Top 5 Must-Have Assistive Technology Devices for Your Home
At HEAR Wisconsin’s Assistive Technology Center (ATC), we believe everyone deserves tools that help them stay safe, stay connected, and live independently, no matter their level of hearing.
Whether you're adjusting to hearing loss yourself or supporting a loved one who is, the right assistive technology can make everyday tasks feel easier, safer, and a lot less frustrating. Over the years, we’ve worked with hundreds of individuals and families to find just the right fit for their needs. Here are five of the devices we recommend most often, and why they might be a game-changer for you or someone you care about.
1. Captioned Phones
What it is: A landline phone that displays real-time captions of what the other person is saying, so you can read the conversation as it happens.
Best for: People with moderate to severe hearing loss who find it difficult to follow phone conversations by listening alone.
Bonus: Many captioned phones are available for free or at a reduced cost through the State of Wisconsin’s TEPP program. HEAR Wisconsin is a certified TEPP voucher vendor, and we can help walk you through the process. Call us at (414) 541-5465 if you’re interested in applying for a TEPP voucher.
2. Amplified Phones with Bluetooth
What it is: A phone with boosted sound, adjustable tone control, and optional Bluetooth connectivity that links directly to hearing aids or earbuds.
Best for: Anyone who wants clearer, louder conversations without distortion or feedback.
Why it works: These phones combine amplification with wireless connectivity, so you can hear calls more clearly through your hearing aids, earbuds, or speaker without missing important details.
3. Pocketalker Personal Amplifiers
What it is: A small, portable amplifier with a microphone and earbuds or headphones.
Best for: One-on-one conversations in noisy places, doctor’s appointments, religious services, or group settings.
Why it works: Sometimes, hearing aids alone aren't enough; especially in tricky listening environments. This device brings the speaker’s voice directly to your ears, cutting out the clutter so you don’t have to strain to keep up.
4. Visual Alerting Systems
What it is: A System that uses flashing lights or vibrating alarms to alert you to things like the doorbell, phones ringing, or a smoke alarm going off.
Best for: Anyone who can’t rely on hearing alone to detect environmental sounds, especially at night or when home alone.
Why it works: Whether you’re awake or asleep, these systems make sure you stay aware of important events and emergencies. They connect to things like your smoke detectors, alarm clocks, or even baby monitors to alert you in ways that don’t depend on sound.
5. Bed Shaker Alarms
What it is: A vibrating device, generally connected to a digital alarm clock, that slips under your pillow or mattress. When your alarm goes off, the bed shaker vibrates to wake you up.
Best for: Heavy sleepers or anyone who takes out their hearing aids or cochlear implants at night and may not hear a regular alarm.
Why it works: Let’s be honest, if you can’t hear the alarm, you’re not waking up. Bed shaker alarms are a reliable way to make sure you don’t oversleep, miss medication that must be taken at a certain time, or arrive late for work or appointments. Models can vary in what they do too; some are specific to travelling (i.e. battery operated), others can connect to a central unit that can also flash lamps.
Want to Try These Out?
Our Assistive Technology Center features a hands-on showroom where you can see and test these devices with the guidance of our team. We’ll walk you through how they work and help you figure out what best fits your lifestyle, home setup, and hearing needs.
Plus, we can check if you qualify for the TEPP voucher program, which can make many of these devices low-cost, or even free.
Call (414) 541-5465 or visit us online to schedule a visit.