Hearing Impaired Clocks

The hearing impaired face a number of challenges, and even in simple everyday tasks can present a problem. Most people use an alarm clock to get them up at a certain time to go to work or appointments and to be sure they have enough time to get ready for their day. However, most alarm clocks rely on our sense of hearing to work. Be it a buzzer, a set of bells, or a radio broadcast, all of these methods rely on sound to wake us from a deep sleep. These methods will not always work for the hearing impaired.

Waking up a person without the use of noise presents a unique challenge for alarm clock manufacturers. Most commonly, two approaches are used; light and vibration. The hearing impaired alarm clock will often combine both of these methods.

Vibration can be achieved with a device containing an electric motor placed under the pillow, mattress, or worn on a person's wrist. This simulates being shaken awake, and is a good way to accomplish the function of an alarm clock without sound.

The use of light as a wake up method is gaining popularity for many people, not just the hearing impaired. It has been presented as a gentler, more natural way to wake up than a blaring, rude noise suddenly startling us from sleep. A light, starting at a dim level, and gradually increasing in brightness, simulates a natural awakening as from the sun rising in the morning. This method can be less stress inducing and can result in a better, more positive mood upon waking.

The need for alarm clocks for the hearing impaired may very well result in a host of new ways to wake up for anyone, with no need to repeatedly punch that snooze button to stifle the awful noise that so rudely interrupted our blissful slumber. This may have the added benefit of happier, more relaxed people at work and less stress for all.