Hearing loss affects the way you interact with your environment, even when you’re at home. Fortunately, there are simple upgrades and alterations you can make to optimize the acoustics in your space so you can enjoy a rich listening experience.
Why a Hearing-Friendly Home Matters
Consider the sounds you hear around your house: a clock ticking, your alarm buzzing, the doorbell ringing and your pet barking. If you live with hearing loss, it can be easy to miss those cues that help you engage with your environment. That also impacts your personal safety if you miss noises like oven timers, security alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
Staying safe and mentally engaged is crucial for maintaining your independence. A hearing-accessible home also makes it easier to socialize and reduces the risk of miscommunication and frustration. That helps prevent isolation, which can negatively affect your cognitive and emotional health.
Home Modifications for Hearing Loss
Reduce Background Noise
Fabric absorbs sound and reduces echoes. Use rugs, wall hangings, curtains and pillows to prevent sounds from reverberating off hard surfaces. Furniture breaks up open spaces that allow noise to travel far. Add weather stripping to windows and doors to muffle street noise that could make it difficult to hear. High ceilings present another challenge, so you may consider installing acoustic tiles to reduce reverb.
Optimize the Layout
While filling open floor plans can help reduce echoing, it may also break up sight lines, which are important when interacting with others. If you want to add tall or bulky furniture, keep it to the perimeter of a room or hallway and place shorter items in communal spaces. That prevents décor from blocking faces, which is essential for reading lips and facial expressions. Place seating in a circular or horseshoe shape so you can see people from any position.
Manage Appliance Noise
The humming and vibrations generated by appliances can be distracting when you’re trying to listen to a show or speak with someone. They can emit a specific frequency that can even cause issues for hearing aids. The most effective way to eliminate those noises is to unplug appliances when they’re not in use. You may also need to upgrade old refrigerators and freezers to newer, quieter models. Make your washer and dryer sit evenly on the floor to prevent rattling when you’re doing laundry.
Enhance Visual Elements
Environmental modifications for hearing loss also require optimizing visual elements, such as colors and lighting. Install standing or table lamps, wall sconces or overhead lighting to brighten dark spaces to illuminate faces and gestures. Open curtains or drapes during the day to allow natural lighting into your home. Using contrasting colors in paint and furniture can also make it easier for speakers to stand out against the background. Be careful using patterns, however, as they can be distracting, especially if you’re communicating using sign language.
Use Assistive Technology
Security: Some fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and security systems emit strobing lights and vibrations, so you don’t have to rely on auditory cues. You can also find Bluetooth-compatible technology that syncs those systems to your mobile device and sends alerts at a moment’s notice.
Motion sensors: Indoor and outdoor motion-activated lighting promotes visibility in and around your home. They’re also a good option for deterring intruders and enhancing safety measures.
Alarms: A bedside buzzer or phone alarm may not cut it if you have hearing loss. You can install a bed shaker or vibrating pad that alerts you to notifications and calls.
TV streamers: Adjust the volume, treble and bass of your favorite shows and movies without worrying about other listeners. TV streamers send the audio right to your hearing aids, so you don’t have to contend with background noise either.
Remote mics: Handheld and table mics can enhance hearing accessibility in your home by making it easier to hear individual speakers. They’re helpful if you’re hosting a gathering and want to stay engaged in the group conversations.
Captioned phones: A captioned phone uses speech recognition technology to provide captions during your conversation.
Hearing Health Support from Hearing Associates
A comprehensive approach to effective hearing loss treatment includes optimizing the acoustics in your home. The expert team at Hearing Associates can provide the necessary insight to help you assess and address obstacles to better hearing. Contact us to learn about our services and schedule your appointment.