What devices you can use to make life easier when hard of hearing or living with Hearing Loss

Living with hearing loss can be challenging, but there’s good news: technology has your back. There are a number of devices and small adjustments that can make day-to-day life smoother, especially when hearing isn’t as easy as it used to be. Let’s explore some simple yet life-changing gadgets and resources that are designed to help people who are hard of hearing.

Home Devices to Keep You in the Loop

Imagine someone ringing your doorbell and not missing it! There are devices available that will make your life a little easier at home. One such example is a doorbell with a flashing light. Instead of relying on sound, these doorbells make use of light to alert you when someone’s at the door.

Another helpful device is a lamp or light system that blinks when your phone rings. No more missed calls! You can set your mobile or home phone to flash a light whenever someone’s trying to get in touch. It's all about adapting your surroundings to work for you. For phones, you can find these settings built into most smartphones, or you can buy attachments online or at electronics stores.

More Devices to Consider

• Vibrating Alarm Clocks: If you find it difficult to hear your alarm in the morning, try a vibrating alarm clock. These clocks go under your pillow or mattress and vibrate to wake you up—no noise needed.
  

• Hearing Aids for TV Listening: Instead of cranking up the TV volume, did you know that many hearing aids can be customized to stream TV audio directly? You can book a free consultation with us and we’ll help you find hearing aids that connect easily to your devices via Bluetooth for a seamless experience.
  

• Hearing Aids with Bluetooth: More on the amazing technology of hearing aids and Bluetooth . You can hear calls, music, or even GPS directions through your hearing aids, just like you would with regular wireless headphones. If you’re interested in learning more about this feature, we’d be happy to show you how it works and help you set it up.
  

• Strobe Light Smoke Alarms: Safety is a big concern, and strobe light smoke alarms are a must for those with hearing impairments. These alarms emit bright, flashing lights instead of relying on sound, helping to alert you in the event of a fire or smoke. You can find these devices through online retailers or specialized home safety stores. They are an important addition to your home for peace of mind.
  

• Loop Systems for Public Spaces: For improved listening in public places like theaters, auditoriums, or places of worship, hearing loop systems (also called induction loops) can make a huge difference. When you're out in public and need to listen to a speaker, video or movie, pay attention around the room to see if there are any signs indicating they may have one of these devices in place. These systems send sound directly to your hearing aids if they have a telecoil (T-coil) feature, making speech clearer by reducing background noise.

Don't Forget Support Networks

Technology aside, there are also supportive communities out there that can make navigating hearing loss easier. The Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (CHHA) is a fantastic resource. They not only offer helpful information but also provide a supportive community of people who know exactly what you’re going through. You can find them at www.chha.ca or join their Facebook community here: Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (CHHA) | Facebook Connecting with others who have firsthand experience can be really encouraging and help you find new ways to manage.

The Importance of Hearing Aids

Now, let's talk about hearing aids. Sometimes, people are hesitant to get hearing aids, but waiting too long can have lasting consequences. Untreated hearing loss actually weakens your brain’s ability to detect sounds, making it harder for you to adjust later on. Hearing aids don’t just help you hear better now—they can also help prevent further irreversible damage. If you’re noticing that conversations are harder to follow or you’re turning up the volume more and more, it might be time to think about getting tested.

At Carter Hearing, we offer hearing tests and can help you get fitted for hearing aids that adjust for you and your lifestyle needs. We also provide repair and replacement services for existing hearing aids, and earwax cleaning. We are locally owned in BC around the Fraser Valley area with hearing clinics in Chilliwack, Sardis, Hope, Agassiz, Princeton, Lillooet, and Merritt, and if traveling is tricky, our three certified mobile hearing clinic's can come to you and your community—whether you’re on Gabriola Island or in the interior of BC past the Boston Bar. Wrapping Up

Life doesn’t have to be more difficult because of hearing loss. From helpful gadgets around the house to supportive communities and the right hearing aids, you can take steps toward a better quality of life. Remember, you don’t have to navigate this alone, and there’s no shame in seeking out the tools that make your world easier to hear.

We’re always here to help at Carter Hearing, and we’d love to assist you on your hearing journey. Stay connected, stay informed, and stay empowered! You can reach out to us by filling out our contact form at Carterhearing.ca/contact. If it’s after hours, don’t worry—leave your name and number, and we’ll get back to you. You can call us at +1-844-234-6665.

For those who prefer online scheduling, scroll to the bottom of our website and click the Book Now button to schedule a hearing test or a meeting with us through our Jane App.