HearMore Unveils Top 5 Accessible Holiday Gift Lists for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

HearMore is proud to unveil its handpicked accessible holiday gift lists for the deaf and hard of hearing for the 2014 holiday shopping season. HearMore is comprised of deaf and hard of hearing experts who specialize in products that truly make a difference in the lives of those who are deaf or suffer from hearing loss. Each of the 10 items that make up the two lists below – Top 5 Accessible Holiday Gifts for the Deaf and Top 5 Accessible Holiday Gifts for the Hard of Hearing – were carefully selected by the experienced HearMore team.

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HearMore.com Top 5 Accessible Holiday Gifts for the Deaf

1. ALL-NEW Vibrating Watches for People of All Ages

Reizen Solar Powered Ana-Digit Watch with 4 Vibrating Alarms - English/German (HearMore Item# 712107)

Key Features: Perfect for men or women of all ages, you can charge this watch in the sun or under a lamp.

VibraLITE Mini Vibration Watch-White Silicon Band with Stainless Steel Buckle (HearMore Item# 512015)

Key Features: Fashionable and functional with 12 daily alarm settings available; fits small wrists so it's a great gift for teens.

2. Sonic Alert Vibrating Alarm Clock with Vibrations and Flashing Lights (HearMore Item# SB1005WV)

Key Features: Wake to 3 different combinations: Bed Vibrations, Flashing Lights, Audible or all 3 simultaneously!

RELATED: The compact Travel Shaker with powerful vibrations (HearMore Item# 90100)

3. Nutone Strobe Door Chime System with Wireless Transmitter, Push Button and Battery (HearMore Item# 9000204)

Key Features: Effortless setup; Use as a door chime or a wireless pager; Alert uses both a flashing strobe and a programmable chime

ADD-ONS ALSO AVAILABLE!

Nutone Strobe Door Chime – Receiver Only (HearMore Item# 9000202)

Nutone Strobe Door Chime – Doorbell Only (HearMore Item# 9000203)

4. ASL Novelty Items – ILY Ornaments & Jewelry

Key Features: Share the love of ASL with gifts that make fine additions to anyone's Christmas décor or jewelry collection

Santa with Reindeer I Love You Sign Language Ornament (HearMore Item# 961470)

Apple Bear I Love You Sign Language Ornament (HearMore Item# 961471)

Mystique ILY Bracelet with 0.5-in Silver-Plated Charm and Purple Beads (HearMore Item# 961203)

Mystique ILY Bracelet with 0.5-in. Gold-Plated Charm and Purple Beads (HearMore Item# 961204)

5. Sign Language Games, Books and DVDs

Key Features: The following games, books and DVDs are perfect holiday gifts for parents or teachers of deaf children.

Sign Language BINGO (HearMore Item# 961588)

Please note, the following Books and DVDs are non-returnable:

The Gallaudet Childrens Dictionary of American Sign Language with DVD (HearMore Item# 968631)

The Picture Plus Dictionary Second Edition (HearMore Item# 997654)

ASL Poetry - Selected Works of Clayton Valli on DVD (HearMore Item# 950354)

HearMore.com Top 5 Accessible Holiday Gifts for the Hard of Hearing

1. Reizen Loud Ear 120dB Gain Personal Amplifier (HearMore Item# 907654)

HOLIDAY SPECIAL: 40% OFF - Save $20!

Key Features: Powerful personal amplifier with 120dB gain

Built-in microphone for clear and loud hearing

Voice and sound comes through mini earphone
Picks up sound at a distance of up to 100 feet away
Includes 2 AAA batteries and single earphone

2. Wireless TV Listening Speakers – Dark Brown (HearMore Item# 400122)
(also available in Black, Tan or Gray)

Key Features: Hear the TV without wearing uncomfortable headphones
Hear what is going on around you, unlike wireless TV headphones
Allow others to keep the room volume where they want
Audiologist Recommended
Easy to install with one simple connection

3. Sonic Boom Sweetheart Alarm Clock (HearMore Item# SBH400SS)

Key Features: Extra Loud Vibrating Alarm packaged with an all-new powerful 12-volt bed shaker.

Related Products Available: 

Sonic Bomb Alarm Clock and Bed Shaker (HearMore Item# SB500SS)

Sonic Alert Alarm Clock with Bed Shaker and Radio (HearMore Item# SBR350SS)

4. Ensemble 50dB Amplified Captioning TouchScreen Phone (HearMore Item# 958003)

HOLIDAY SPECIAL: 62% OFF - SAVE $124.95!

Key Features: State-of-the-art amplified phone that lets you read conversations on screen in addition to hearing them.

5. PowerTel 500 Amplified DECT 6.0 Cordless Telephone Special Combo Pack (HearMore Item# 500111)

Combo Pack gives you 1 master phone unit, 2 additional expandable handsets plus 1 extra FREE handset!

HOLIDAY SPECIAL: 43% OFF - SAVE $130!

Key Features: 50dB amplification & LED visual ringer; Hearing aid compatible - TIA 1083 Compliant

Also, we sell Hearing Aid Batteries that are very useful stocking stuffers!

Visit www.hearmore.com for all of your deaf and hard of hearing needs.

