5 Christmas gifts for hearing impaired older adults

Written by Jack Walsh • 13/12/22

If your loved one is living with age-related hearing loss or hearing impairment, you may wish to give them a gift that can help them make the most of life. 

Practical gifts for people with hearing loss don’t have to be boring or expensive. In this guide, we’ve included a range of gifts to suit many budgets and interests. From art and culture to clever gadgets, here’s our top picks for the festive season. 

Scrawlr Box Subscription

If your loved one enjoys arts and crafts, but finds community groups and classes difficult to follow, a crafty gift such as a subscription to Scrawlr Box could make a perfect gift. 

You can either order a one off box for an inexpensive gift, or a monthly subscription for a gift that keeps giving throughout the year. Each box is filled with a selection of mystery art supplies and a surface to create a new artwork on. There is also a print from a featured artist, and an art challenge to spark inspiration.

Wake up light alarm clock

There are a number of vibrating alarm clocks designed for elderly people with hearing loss – which while effective, aren’t the gentlest of wake up calls. 

The Lumie Sunrise alarm simulates a natural sunrise instead, allowing your loved one to wake up gradually and naturally. Suitable for those with mild-to-severe hearing loss, it slowly begins to illuminate 30 minutes before the set alarm time, and can be customised with 6 coloured light settings. The clock can also be used as a dimmable bedside light too.

 

Membership to an accessible museum or attraction

Memberships to a museum, gallery or national public garden are popular gifts for older people, and a great way to encourage interest in anything from local history, to art, to the natural world. Some museums and attractions even offer a discounted rate for those with access needs, and the option to bring a companion or carer with them for free.

hundreds of attractions across the UK have assistive services in place to ensure people with mild-to-severe hearing loss are able to enjoy their visit. Places like the British Museum, the National museums of Liverpool, and most National Trust sites provide services such as induction loops, interactive displays with closed captions, and tablets visitors can borrow to view signed guided tours. Accessibility information is usually listed on an attraction’s website, so you can check before you buy. 

Wireless television Headphones

People with hearing impairments such as tinnitus, or age-related hearing loss can sometimes struggle to follow programmes on the TV, even with the volume turned right up. While there are many TV listeners available, some are cumbersome or may not be suited to milder hearing loss. We love The Avantree Bluetooth headphones, which look just like a pair of traditional wireless headphones and could help boost your loved one’s enjoyment of their favourite programmes.

They work with almost any television and cancel out loud noise or background sounds while amplifying the volume and sound clarity of the television. They can also minimise the need for closed captions, and allow the TV volume to be set at a comfortable level for those with normal hearing.  

Smart Doorbell

If your elderly parents or loved one has difficulty hearing the door, a wireless light-up doorbell could make an excellent gift.  Simply place the bell by the front door, and the remote somewhere visible within the home. When the doorbell rings, the flashing lights on the remote will let your loved one know they have a visitor.

Aside from being practical, this assistive device looks great too thanks to seven colourful light settings.

This video doorbell from Ring is a great alternative for older adults who are comfortable using a smartphone. The Ring will send a notification directly to a mobile device – such as a phone of tablet, letting them know that somebody’s at the door, and the inbuilt video camera will instantly show them who it is.

Have you got your own suggestions for gifts for those living with hearing impairment? Don’t forget to share them with the Elder community on our Facebook page.

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