|
SMOKE DETECTORS – THINK YOU’RE SAFE?
Local hearing expert, Richard Moss, of the Oxford Hearing Centre is raising awareness in Oxfordshire regarding specially adapted smoke detectors for people who have problems with their hearing. In a recent survey by the Royal National Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, (RNID), a third of people with hearing loss reported that they would have difficulty waking up to a conventional smoke alarm, especially as many of them take their hearing aids out at night. Shockingly, when asked, almost a quarter admitted that they would struggle to know if the alarm went off during the day! Oxfordshire is currently home to over 635,000 people and, like other areas of England, it has an increasing number of people aged 65 and over, with older age groups forecast to increase by an additional 25% by 2016. Richard Moss said; “If you apply these statistics, from current official Oxford county figures, to the RNID figures of 1 in 7 people living with hearing difficulties, it would mean that over 30,000 people in Oxfordshire alone may have difficulty waking to the sound of a smoke detector alarm.” Most commercial smoke detectors are designed to emit a high-frequency tone that will alert or awaken a person to the potential danger of a fire. However, a large number of people with a hearing impairment have the greatest difficulty in hearing high-pitched frequencies and, therefore, a normal smoke alarm on full alert might not attract their attention. It is a fact that, most people who are killed or injured in a fire are not killed by the fire itself, but by smoke inhalation. A smoke detector is a vital early warning signal that may save valuable time in the event of a fire, and help save lives. Richard Moss continues; “So, just as it is crucial to test smoke detectors at least once a week to ensure they’re working properly, it is now clear that, in the case of an individual with a hearing impairment, that someone else should press the test button to be certain that it can be heard by the person concerned, preferably whilst they are lying in their bed with the bedroom door closed. “With this in mind, I felt it was important to raise awareness that specially adapted smoke detectors are available for those with hearing difficulties and the encouraging fact that manufacturing companies are now recognising that it is fundamental to consider the hard of hearing when it comes to product design.” The new type of smoke detector uses both a visual warning via a high intensity strobe light and, crucially, a low-frequency warbling tone to alert people when smoke is detected. It can also be linked to a remote, wireless, vibrating pad that can be placed under the pillow where a hearing impaired person sleeps. “This is imperative when you consider that most people who wear hearing aids remove them at bedtime and so become even more vulnerable,” said Richard. Malcolm Tandy, Fire Safety Advisor for older persons and those living with a disability in Oxfordshire said; “It pays to be cautious and the early warning that a correctly positioned and well maintained smoke detector can make, has a fundamental impact on an individual’s chances of survival in a fire.” Richard Moss continues, “I think it is vital to lead the way in raising awareness when such a simple piece of technology could have such a major impact on the safety and security of anyone living with hearing problems. It is even more important now, as the festive season is when the risk of fire increases due to the use of Christmas tree lights and candles in the home”. Special smoke detectors for the hearing impaired can be purchased directly from suppliers such as, the RNID, Gordon Morris or Connevans. Or, if you live alone and are hard of hearing, then you may be eligible for help or assistance from social and community services. Until the end of December and In support of this awareness campaign, Oxford Hearing Centre is offering a free hearing screening for Oxford residents concerned about their hearing. This will help identify those who have problems hearing standard smoke alarms and if any other issues need to be addressed. To book your screening call the Oxford Hearing Centre on 01865 861861 or, for more information visit; www.oxfordhearingcentre.co.uk ABOUT OXFORD HEARING CENTREThe Oxford Hearing Centre was formed in 1982 as a hearing aid and audiological centre of excellence. The practice is a founding member of AIHHP – The Association of Independent Hearing Healthcare Professionals. AIHHP is a professional body representing the leading independent hearing aid audiologists in the United Kingdom. Full members of the association have to meet rigorous clinical standards and are subject to peer evaluation before admission. As well as helping people to hear, the Oxford Hearing Centre provides individual and organisational guidance on hearing conservation. Richard Moss also acts as consultant to the music industry, advising many famous professional and amateur musicians on issues of hearing protection and healthcare. The Oxford Hearing Centre’s diverse client list covers all walks of life, from royalty to rock stars.
Oxford Hearing Centre www.oxfordhearingcentre.co.uk |
