We’ve all had that moment where we jolt awake only to realize that we’ve overslept. The day can be hard to recover after such a rude awakening. Unfortunately, this can be a regular occurrence for those that are hard of hearing or deaf. Fortunately, mornings can be salvaged with the right alarm clock.
The Shortcomings of Traditional Alarm Clocks
Traditional alarm clocks rely on only one method to wake up sleepers: sound. If you have mild hearing loss, traditional alarm clocks might work for you once you set the sound to maximum volume. But for those with moderate to severe hearing loss, traditional alarm clocks just do not suffice. The best alarm clock for those with hearing loss is one that’s been specifically designed for the hearing impaired. These non-traditional alarm clocks do not rely solely on sound to wake up sleepers. They also incorporate other methods such as vibration and light.
Finding the right alarm clock for your hearing loss is no easy task. Traditional alarm clocks can easily be found in brick and mortar stores. Type “alarm clock” in your web browser, and you’ll come across hundreds of traditional alarm clocks to choose from. So where can you find the right alarm clock? Fortunately, we’ve scoured the web ourselves and have compiled a list of the best alarm clocks for those with hearing loss. We’ve selected 9 of the best alarm clocks based on other website rankings, user reviews, and design features. The alarm clocks that we’ve selected have at least three of the following design features:
· Extra loud sound
· Different tones
· Flashing lights
· Light Therapy
· Vibration
· Portability
#1 – Sonic Bomb with Super Shaker SB500SS Alarm Clock
The alarm clock that tops our list as the best alarm clock for the hearing impaired is the Sonic Bomb SB500SS alarm clock. Its status as #1 can be attested by the 23,000+ reviews on Amazon that give it 5 out of 5 stars. The Sonic Bomb alarm clock hits nearly all our design features. It comes with extra loud sound, adjustable tone, flashing lights, vibrating bed shaker, and easy portability for traveling. You’re also given the option of turning the sound alert off. This option is super helpful if you have severe hearing loss and can’t use the sound alert, or if you sleep with someone else and don’t want to blast them awake every morning. The Sonic Bomb with Super Shaker is an alarm clock that is best for anyone with hearing loss that wants all the features.
#2 Runner-Up – Bellman Classic Alarm Clock
The Bellman Classic alarm clock comes with all the design features found on the Sonic Bomb, but it also comes with a hefty price tag. As with the Sonic Bomb, the Bellman alarm clock is designed with extra loud sound, flashing lights, vibrating bed shaker, and easy portability for traveling. Though the Bellman does not come with an adjustable tone dial, the sound that’s emitted ranges from 950 Hz to 3000 Hz. The one feature that sets the Bellman Classic apart from the Sonic Bomb is its bed shaker. Not only does the bed shaker vibrate, but it also emits sound!
#3 – Sonic Boom with Super Shaker SB300SS Alarm Clock
If you want something like our #1 pick, the Sonic Bomb, just consider the Sonic Boom. Both models are manufactured by Sonic Alert, a trusted brand that has been providing products for the hearing impaired for decades. The Sonic Boom SB300SS alarm clock comes with extra loud sound, adjustable tone, vibrating bed shaker, and easy portability for travel. The only design feature missing on the SB300SS model, when compared to the SB500SS model, are three flashing LED lights. Though the Sonic Boom SB300SS is overshadowed by the newer Sonic Bomb SB500SS model, it’s still packed with design features perfect for all types of hearing loss.
#4 – Sonic Boom with Super Shaker SB1000SS Alarm Clock
Yet again, another Sonic Boom alarm clock has made our list! This shouldn’t be a surprise. The whole mission of the manufacturer, Sonic Alert, is to serve the hearing impaired. The Sonic Boom SB1000SS alarm clock comes with extra loud sound, adjustable tone, vibrating bed shaker, and a user-specified flashing light. Though the SB1000SS alarm clock isn’t great for travel, it has one unique feature that puts it at the #5 spot. The Sonic Boom SB1000SS allows users to connect any lamp to it, which will then flash when the alarm goes off. If you want, you could connect a floor lamp and point it straight at the head of the bed! This alarm clock is best for those with moderate to severe hearing loss.
#5 – Clarity Wake Assure Alarm Clock
The Clarity brand is known for its quality products for the hearing impaired. The Clarity Wake Assure alarm clock is one of the alarm clocks made by Clarity and is comparable to the Sonic Boom alarm clock listed at our #4 spot. The Clarity Wake Assure alarm clock comes with extra loud sound, adjustable tone, vibrating bed shaker, and a user-specified flashing light. As with the Sonic Boom SB1000SS, you can connect any lamp to it, which will then flash when the alarm goes off. The reason this alarm clock is ranked lower than the Sonic Boom SB1000SS is because of its smaller black buttons, which are harder to see and manage. This alarm clock is best for those with moderate to severe hearing loss.
