Practical Self-Help Tips:

• Use an adapted watch or clock that vibrates instead of sounding a high-pitched alarm. Some vibrating alarm clocks attach to a cord or sensor that you can place underneath your mattress.
• Most electronic liquid-level indicators, available in independent living catalogs, vibrate as well as whistle when a liquid you are pouring reaches the rim of a glass or cup.
• Make sure that you can hear the signal or voice before you purchase any speaking or "talking" items.
• Turn a light on by the stove or oven to remind you whenever you are using it. Turn the light off only when you are finished.
• Reduce background noise as much as possible, including everyday household noises, such as the dishwasher, television, or washing machine. Most people with hearing loss have difficulty with conversations in this type of background noise.
• Pay special attention to proper lighting when you talk to other people. Even if your vision is severely reduced, it is easier to see facial expressions and gestures if you stand in good light and face the person with whom you are speaking.
• Use a telephone receiver that amplifies the speaker's voice.

Reproduced with permission of AFB Press, American Foundation for the Blind, from Maureen A. Duffy, "Additional Health Conditions" in Making Life More Livable: Simple Adaptations for Living at Home After Vision Loss, pp. 99-100, copyright ?2002 by AFB Press, American Foundation for the Blind. All rights reserved.

Additional Resources

American Academy of Audiology
Self-Help for Hard-of-Hearing People: Hearing Aid Performance