Hearing loss is common as you age, with 1 in 3 seniors 60 and older and 1 in 2 people older than 85 experiencing hearing loss. Fortunately, there are plenty of gizmos and gadgets that help you overcome the effects of aging, including hearing challenges. You can find tools to amplify sound and gadgets that use other ways to alert you, such as flashing lights or vibrations. Consider these options if you have hearing challenges.

1. Lighted Doorbell Displays

How do you know if someone's at your door if you can't hear the doorbell? You can find models with alternative notification methods. One example is a doorbell with a flashing LED light or vibrations when someone rings it. Smart doorbells can also work well if you keep your phone close to you at all times. The connected app can generate notifications that pop up on your phone screen and cause it to light up.

2. Strobe Light Smoke Detectors

Your safety is a major concern if you have hearing loss. Most alert systems use sound to warn you of an issue, including most smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, two common alert devices in your home. It's crucial for you to know immediately if one of them goes off. Choose models with strobe light notifications to make sure you don't miss them.

3. Wireless Headphones for TV

When you have difficulty hearing, watching TV can be frustrating. It's easy to miss some of the conversation that's happening on screen. If you turn the TV up too loud, you'll annoy other people watching and potentially your neighbors.

A solution for this is a pair of wireless headphones that connect to the TV. The sound goes directly into your ears, so you can increase the volume without bothering anyone else. Some models allow the sound to also come out of the TV so others in the room can listen at a normal volume while you have the amplified version in your headphones. A similar option is a portable speaker that connects to your phone. You can place it near you so the sound source is closer and easier for you to hear.

4. Closed Captioning at the Movie Theater

Your wireless headphones might make movie watching more enjoyable at home, but they won't work at the movie theater. However, many movie theaters have closed captioning options that let you see what's being said in the movie. There are different options depending on the theater. Some issue you a mirror that goes into the drink holder and reflects captioning that's displayed at the back of the theater. Another type of device has a screen that displays the captioning for you. Call your local movie theaters to find out what options they have available.

5. Personal Sound Amplifiers

If you're not ready for a hearing aid, you can still get a sound boost with various amplifier gadgets. They're not medical devices like over-the-counter and prescription hearing aids, but they might help you hear better in certain situations. In-ear models fit into your ear and help amplify certain sounds while minimizing background noise that can make it more difficult to hear. Some options come with a handheld device with headphones.

6. Amplified Telephones

Phone conversations are challenging when you have hearing loss. Special home phones for people with hearing impairments let you know when you have a call and make the conversation clearer. Many specialty phones have flashing lights and louder ringers to alert you of an incoming call. They also offer volume adjustments with louder speaker volumes than normal. Most models also let you control different tones and pitches to improve the clarity of what you hear.

7. Smartphone Captioning Apps

You can adjust the speaker on your smartphone to be louder, but it's not always enough. Various captioning apps can help you play an active role in conversations. Options like CaptionMate transcribe phone calls in real time so you can keep up with the conversation. Other real-time captioning apps instantly transcribe conversations going on around you using your phone speaker to pick up the words. This can help you focus on in-person conversations, especially if you're in a noisy place with lots of distractions.

8. Bed Shaker Alarm

If you're retired, you might not need to set an alarm most mornings. But some people like to stick to a routine or have occasional early-morning commitments that require an alarm. If you're one of those people, an extra-loud alarm clock with a bed-shaker device can help you avoid sleeping through your alarm. The vibrating shaker portion can usually go under your pillow or mattress so you feel the vibrations fully when the alarm sounds. Many models also have flashing lights or different light settings you can choose for another alert method.

9. Hearing Loss Association of America

HLAA offers resources and information to people with hearing loss. You can learn more about devices and technology that can help. The organization offers local chapters in many states so you can get local assistance, and it helps you find professionals to support your hearing needs.