Standard alarm clocks are often not powerful enough to wake up individuals who are hearing impaired, hard of hearing, or deaf. There are a variety of options for clocks that do more than simply buzz or play the radio or music to bring a person out of slumber. Some clocks are designed to emit high frequency sounds that far outperform standard alarm clock audio. Visual stimulation is another tool to help wake up individuals with hearing problems. Vibration devices are also frequently attached to alarm clocks for the hearing impaired in order to help awaken them in the morning.
One option for alarm clocks for the hearing impaired is a model that operates much like traditional clocks, but with more volume. This variant comes equipped with speakers and an amplification system that produces sound at a much higher decibel level to alert the user to wake up. Other models are able to emit high frequency tones that also awaken the user. These models are useful for individuals that have not completely lost hearing ability and simply need an extra level of volume.
Individuals with little to no hearing are better suited for clocks with visual accompaniment. These alarm clocks for the hearing impaired come in two types. The first has its own light source, commonly an LCD screen, that expands to incredibly bright levels when the alarm is sounding. Another kind of clock has an attachment that connects it to a lamp or light source in the home that will turn on during the alarm's activation. Frequently these alarm clocks for the hearing impaired contain options that allow for lights to pulse on and off in order to wake the user up.
If loud sounds and bright lights do not provide enough force to wake a user up, vibrating alarm clocks for the hearing impaired are also available. These devices are equipped with sensors that rumble the alarm clock when it is sounding, thus producing vibrations on the nightstand or other area the clock is sitting.
For individuals who do not notice subtle vibrations, there are sensors that can be placed in a mattress and pillow, thus providing a stronger vibrating jolt to sleepers. This type of clock simulates another person gently shaking an individual awake. Some clocks combine this feature with light emitting options or sound for a combination approach that covers as many senses as possible to awaken a hard of hearing user.
