Hearing Solutions
Many of us experience some degree of hearing loss as we get older. Some of it is merely a nuisance – we might find it hard to hear certain tones or to hold a conversation in a noisy room.
But hearing problems can go beyond annoying and venture into dangerous if, for example, we can't hear a smoke alarm.
The following design changes and products can help things sound a little clearer and make home a little safer.
Hearing: Design and Other Ideas
- To absorb noise and reduce echo, use carpeting, upholstered furniture and fabric window treatments instead of hard surfaces such as wood or tile.
- Hang a textured, acoustical wall covering where appropriate (e.g., over a desk or work area in the kitchen) to help absorb sound. The acoustical wall covering can double as a surface for tacking up emergency phone numbers, reminders and other notes.
- Place chairs three to six feet apart and facing each other to facilitate conversation for people with hearing loss.
Hearing: Products
- Purchase a new phone with features helpful to those with hearing and/or sight limitations. Some phones illuminate to signal an incoming call, announce Caller ID, or include volume and sound-clarifying adjustments.
- Extend the range of door chimes with a simple attachment to the chime box, which transmits the sound, up to 50 feet away, to a receiver plugged into any standard electrical outlet. Purchase a wireless door chime that can be mounted outside your door, and use a portable receiver anywhere in your home.
- Use television hearing devices that allow an individual to listen to a TV without disturbing others. These devices use invisible infrared rays to carry sound from a TV set to a cordless headset that allows the user free movement over a 250-square-foot room.
Home Checklist
Use this handy room-by-room checklist to identify ways to improve the comfort, convenience and safety of your home or that of your loved one.
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