Simple tasks, such as answering a telephone or waking up, can be challenging for a deaf person. Many technological advances have been made to address those challenges. Prosthetic devices such as hearing aids and cochlear implants are available to augment hearing and in some instances cure deafness. Other technologies are designed to assist the deaf person with activities of daily living.
TTY
A teletypewriter (TTY), also known as Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD), allows the deaf person to use the telephone. The user identifies incoming calls by wearing a wristband that lights and/or vibrates. Communication between parties is made via a TTY device. The TTY consists of a keyboard, monitor and modem. Typed messages are transmitted via telephone lines to the recipient. Communication to a non-TTY user can be made through a telecommunications relay service. This is a free service available 24 hours a day. Agents of the service serve as interpreters, communicating messages via TTY and verbally to the participants of the call. Many government agencies and business have installed TTY devices.
Closed captioning allows the deaf person to watch television, providing an important link to public service announcements, news and entertainment. Similar to subtitles, spoken words are translated into text displayed on the screen. Unlike subtitles, closed captioning also provides information about background noises and sound effects. Since 1993, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has required analog televisions manufactured or sold in the United States, with screens 13 inches or larger, to contain the decoder circuitry to display closed captioning. Digital televisions have been under the same requirements since 2002.
Alarm Clocks
Waking up in the morning is a problem everyone shares. Specially designed alarm clocks are available to help the deaf person wake up. These alerting devices are designed to assist people with varying degrees of hearing impairment. Louder alarms are used for individuals with minimal hearing loss. Some clocks utilize strobe lights. Alarm clocks that vibrate the bed or pillow are effective options for individuals with moderate to severe deafness.
Fire Alarms
Because deaf people are unable to hear traditional fire alarms, they have a higher risk of being injured in a fire than a hearing person. Modified alarms are available that use flashing lights or vibration to warn the deaf person. The United States Fire Administration recommends installing the modified alarms on every level of the house. Vibrating models are recommended for the bedroom.
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