#6 – Philips SmartSleep HF3520/60 Alarm Clock
The Philips SmartSleep HF3520/06 alarm clock differs from the aforementioned alarm clocks in that it uses natural sounds and light therapy to wake up sleepers. Instead of flashing lights, the Philips SmartSleep alarm clock simulates the natural sunrise for 30 minutes prior to the alarm time. After the simulated sunrise, the alarm clock finishes the wake-up with your choice of sound. Available sounds to pick from are bird chirping, piano music, and ocean waves. Some negative aspects to the Philips alarm clock are its price tag and large size. It’ll take up considerable space on your nightstand. In addition, the Philips SmartSleep alarm clock is best for those who wake up with natural sunlight.
#7 – hOmeLabs Sunrise Alarm Clock
The hOmeLabs Sunrise alarm clock is a budget-friendly alternative to the Philips SmartSleep alarm clock. It offers both sounds and light therapy to wake you up. Sounds to pick from include bird chirping, ocean waves, and to the delight of many, FM radio! As with the Philips SmartSleep alarm clock, the hOmeLabs Sunrise alarm clock is best for those who wake up with natural sunlight.
#8 – Pavlok Shock Clock 2
The aesthetically pleasing Pavlok Shock Clock 2 may look like a Fitbit band, but it’s most definitely not! The band is actually an alarm clock that is designed to beep, vibrate, or zap you. It’s guaranteed to get you going in the morning! All the settings for the Pavlok Shock Clock 2 are controlled from your smartphone, so you must be willing to navigate the Pavlok app. From the app, you can set whether the alarm clock will beep, vibrate, zap, or do all three. The Pavlok Shock Clock 2 is best for the hearing impaired who are also heavy sleepers.
#9 – PureGuardian SPA260 Aromatherapy Diffuser
The PureGuardian aromatherapy diffuser is a gadget that serves as both an aromatherapy diffuser and an alarm clock. Set your alarm time, and you will wake up to not only sound and light, but also the smell of essential oil. Two negatives to this alarm clock are the touch buttons and the bright display (it cannot be dimmed). However, the PureGuardian alarm clock offers a unique and relaxing way to wake up in the morning. Understandably, it is best for the hearing impaired who have sensitive noses.
Tips and Tricks
There are several tips and tricks for using an alarm clock when you have a hearing loss:
- If you travel often, look for an alarm clock that fits easily in suitcases and can be quickly set up.
- If the bed shaker doesn’t wake you up when placed under a pillow or mattress, consider placing it in a tin container or laying it on the nightstand. The clatter of the bed shaker against the tin container or the nightstand will be sure to wake up those with mild to moderate hearing loss.
- Consider where you live before cranking up the volume of your alarm clock. If you sleep next to others or live in apartments, a super loud alarm clock might be too disruptive. Make sure to find an alarm clock that can wake you up with vibration or lights.
- If your alarm clock comes with dials to adjust volume or tone, the dials can easily move out of place by accident. Once you have your settings perfected, put tape over the dials to keep them in place.
Alternatives to Alarm Clocks
What if you simply don’t have the space for an alarm clock? Or what if you can’t stand the light that comes from an alarm clock? There are lots of reasons why stand-alone alarm clocks might not work for you. If that’s the case, you might want to explore other devices that have alarm features built within. Nowadays, you can set vibrating alarms on many fitness trackers, such as the Fitbit Inspire 2. Smartwatches, such as Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit Ionic, can also be set with vibrating alarms. You must be aware, however, that these alarm clocks rely on only one method to wake up sleepers: vibration. If you tend to sleep through vibration, the stand-alone alarm clocks listed in this article may be more appropriate.
Conclusion
If you suffer from hearing loss, you should know that there are amazing alarm clocks made especially for you! We’ve picked 9 alarm clocks that are guaranteed to keep you on time in your life. With the right alarm clock, you don’t have to worry about oversleeping again.
Sources
- Brier, Siobhan. “The Best Alarm Clocks for the Hearing Impaired.” https://www.mycaringplan.com/blog/alarm-clocks-for-the-hearing-impaired/. Accessed May 18, 2022.
- Chen, Joanne. NY Times. “The Best Sunrise Alarm Clock.” Feb. 4, 2021. https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-sunrise-alarm-clock/. Accessed May 19, 2022.
- Goldstein, Lisa A. “Deaf People Need Alarm Clocks Too — Here are My Top Picks.” July 23, 2021. https://www.reviewed.com/accessibility/features/vibrating-alarm-clocks-when-you-cant-hear-alarm. Accessed May 18, 2022.
- Hear Soundly. “7 Vibrating Alarm Clocks for The Deaf & Hearing Impaired.” Feb. 1, 2022. https://www.hearsoundly.com/guides/vibrating-alarm-clocks-deaf-hard-of-hearing. Accessed May 18, 2022.
- Robinson, Stephanie. Hearing Health. “Best Vibrating Alarm Clocks for Hearing Impaired.” Jan. 25, 2022. https://besthearinghealth.com/vibrating-alarm-clocks-hearing-impaired/. Accessed May 18, 2022.
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