Based on current estimates, nearly 1 out of 100 US citizens over the age of 12 suffer from hearing loss at a severe (>60 through 80 dBA) to profound (>80 dB) level. As our population ages, these numbers are likely to increase. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals need accessible alarm systems that don’t rely on high-frequency sound to alert them to imminent threats. Many of these individuals already rely on specialized tools at home, including bed shakers and portable audio-to-vibration devices. Despite the availability and prevalence of these systems, they are not standard, and their effectiveness is not fully understood by professionals in the Fire & EMS services. This presentation will review current alternative alarm and detection systems, case studies, regulations and certifications, and the approval processes faced by deaf and hard-of-hearing communities in the US.
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