Oldies but Goodies: Tech for Hearing Loss
I’m a millennial (keep your thoughts to yourself), so I grew up straddling both the analog and digital ages. Because of this I am able to see the uses and benefits of both types of technology. While I do love my iPhone and that there Google machine, I also love my ability to read a map and read an analog clock face. Those of you under the age of 30-ish might be wondering why I value those skills, so here is the answer; if I get stuck at the top of Killington without a GPS, guess who can read that map and make it home? This guy. Take that Gen Z! I don’t think analog tech is given enough credit, so in this newsletter I’ll be discussing some cool older devices that I think are still relevant today. This newsletter will focus on devices for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind.
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Sonic Alert Doorbell Transmitter with Lamp Flash
There are lots of fancy smart doorbells that exist now, but I’ve recommended this lamp flash doorbell for quite some time. This hidden gem not only works for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind but it also helps people like me who jump when they hear a sound. This is a simple device, there’s a doorbell button that goes outside, and a receiver that plugs into an outlet. You plug a lamp into that receiver and success! When that button is pressed your lamp will flash. It happens instantly, no delay between the press and the flash. No hardwiring (though it is an option) or Bluetooth needed. It’s plug and play.
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Image Description: Rectangular plastic white receiver that says “Sonic Alert” next to a small rectangular doorbell transmitter. A small cable for hardwiring sits below.
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Sonic Alert Travel Alarm Clock
You may be wondering why you’d need a travel alarm clock when you have your phone alarm to wake you up. Well, for heavier sleepers and those who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or DeafBlind bringing around a big clunky vibrating or loud alarm clock can be frustrating when travelling. This little alarm clock has a digital face and is battery powered. It’s about the width of a coffee mug and is 1.7” high. It can be set like a regular alarm clock and then clipped to a pillow and placed underneath. When the alarm goes off it can either vibrate, provide a 90 dB audible alarm, or both. It’s powerful, small, reliable and doesn’t require charging.
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Image Description: A small white plastic disc shaped clock showing 7:09. A lanyard with an alligator clip is attached at the top.
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Westone Hearing Aid Saver
If you use hearing aids then you know that moisture deteriorates hearing aids faster than anything else. A moisture removal device is often recommended to be used nightly to extend the life of your hearing aids. There are ones that plug in and some that even have charging capabilities, but they aren’t necessary. This little dehydration device removes moisture just as well as the expensive ones, but it is $9 instead of $60. It is a plastic tube with a cap that comes with a pod of moisture removing silica beads. It’s great for travelling and the pods are replaceable. It’s simple, effective, and reusable.
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Image Description: White plastic pop-top tube that says “Hearing Aid Saver”. A brown hearing aid is sitting on a foam disc that is covering a pod of blue silica beads.
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There are lots of oldies but goodies out there that don’t relate to hearing loss. Stay tuned for part II where more general items will be discussed.
The contents of this newsletter were submitted by Caelan Manning; A.T Consultant for HireAbility VT serving the St. Johnsbury, White River Junction, Brattleboro, and Springfield offices.
Contact the Vermont Assistive Technology Program by calling 1-800-750-6355 or by emailing dail.atinfo@vermont.gov. For more information visit our website (www.atp.vermont.gov). And if there is a topic that you'd like to see covered, please feel free to let us know!
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