When your hearing limits you from using legacy doorbells, fire alarm systems and other sounds calling for your attention, alerting systems, also known as alerting devices for the deaf and hard of hearing, will be important.
Living in convenience and comfort is your right. The constant anxiety of not knowing, paying attention, or double-checking all the time can be draining and exhausting. Having an alerting device will help make your space and environment comfortable. You will know about important events; the rest can be just noise you don’t need to worry about.
Here at Lisnen, I’m designing an alerting device to deliver that peace of mind lacking in the market today. You should be aware of all the other options available to help you make the best decision on what you need. This article will help you decide. If you need further breakdowns on alerting devices, check out the article that enables you to choose which is best for you.
What to look for?
When you are exploring devices, there are about five key things that you need to be thinking about.
The types of alert
The sounds and triggers you can get an alert and notifications on are wide and varied. Not one brand may have all the sounds that you like to know. At times, they may only cover one problem area and other times, they handle all problem areas that you require support. You want to search for devices that have at least all. Otherwise, the cost will start to add up, and you’ll feel like you are paying the price of a hearing aid.
(*) These technology uses artificial intelligence/deep learning algorithms similar to automated speech-to-text software.
Alerting systems v.s. alerting devices
Some solutions come as a system. These systems operate with multiple transmitters that pairs with a single receiver. Transmitters can be baby cry monitors, doorbells, smoke alarms and many more. They each require their device or equipment. Alongside, it would help if you had a receiver to communicate with the transmitter to identify any events that may happen. An event could be someone pressing the doorbell, and the receiver responds by sending you an alert depending on the configuration and setup of your receiver.
Some operate as a single device that can do many things to help alert you to an event, but most legacy alerting devices are part of an alerting system. However, some apps and other solutions use artificial intelligence (AI) to bring the system into an all-in-one solution.
Transportability out of your home
Finding an alerting device may be a challenge if you often travel or move around. Smartphones may help you temporarily but can come with false alarms and uses a lot of batteries. When airlines charge extra baggage and carry-ons these days, you don’t want the alert devices to take up so much space.
This also means you want something that doesn’t require installation time or even an electrician to hardwire to your electrical panel. You want to be looking for a plug-and-play solution.
Different tones globally
Fire alarms are not the same everywhere around the world. Every country has its fire regulation. If you travel and live in the US, you shouldn’t have too much of a problem with selections. For others, the choices are limited, and your only option in the market is to pick an alerting device that is sensitive to loud noises. The only downside is that you will have many false alarms. Vacuuming, signing at the top of your lungs or watching tv loudly will trigger an alert. You know how the story ends with the boy who cried wolf too many times. Too many false alarms and you will not trust when the event happens.
Sensors available
You’ll need to know what works best to get your attention. There isn’t any set solution for one person. When a possible alert happens, you want to see where you are and what you are doing. Are you in the shower? Will you be sleeping? What about while you are watching tv? or when you take your hearing aids off during the day? Visual flashing lights do the trick and get attention for some people. For others, it doesn’t work.
Maybe you prefer the vibration to help get you up. And these solutions are available depending on whether you can wear it as a watch, carry it with you like a pager or put it under your pillow.
Alerting devices are available to give you the confidence to manage unexpected life events on your own. Relying on family members or other people can be tough. but it’s equally important that you are comfortable in any space that you are in.