Home automation, security cameras, and alerts are some of the essential elements of the security system. For deaf people, these systems need additional features such as strobe lights, radio signals, and bed-shakers. Let’s discuss everything you need to know about a home security system for deaf people.
Why Can’t Traditional Alarm Systems Work for the Hearing Impaired?
Traditional alarm systems usually come with sirens that a normal person can easily hear. However, a deaf person is not able to hear such sirens. That’s why a traditional alarm system can’t work for people who are hard of hearing.
Alert Device Types for the Deaf
According to Healthy Hearing, there are three different alerting devices that a person with partial and full hearing loss can use.
Visual
A strobe light is an essential part of home security systems for people with hearing loss. You can install these alerting devices anywhere you want, and they’ll provide you with a visual alert whenever your home security system is triggered.
Vibrotactile
A vibrating component, also known as a bed-shaker, is another invaluable device to help deaf people. Such devices can be installed under a pillow or bed, and they help deaf people wake up from the vibration.
Auditory
People with partial hearing loss can also use alerting devices that offer auditory signals with lower frequency sounds and increased amplification.
Alert Device for a Home Security System for the Deaf
The following are some of the most useful alarm devices that can help deaf people to live a more independent life.
Doorbell Signalers
Many home security systems for the deaf offer doorbell signalers that can work without or without a doorbell. They allow people with hearing issues to know if someone is at the door. These security signalers can also inform you if one of your windows or doors is open.
All types of door signalers are available, from a comprehensive system that can connect to a phone to a simple flashing strobe light. In addition, they can use a flashing light or a messaging service to generate real-time alerts.
Carbon Monoxide, Fire, and Smoke Detectors
Sometimes, all these home security devices are sold separately, but a single home security system can also combine these detection systems. These systems come with flashing strobe lights for the deaf and extra loud alarms for people with partial hearing loss. There are also bed-vibrating carbon monoxide, smoke, and fire alarms installed under your mattress or pillow to wake you awake.
Weather Alerts
People with hearing loss can’t hear the crack of lightning and rumble of thunder, and that’s where weather alerts come into play. A weather alert radio can warn you regarding disastrous weather conditions like impending storms beforehand to ensure your safety. You can use this device on its own, and it can also be integrated with other alerting accessories like a bed-shaker or flashing strobe lights.
Baby Cry Signals
Home security systems for the deaf now come with specially designed transmitters and receivers to detect your baby’s crying. In addition, they inform you about such events by generating alerts with the help of a central alert system.
Cameras
Indoor and Outdoor cameras are one of the most critical parts of any home security system. They allow you to monitor your property even if you’re away from home. Using your cell phone, you can easily identify the cause that triggered your home alarm system. Not only can you determine false alarms, but they also allow you to take necessary measures timely in case of an emergency.
Entry Sensors
Entry systems protect your property’s entryways and work as your home security system’s first line of defense. It makes these devices a crucial part of home security because they inform you if someone has entered your home.
Motion Sensors
Motion sensors help your entryway detectors as a backup. A motion detector is equipped with infrared technology to sense movements. You can also program these motion detection devices to sense movements at both long- and short-range distances based on your needs.
Phone Signalers
A telephone signaler can work with your cell phone or a house phone. They allow deaf people to see when their phone rings so that they don’t miss important phone calls. Smartwatches and bracelets are also available that allow people with hearing loss to answer their phone calls. These devices can even help people without hearing loss in different situations, like when their phone is on silent mode.
Alarm Clock
People with hearing loss can’t hear a standard alarm clock. Instead, they need specially designed alarm clocks with built-in strobe lights and bed shakers. Some alarm clocks also offer a built-in outlet to plug in a lamp or a vibrating alert to wake a deaf person up every morning.
Home Security System Features for the Hearing Impaired
Standard home security systems and those designed for the hearing impaired are pretty similar. However, the security systems for the deaf don’t have audible features. Instead, they use strobe lights, bed-shakers, and radio signals to fit the deaf people’s needs. Make sure that the security system for the deaf you choose offers the following features.
Email Notifications
A home security system for the deaf should be customizable to send you email notifications in real-time whenever the alarm is triggered. The email will offer all the information you need about the event. This alert system is suitable for people who don’t like to receive phone calls.
Mobile Notifications
A home security system should also have the functionality to generate mobile notifications if the alarm is triggered. Mobile notifications are text messages containing the description of the event. They help deaf people communicate with the relevant authorities and monitoring professionals in an emergency.
Online Management System
An online management system allows deaf and hard of hearing people control and monitor their home security system whenever they want. They can monitor different house areas using their phone or computer.
Some home security system providers also offer a dedicated app to control your security system remotely. The remote control comes in handy whenever you need to arm or disarm your home’s security.
