Best Accessibility Devices For Hearing & Vision Loss

If you’re struggling with hearing and vision loss, you’ll love exploring these technology aids to make life more enjoyable and easier to take part and engage. Turn up the volume!
Visually impaired man in sunglasses listens to nature sounds with heightened senses

Many seniors struggle with the physical changes that can occur with age. Changes in hearing. Changes in vision. For many people, it’s not just the ears or the eyes alone. Loss that occurs for both is known as dual sensory loss. These changes can significantly impact how you move, function, learn, communicate and relate with others.

If you’re experiencing these changes, it helps to know that there are technology tools that can help with your quality of life.

Let’s explore some of them right now.

Technology for Audio and Vision

Boost Audio Amplifier

For many people, it’s not just hearing or vision that declines. It’s both. If this is familiar, check out the Boost Audio Amplifier.

This is an awesome device that automatically doubles the volume of any device it is placed on top of. Just think…no cords, wires or plugs are needed. The device pulls sound in, and amplifies it back through the original source.

This is a powerful device from Guidelights and Gadgets. You can find out more by calling 617-969-7500.

Bone Conduction Headphones

Also from Guidelines and Gadgets, these headphones enable you to tailor the frequency ranges that work for your needs. You can listen to sounds in your environment, and the headset conducts sound through the bones of your face.

Simple Technology Solutions

For many people, the idea of technology seems cumbersome and unwieldy. But, that’s only because you haven’t seen the latest cool devices on the market.

Using voice-guidance and voice-activation devices are a great way to stay connected and independent.

Voice activated digital assistance on smartphone with text on screen that reads go ahead i'm listening

Amazon Echo Dot

This is a great choice, especially if you don’t have the patience or desire to learn complex technology. It’s remarkably simple to use, operates with voice commands, and is reasonably priced. The Echo Dot is usually priced from $29-$49, and often less on promotions.

The Echo Dot helps you get answers to your questions, entertainment on command, and even order items from Amazon for delivery. If you have Audible or Kindle accounts, you can get books read aloud via the Amazon Echo. Alternatively, even without an account, Audible offers Echo users one book free of charge every month.

Google Nest

Much like the Echo Dot, you can use this to access weather, news, entertainment and more. By relying on voice commands, you can relieve the stress of trying to see fine print or difficult fonts.

The Mini is also widely available, often at low prices such as $29, from Best Buy, Walmart, and Google.

Kindle Fire Tablet

This is a great tablet to get started with magnification and speech capabilities built in. You can explore using all the features of a touchscreen and voice commands. You can listen to books from kindle and Audible.com with ease.

These tablets are available from Amazon, as well as from Accessible Electronics. This is a small company in Clearwater, Florida, operated by a business owner who is blind. Prices vary depending on model and storage capacity, from $55 to $149. You can contact the company through their website or call 727-498-0121.

Micro-Speak

If you’re having difficulty seeing, you may also find it hard to read your own handwriting.

Does this sound familiar? If so, you’ll love a simple digital recorder you can hold in your hand. With this, you can take notes, jot down an idea, or record a phone number.

The device has only six buttons to record, play, pause and play back messages. You will get the hang of it in a jiffy.

You might also enjoy a headphone jack, so you can listen to your notes in private. If you’re having trouble seeing and hearing, this could be a brilliant solution for boosting your quality of life. The recorder is priced at $59.95.

Check out the A T Guys Website or call 269-216-4798.

More Resources

Audio Descriptions

If you use Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or cable—be sure to check out the option for audio descriptions. These are available on hundreds of movies and TV programs. For a full list of the programs, visit the American Council of the Blind’s Audio Description Project.

Audio Books

Audio books are available on Kindle and Audible. If you are an Amazon Prime member, you can choose 2 audiobooks to get started.

In addition, you may want to check out the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, NLS BARD and get a BARD account. This enables you to listen to books to your hearts content.

Reclaiming Independence

If you are experiencing hearing loss or vision changes, staying active and mobile is vital to your quality of life. You can find specific solutions and tips to reclaim your independence, when you are no longer driving.

A DVD entitled “Reclaiming Independence: Staying in the Driver’s Seat when You Can No Longer Drive,” can help you use rehabilitation and transportation resources. This DVD is available for $30 from The American Printing House for the Blind, or by calling 800-223-1839.

This DVD and making a game plan can help you take the initiative to find concrete

Assistance Club Summary

With the explosion of technology, we are seeing more and more software that improves the quality of life. For people who are experiencing hearing and vision loss, there are many technology options on the market.

By embracing technology, you can continue to learn, live, and enjoy life in ways you might never have imagined.