According to the National Fire Protection Association, the risk of dying in reported home structure fires is 55% lower in homes with working smoke alarms than in homes with no smoke alarms or none that work.
For many, the blaring sound a smoke alarm makes is all they need to get themselves to safety. But for people with hearing loss – especially in the higher frequencies – more may be necessary. Fortunately, there are alarm systems on the market that are effective for people with hearing loss.
Smoke Alarm Options
Below are some types of smoke alarm options for people with hearing loss.
Flashing Light Alarms
Rather than relying on sound, the flash from these lighted alarms provides a visual cue that there’s danger in your home. Be sure you get one with high intensity for your bedroom so that it can wake you if you’re asleep.
Vibration Alarms
If you’re a heavy sleeper, a lighted alarm may not be enough. There are alarms that vibrate your pillow or your whole bed to wake you up when there’s a fire or other emergency.
Interconnected Alarms
If you have severe to profound hearing loss, you may want to invest in an interconnected alarm, which means when one alarm goes off, they all go off. This means you’ll be alerted by lights, vibrations, and sounds all at the same time.
What to Look for in Alarms
You can talk to your audiologist or Athens-Clarke County Fire Department to ask what alarm system they recommend for your individual needs.
Here are some other considerations:
Get More than One
If you have a multi-level home, you need at least one alarm on each floor, as well as one in every bedroom.
Test Them Regularly
An alarm that doesn’t work or that has a dead battery is useless. Be sure to test your alarms regularly.
Invest in a Reputable Company
Look for alarms that are labeled with a reputable testing laboratory, like UL. Brands such as BRK Electronics, Gentex Corporation, Kidde Fire Safety and Menards, Inc. are good. For more information or to schedule an appointment with a hearing expert, call ENT of Athens today.