If you or a loved one has hearing loss, there are a number of different precautions you can take around your home to ensure you are following the best safety practices. From difficulty hearing alarms to staying aware of natural disasters, consider these easy tips you can employ around your home if you are dealing with hearing loss.
Fire or Smoke
Because the presence of smoke in your home can be an indication that a fire is present, installing smoke detectors is critical. In some instances, you may have only a few minutes to safely evacuate the house. But if you can’t hear a conventional smoke detector, you might not have enough time to get out of the building or call for assistance.
Install smoke detectors that are designed for individuals with hearing loss, typically these incorporate flashing lights with the alarm. Some of these detectors even have a digital screen that says “FIRE” in orange letters. These detectors, when activated, will signal danger in a way that you will notice, and they will increase the likelihood that you will be able to successfully escape danger.
You can choose a hardwired or wireless smoke detector. Having a licensed electrician perform the wiring, testing and demonstration is essential for any hardwired option.
Many wireless options can be plugged into an existing outlet and attached to your mattress or pillow. You will be able to see a flashing light, feel a vibrating alert or hear an auditory alarm that is extremely loud or low-pitched if you have a wireless detector.
The smoke alarm should be tested at least twice a year regardless of the setting. Make sure you and your family know what the alarm sounds like and what to do if it goes off.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide, which lacks both odor and color, is a lethal gas that cannot be seen or smelled. 400 people per year die and 4,000 are hospitalized due to carbon monoxide poisoning. There should be a carbon monoxide detector on every floor of your house for this reason.
Unfortunately, traditional carbon monoxide detectors make a sound that people who are deaf or have severe hearing loss may not be able to hear. A carbon monoxide detector that has been upgraded will have a flashing light. When activated, you will also see a visual warning of impending danger.
You could also put in a detector that detects both smoke and carbon monoxide at the same time. Conduct research on the available options, and select the one that is most suitable for your lifestyle and the environment of your home.
Natural Disasters
Storms of all kinds, including tornadoes, hurricanes and blizzards, are capable of wreaking havoc on your neighborhood. Extreme weather events pose an additional threat to the safety of your home and loved ones. When severe weather is imminent, you need an early warning system to get you to safety.
To stay safe, purchase a weather radio that is compatible with a device that attracts attention. Then you can hook up a vibrating alert or strobe light that could save your life in an emergency.
It’s possible that a pager could also work. It vibrates to warn you of impending bad weather. Always be prepared for a warning by keeping the pager close at hand, whether in your pocket, purse, or even under your pillow.
You can find these special devices in stores that sell electronics or online. If you have trouble hearing, your audiologist or doctor may know of other tools that can help you stay safe in your home during storms.
Visitors and Deliveries
If you are unable to hear important visitors or deliveries, such as when they drive up to the house or knock on the door, you will miss them. If you can’t see who’s on your property, you’re also more likely to have someone break into your home. Specialized motion detectors and doorbells let you know when deliveries and visitors, both wanted and unwanted, come to your home.
Put motion detectors in place all over your property, including in entryways and on porches, and you’ll never miss a delivery or visitor again. The detectors will either flash lights inside the home or set off a portable pager with a vibration alert. You can now be notified immediately whenever anyone sets foot on your property.
In the same way, a doorbell that lights up, vibrates, or rings loudly lets you know when someone is at your door. This special doorbell can replace the one you already have or be added to the intercom system you already have. Some models even come with receivers that you can put all over your house or connect to your phone so that you never miss a visitor or package delivery.
Whether you’re looking for additional home safety tips for individuals with hearing loss or simply want to establish a baseline exam, the professionals at Kirsch Audiology are ready to help you! To reach a team member, simply give 310-586-5533 a call and inquire today.
