The smoke alarm, meant for those who are deaf or hearing impaired, includes a traditional smoke detector on the ceiling, a receiver equipped with a strobe light and a vibrating disc that will shake the entire bed from underneath the mattress. Some units are also equipped with a vibrating pager.
A great story on WTAE – Pittsburgh’s Action News station about how it saved one family. https://www.wtae.com/article/smoke-alarm-for-deaf-and-hearing-impaired-saves-life/29761297
These smoke alarms are very expensive. “Insurance isn’t going to cover it. There’s not a funding source,” said Amy Hart, president and CEO of Center for Hearing and Deaf Services. “People with hearing loss who need this equipment are in that situation, not because they don’t want to be safe, but because they can’t afford to be safe.”
Pittsburgh Fire Chief Darryl Jones applied for federal grant money to cover the expenses of these special smoke alarms. The fire bureau received a $1 million federal grant for households within city limits. The grant also covers fire safety training, which recipients of the smoke alarm will have to attend.
The American Red Cross is a great resource. It has a program called Sound the Alarm that will provide and install the alarms for the deaf and hard of hearing for free, regardless of location or income.
If you or a family member is having any difficulties with hearing or hearing aids, please give us a call at 727-323-2471 and set up an appointment. We can help you.
Susan E. Terry, Au.D., F-AAA, F-NAP
Doctor of Audiology
Board Certified
P.S. We are here to help if you have any questions about your hearing, feel free to give us a call at 727-323-2471