Modern technology has been responsible for the development of numerous baby monitoring systems. These cordless, sound based-systems give peace of mind to parents, as they can constantly monitor their child no matter where they are in the house. These relatively inexpensive systems are widely available in department stores around the country.

Unfortunately, these systems are of little or no use to deaf or hard of hearing parents, as they are based solely on auditory means of alerting when the child is awake or distressed. Parents with a hearing impairment depend on visual or tactile forms of alerting (e.g. flashing lights and/or vibrating pads/pagers).

A number of baby alarm systems have been developed especially for parents who may be deaf or hard of hearing. The problem is that, as with many other pieces of equipment which have been specially adapted to suit those with a hearing impairment, they are quite expensive. All the systems are based on a similar idea: a microphone/transmitter is placed in the room with the child and a receiver unit can be located in any room in the house. The receiver unit has an in-built light which flashes when activated. At night-time a vibrating pad can be attached to the receiver, which is placed underneath the mattress of the parent's bed, this pad will vibrate when the unit is activated to alert the sleeping parents that their child is in need of attention.

How To Apply

DeafHear.ie can provide deaf and hard of hearing parents with baby alarms free of charge under the Baby Alarm Grant Scheme which is funded by the Health Service Executive.

If you wish to apply for this grant please contact your local Resource Centre.

Head Office: 35 North Frederick Street, Dublin 1, Ireland.
Tel: +353 (0)1 817 5700 Minicom: +353 (0)1 817 5777 Fax: +353 (0)1 878 3629
Email: info@deafhear.ie Text messages: +353 (0)1 878 3629