Staying Safe with Hearing Loss: Tips and Devices for Home Safety

by Lindsay B. Robinson, HIA Program Manager

June 18, 2025

Technology has allowed us to keep ourselves and our families safe, whether it be from fire, home security alerts, or weather warnings. But when we consider traditional alarms, doorbells, and emergency alerts, they often rely heavily on sound. Many people don’t realize that today, there are innovative tools and strategies to help ensure safety and peace of mind for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Whether you’re living independently or supporting a loved one with hearing loss, here are are few things to consider when keeping yourself and your home safe:

Fire and Carbon Monoxide Safety

One critical aspect of personal safety is detecting smoke or carbon monoxide in the home. Standard alarms are loud but may not be not effective for those who have hearing loss. Fortunately, there are specialized visual and tactile alert systems designed specifically for people with hearing loss. These can include:

• Strobe Light Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms: These alarms flash a bright light when triggered, ensuring visibility in emergencies.
• Bed Shaker Alarms: Connected to smoke or CO detectors, bed shakers vibrate your bed or pillow to wake you up during a nighttime emergency.
• Smart Alarms with App Alerts: Some modern systems can send notifications directly to your phone, which can be paired with vibration or visual cues.

Check with your local fire department or safety officials for tips or requirements on where to place alarms, testing, and when to change batteries.

Home Security and Visitors at the Door

A knock at the door or a doorbell ring can sometimes be hard to detect for someone with hearing loss.  There are a range of options that can provide a noticeable alert for someone at or near the door, such as:

• Flashing Doorbell Alerts light up or vibrate when someone rings the doorbell.
• Smart Doorbells offer real-time video and alerts to your smartphone, including visual motion detection.
• Wi-Fi Video Intercoms let you see and communicate with visitors without being near your door. Many systems may also allow you to remotely lock and unlock your door to enhance security.

Emergency Alerts and Weather Warnings

Weather events and public emergency broadcasts are crucial, especially in areas prone to severe storms, tornadoes, or wildfires. Some options to stay alert for timely warnings include:

• A NOAA Weather Radio with Visual/Vibrating Alerts: Look for models designed for those who are deaf or have hearing difficulties, like those with bed shaker attachments and flashing lights.
• Smartphones with Accessibility Features: Both iOS and Android devices allow you to enable vibration, screen flash, or text notifications for emergency alerts.
• Emergency Apps: Smartphone apps like FEMA, Red Cross, and local alert systems can be customized to send visual notifications.

Smart Home Integration

Modern smart home technology offers customized safety through interconnected devices and can be tailored to individual hearing needs. Examples include:

• Smart Home Hubs (like Alexa or Google Home): Can be programmed to alert you visually via smart lights or through smartphone notifications.
• Smart Lights: Can flash when certain events occur, like a door opening or an alarm going off.
• Vibrating Watches and Alert Pagers: These wearable devices receive signals from home alert systems, making them helpful for those who spend time away from home.

Hearing loss doesn’t have to mean compromising on safety. With the right mix of technology, planning, and awareness, you can create a secure environment that fits your needs. Whether it's through smart alarms, visual signals, or wearable devices, these tools are available to keep you connected and safe.

If you're looking for specific product recommendations or general help hearing at your best, consult with a local hearing care professional. You can find one at https://www.hearing.org/find-a-hearing-professional/