assisted Listening Devices

• Assisted listening devices, or ALDs, are medical inventions that fit into the ears of the deaf and try to salvage any hearing that may remain so that they can hear actual sounds. This device improves the signal-to-noise ratio for the listener. These range from basic hearing aids to top-of-the-line systems that can amplify the hearing in some of the most damaged ears. These devices have been getting better and better as medical studies and technology improve.