Severe Weather Alerts Poses a Challenge for Hearing Impaired

(Atlantic) The National Weather Service in Des Moines reported 108 tornadoes as of July 1, the second-highest number for the calendar year in Iowa. This poses a challenge for people with hearing impairments. Audiologist Doug Leonard of ASI emphasizes the importance of home safety for individuals with severe hearing loss, including being mindful of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

According to Doug Leonard, severe weather alerts are more concerning at night than during the day. “Specifically with the weather, if a patient is at home and awake, many people with hearing aids can connect them to Blue tooth connected to their phone,” said Leonard. “So if an alert went off even if their phone was in a different room, it would signal the hearing aids to alert them of something going on. The scary thing is what happens if they are sleeping at night because people with hearing aids don’t wear their hearing aids to bed.

Doug Leonard suggests forming a plan such as relying on a neighbor or relative living close by to alert them during severe weather events at night. Other options exist for patients who can’t hear their phone ring. Leonard suggests using visual alerts, such as a flashing lamp activated by Bluetooth paired with a cellphone or a shaking device placed under a pillow.

If you or someone you care for has hearing loss, alerts are accessible through a Weather Radio with Deaf-friendly capabilities.