Flexibility
Some hearing-impaired home security system components need to be permanently installed, while others can be packed up and carried on the move. Consider the flexibility you need and choose the home security system with alert devices that best suits your needs.
The Best Hearing-Impaired Home Security Systems
The following are the best hearing-impaired home security systems that you can install in your home to ensure your safety.
ADT: Best Overall
ADT is one of the most popular smart home security system providers that has been around for over 140 years. The company offers an ADT pulse app that provides real-time alerts. The best thing about this home security system is that it comes with 24/7 professional monitoring and doesn’t rely on audible alarms.
The monitoring professionals can view the footage that your security cameras record and contact authorities in case of fire, home invasion, or any other emergency. It ensures your safety, but it also saves you the hassle of communicating with the family members or relevant authorities yourself over the phone.
Pros
- A trusted and reputable company
- A comprehensive mobile app that also features a panic button
- Professional installation
- Every plan comes with 24/7 professional monitoring
- Offers cellular backup
Cons
- Professional monitoring is expensive
- Professional installation costs extra
- Plans come with a three-year contract
- Limited smart home integration
Ring Alarm Security Kit: Most Affordable
Ring Alarm Security Kit is another great option, and it’ll suit you best if you’re on a budget. The company offers professional installation, but you can also do it yourself because it is pretty easy. In addition, it offers impressive features such as smart home integration, real-time notifications, and remote control.
The base station of the Ring Alarm kit also works as a router and features built-in cellular connectivity that keeps your internet alive. Additional features such as an easy-to-use app, neighborhood crime monitoring, and 24/7 professional monitoring make it one of the best home security systems for people with hearing loss.
Pros
- Affordable 24/7 professional monitoring
- DIY installation is possible
- It comes with a Neighbors app that displays information about neighborhood crimes.
- Easy to use mobile apps
Cons
- Most cameras don’t feature a person detection functionality
- The free plan doesn’t offer cloud storage
- Facial recognition is not available
SimpliSafe: Best Mobile App
One of the most important features of any hearing-impaired home security system is the mobile app. It generates real-time alerts and allows you to arm or disarm your security system on the goo, see your baby’s crying, monitor alarms, etc.
SimpliSafe offers a great mobile app for Android and iOS that offers everything you need to ensure your security. All you need to do is make sure that your internet connection is up and running.
Pros
- Great Android and iOS app
- Affordable and dependable professional monitoring
- No contracts
- DIY installation is possible
- No drilling or landline required
- Great customizability
Cons
- The free plan doesn’t offer smart home integration
Abode: Best for Smart Homes
Besides Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa, abode can also work with IoT (Internet of Things) devices, and it’s the best option for smart home integrations. For example, you can configure it with the smart door lock and light systems that will automatically turn on if you’re going out. It’ll make burglars think that you’re still home.
It has self-monitoring features, but you can also opt for 24/7 on-demand professional monitoring. It generates real-time alerts in case of an emergency like a burglary, fire, glass break, water leak, and smoke. In addition, you can use its app to control security systems connected to different sensors, detectors, and cameras.
Pros
- Professional and DIY installation methods are available
- Self-monitoring or 24/7 on-demand professional monitoring
- Yearly, monthly, or daily contract
- Integration with IoT devices
- Comprehensive mobile app
Cons
- The free plan doesn’t offer home automation and person detection features
- Professional monitoring costs extra
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Alerting Devices for People with Hearing Impairment?
Deaf people can use vibrotactile signals like vibrating a bed shaker, visual Signals such as a flashing light, and auditory signals with lower frequency sounds and increased amplification.
What Can a Deaf Person Use Instead of a Standard Doorbell?
Deaf people can use a door light or doorbell camera system to see when someone is at the door. They can also use wireless and battery-powered radio doorbells with a built-in radio transmitter. When someone is at the door and pushes the radio doorbell button, the system sends a radio signal to the receiver unit that a deaf person can read.
How Does Alerting Devices Make the Home More Accessible to Deaf People?
Detectors and sensors can sense emergencies and inform home security to generate real-time alerts. These alerts can be from flashing lights, radio waves, and vibrotactile signals. Such alarms can help deaf people keep themselves and their homes safe from intruders and other emergencies. Carbon monoxide detectors, fire and smoke sensors, and motion detection cameras are some examples of such devices.
Final words
Home security systems for the deaf allow deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to be safe in their homes and accomplish daily tasks. With the help of alerting devices, the deaf or hard of hearing person can enjoy the self-resilience, confidence, and independence that comes from knowing that they’ll be informed instantly whenever their home needs their attention. We hope this guide will help you choose the best home security system for the deaf that meets all your unique needs.