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When Sound is not an Option: A review of Vibrating Devices for Deaf People
In most electronic devices today, sound is included as a primary or secondary feature. This provides a good deal of convenience for users as it enables them to be aware of certain events without looking at the device.
However, sound may not be that useful for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. So to solve this issue, providers of electronic devices have thought of an ingenious feature that can be used when sound is not a good option. This feature incorporates vibration which is activated during specific events.
Let us take a look at the various devices that have vibrating functions useful for deaf persons.
Vibrating Alarm Clocks
Instead of the familiar ringing or beeping that wakes us up everyday, these specialized alarm clocks produce a strong level of vibration to wake up the user. This type of alarm clock is normally placed very near the user’s bed or on the bed itself in order for the vibration to be felt by the user.
These devices enable deaf persons to be aware of instances wherein someone presses the doorbell or more crucial situations such as the activation of the smoke alarm. The user carries a small device that is connected to the doorbell, telephone, or smoke alarm. This device is connected to these home appliances via a wireless connection.
Some of these assistive devices can be connected to all of the aforesaid facilities. In this case, the device produces a particular vibration pattern for each appliance. This helps deaf persons know immediately which specific appliance has been activated.
The mobile phone is one of the more familiar devices providing vibrating features. For hearing users, this is simply a function they can use to be aware of incoming text messages and calls during events requiring silence. Deaf persons, on the other hand, regard their phone’s vibrating feature as a very essential one. This allows them to be aware of messages and calls without looking at their phones and when sound is not an option.
Handheld Mobility Device
This is a small device which vibrates when it is placed near any object. The vibration stops when the user moves it away from an object, and it subsequently vibrates once the user points it near another object. A handheld mobility device is useful for people who are deaf and visually impaired.