Fire alarms: What is recommended for people with hearing loss?

Hi @bmmarnes, welcome to the Hearing Loss group. I'm guessing because you posted in the Hearing Loss group that you might be looking for guidance about hearing residential fire alarms and what is recommended for people with hearing loss. The National Fire Protection Association offers this information

- Safety materials for people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing: https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Specific-groups-at-risk/People-with-disabilities/Educational-materials/People-who-are-deaf-or-hard-of-hearing

Like you, I'd like to know what other members do regarding safety that may be dependent on hearing, especially at night when people may not be using their aids.

Bmmarnes, do you live with hearing loss?

Eight years ago knowing my hearing loss was likely to get worse in the future/my condo building's fire alarm system was not scheduled for updating (I am now severely hearing impaired) at my own expense I had both strobe lights as well as horns installed in my condo. When the required fire alarm system confidence testing takes place every year, my strobe lights/horns are included. It was well worth every penny -- I do not have to worry or be concerned I will not hear the fire alarms.

...not sure if it's been mentioned, but I think a vibrating alarm under a bed pillow for at night?

There are products that alert people with hearing loss for a variety of reasons; including fire alarm, telephone, doorbell, baby cry, etc. That is done with vibrations, strobe lights, and loud sound. For many of us with profound hearing loss, the loud sound doesn't help much when you have your hearing technology off when you're sleeping. A lot depends on your personal situation. You may want to check Diglo.com The provide a catalog that contains a huge variety of assistive technology, including alerting devices.

Yes, Diglo is a great resource, provides great customer service, very responsive to all questions as well as prompt shipping.

Thank you very much.

You're welcome. I hope you find the technology that meets your need.

bmbarnes, I think you can fit a vibrator next to the pillow.

Yes. Mother had a good strong vibrator that tucks under the mattress and rattles one awake for things.

But i do not need to be in my own bed to enjoy the wake up called when I wear an Apple Watch/tracker - it’s full of wireless ways to elt me know it’s time to get up, and when there is someone at the door, or ringing my number - you can get smoke detectors that will sync with your Apple Watch......it makes a strong haptic for serious alarms. Google Nest is one and there are others

I had this same concern after experiencing sudden profound hearing loss in both ears. Since I already had a home automation system, I integrated an Ecolink Zwave Plus Wireless Audio Detector for existing Smoke/CO sensors (FF-ZWAVE5-ECO) with a wifi outlet connected to a bed shaker. When my smoke/CO sensor alarm goes off, the Ecolink picks up the sound, and triggers my automation to turn on the bed shaker. It's a bit involved if you haven't already gone down the home automation rabbit hole, but it's not hard to setup if you are technically minded.

My setup (all sourced on Amazon):
Aeotec Smart Home Hub (Smartthings)
Ecolink Smoke/CO sensor (FF-ZWAVE5-ECO)
SAMSUNG SmartThings Wi-Fi Plug In Outlet
120V Vibrating Massage Motor for Bed, Table, or Chair (with Cord)

I have everything tied into Google Home as well, so I can tell google to turn on my bed shaker at 6:30am, and I wake to the vibration. This has been huge for me, as I can't hear the alarm clock when I take my hearing aids out. The home automation also allows me to flash lights when motion is detected outside and all sorts of other groovy things.