Smoke alarms for the hearing impaired

4/28/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms save lives in the events of a fire, but if you or a loved on are deaf or hearing impaired it is difficult to hear the high pitch of a smoke alarm. The NFPA has came up with a type of alarm just for the deaf. Here is a little bit of information about the.

• Smoke alarms are available for people who are deaf (those with profound hearing loss). These alarms use strobe lights to wake the person. Vibration notification appliances, such as pillow or bed shakers, are required and are currently activated by the sound of a smoke alarm.
• As people age, their ability to hear high-pitched sounds decreases. Research from NFPA’s Research Foundation showed that older adults are unlikely to respond to alarms with strobe lights.
• Older adults or other people who are hard of hearing (those with mild to severe hearing loss) can use a device that emits a mixed, low-pitched sound. In its current form, this device is activated by the sound of a traditional smoke alarm.
• Always choose equipment that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
• Make sure everyone in your home understands and reacts to the signal (light, vibration, or sound) used in their situation.
• All smoke alarms should be tested at least monthly. Replace smoke alarms and equipment for people who are deaf or hard or hearing according to manufacturer’s recommendations.