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Hearing loss and smoke alarms

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It is vital that people who are deaf or hard of hearing have the right smoke alarms in their home to protect them and give them that valuable time to escape from a house fire.

Conventional smoke alarms work by emitting a loud noise when smoke is detected, providing the early warning of fire, and therefore aiding escape. People who are deaf or hard of hearing need additional ways of making them aware the alarm has been activated, including vibrating pads and flashing strobe lights.

A whole range of alarms have been designed specifically for the hard of hearing, with features ranging from strobe lighting and vibrating alarms to small wearable radio linked pagers. These specialist alarms can save lives, alerting people to a fire in their home even if they remove their hearing aid at night.

British Standard BS5446-3:2005, which was amended in 2007, specifies smoke alarm kits for deaf and hard of hearing people. Products made to this standard give deaf people assurance of quality smoke alarms designed to meet their needs.

Home Safety Visits

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service identifies the need for this equipment through Home Safety Visits.

These are for vulnerable people who may be worried about how to protect themselves from fire. Factors such as a lack of mobility, drug or alcohol use, dementia or smoking, can increase the risks of fire.

If you or someone you know may need extra support contact us;

Telephone : 0800 177 7069

Our partners

East Sussex County Council 

East Sussex County Council provides a range of services for people who have hearing or sight problems and who find it difficult to do daily tasks in the home. 

Phone: 0345 60 80 191 

Visit : East Sussex County Council - Visual, Hearing and Multi-Sensory Impairment

Brighton and Hove City Council

Brighton and Hove City Council Sensory Services team has specialist workers trained to help with practical and emotional problems connected with sight loss, helping people to live as independently as possible in their own homes.

 (01273) 295555 

Minicom: (01273) 295746 

Visit : Brighton & Hove city Council - Sight and hearing difficulties

Additional advice about smoke alarms and/or hearing loss 

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