At home

There are a growing number of technical devices that assist people with substantial hearing loss to manage their daily lives (see Factsheet 6).

See also catalogues published by RNID Shop and Connevans Ltd (contact details in Factsheet 1, Section c) for details of the supply of a wide range of appropriate equipment.

Visual and vibrating indicators

There are several audible domestic devices, which profoundly deaf people will be unable to hear, and which hearing aid and CI users might miss. Doorbells, smoke alarms, baby alarms and alarm clocks can all be linked up to visual alerting systems such as flashing lights. The house lights can be made to go on and off, or dim. Some devices can be connected to vibrating pads which can be put under the pillow so that you can sleep peacefully knowing that you will be awakened by the vibrating pad if the smoke alarm goes off in the night or, if it is connected to the alarm clock, that it is time to get up.

Cordless alerting systems are also available. Transmitters can be set for the doorbell, telephone, fire alarm, baby cry, personal help call, car alarm, alarm clock and burglar alarm. The receiver is wearable and vibrates when activated and lights up one of the lights on the receiver according to which signal is being received. These devices are a tremendous help especially if you live alone or are in charge of a young child or dependent person.

Domestic induction loops

Domestic induction loop systems can be installed in the home. These consist of a continuous loop of wire installed around the room, possibly tacked to the skirting and passing round or under door and window frames. Each end of the loop is attached to a mains-powered amplifier. A microphone or microphones can be held, placed in a convenient location or attached to the speaker of a TV, radio or audio system. By switching a hearing aid or speech processor to the T setting, sound from the loop is directed to the aid.

Equipment from Adult Social Services

Some local authorities will provide on loan all of the equipment that you need in your home. The referral will be to the Adult Social Services “Sensory services team” or a similar title. Make sure your hospital ENT department refers you when you have got your hearing aid provision sorted out, or contact them yourself. A social services worker will make an appointment to visit your home and complete an assessment with you. He/she will talk through your requirements and offer you a choice of equipment. This includes telephone/smoke alarms/alerting device/loop system/alarm clock. Even if other household members have full hearing, you will be assessed on the basis of enabling you to be independent in your home when you are alone. Once this assessment has been completed and approved the equipment will be provided fitted and maintained by this support team. (see Factsheet 1, Section e).

Hearing Dogs

If you do not like mechanical aids but do like animals you can investigate the possibility of having a Hearing Dog. These dogs are trained to attract their owner's attention to noises such as the doorbell, smoke alarm and the alarm clock. They are also good companions and many deaf people have found their lives enriched by the ownership of a Hearing Dog, which helps to counteract the sense of loneliness and isolation that affects many deafened people. (See Factsheet 1, Section a, for details of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People)

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