Read All About It: ‘Hidden Frustrations’ Tells the Story of a Hard of Hearing Young Student in Her Own Words

The true, autobiographical Hidden Frustrations chronicles Maureen Mann's determined journey as a hard of hearing young student striving to learn in mainstream educational settings. She recounts seemingly innocuous school experiences that managed to strike at her self-esteem, but balances these stories with the powerful influences of her parents and brother, husband and children. With their support, she strengthened her resolve to overcome discouragement she faced and to help others remove similar obstacles.

This book will give parents guidance and hope, helping them understand their child's struggles and triumphs, and affirming how a family's love and support can be an anchor throughout the school years. Educational professionals will gain insight about the influences various sources can have on self-esteem. Maureen's story has a happy ending. She has counseled a number of deaf and hard of hearing public school students with a positive approach that inspires them to reach for their goals. Soft cover book; 174 pages. Item number 956959. Cost: $15.99.

To order, click on the book title above or visit www.HearMore.com

HearMore Product News: Uniden Cordless Amplified Phone for the Hard of Hearing

The Uniden Loud And Clear Cordless Answering System is big on features for the hard of hearing (as well as those with low vision), but small in price! This cordless phone system is hearing aid compatible and delivers up to 20 decibels of amplification. It’s hearing aid compatible and offers bright visual ring flashers on both the base and the handset. Voice prompts guide you in English, Spanish or French.

Features for those with low vision include big buttons and a high-contrast LED display with large scalable characters. Other features include a digital answering system with adjustable playback speed plus a talking caller ID and speakerphone in the handset.

Order the Uniden Loud And Clear Cordless Answering System (List Price: $74.95) at www.HearMore.com now for $69.95.

Bake Cookies with a Special ‘I Love You’ Message in ASL

Baking cookies for the special people in your life is a traditional way to show your love. Now you can give that message even more impact with the ILY Cookie Cutter. Formed into the shape of a hand signing ‘I Love You’ in American Sign Language (ASL), this cookie cutter will help you make as many perfect cookies as you wish.

Great for use at home by families with deaf members, for teachers of ASL, or anyone looking for a new and unique cookie shape. Make cookies for special holidays including Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day… or anytime. Can also be used to make tree ornaments and other decorations. Cookie size is approximately 4” high.

Available for $3.95 at www.HearMore.com. Phone: 1-800-881-4327. TTY: 1-800-281-3555. Video Phone: 1-631-752-1145.

Do You Need a Volume Boost When Using Your Cell Phone Hands Free?

The NOIZFREE Beetle XTRA Stereo Edition is a lightweight Bluetooth headset specifically for users with mild to severe hearing impairment or for those that work in noisy environments and need extra volume on their earphone. Users will enjoy up to 4 hours talk time and up to 70 hours stand-by time.

Simple to use and powerful in output, Beetle XTRA enhances mobile communications, increasing speech clarity and comprehension for the user. It can be used with most cell phones that support headsets and hands free devices (may vary depending upon network and cell phone settings.) It cannot be used simultaneously with a hearing aid.

Package includes: 1 Beetle single earpiece headset, 1 power charging system (USB cable and standard AC power charger and USB cable) 1 owner’s manual/user’s guide.

Order the NOIZFREE Beetle XTRA here or visit www.HearMore.com.

International Deaf Educators Learn Advocacy at Gallaudet University

A group of 14 deaf educators, community leaders, and other individuals involved in deaf rights around the world gathered at Gallaudet University in Washington D.C. from June 28 to July 4 to participate in training aimed at arming them with the tools they need to more effectively advocate for the rights of the deaf in their own countries.

As part of the program, participants had a chance to learn from each other what issues and challenges they shared in common, as well as the unique aspects of deaf advocacy in their respective countries. Some common points of concern included education, employment, communication, and human rights.

Read the full story here or visit www.HearMore.com to view a wide variety of items designed to help the deaf and hard of hearing live more independent lives.

Don’t Miss Any Important Calls While You Sleep!

The Serene Bed Shaker is a great accessory to your Serene Ringmaster Cell/Telephone Ringer and Flasher. Simply plug the Bed Shaker into the Ringmaster and it will vibrate in sync with the ringing of your phone, alerting you of any incoming calls while you’re asleep.

The Serene Bed Shaker is strong enough to wake even the deepest sleeper and is perfect for the deaf and hard of hearing. Included is a 6-foot cord with standard 3.5mm plug. The versatile Ringmaster and Bed Shaker system may be used as an alert for your telephone or cell phone.

To get more information, click on the product name above or visit www.HearMore.com.

HearMore Product News: ASL Clip and Create CD-Rom Now Available in Vista-Compatible Version

Make learning American Sign Language fun for the deaf, and for ASL students of any age! ASL Clip and Create 4 gives you the tools you need to design learning materials, letterhead, posters, cards, labels, postcards, and banners using over 5,000 American Sign Language pictures and graphics. Customize word searches, fingerspelling scrambles, crossword puzzles, ABC order games, and SIGN-O cards using templates.

Play four different games to expand sign language vocabulary, improve memory of signs, hone spelling skills, and increase sign recognition speed. Use suggestions provided for incorporating the American Sign Language clipart in classroom and home instructional activities, or create some of your own. Now available in a Windows Vista compatible version.

Visit www.HearMore.com to order!

PRODUCT NEWS! Radio Keeps Hearing Impaired Informed of Weather Alerts and Hazards

The Midland Public Alert Weather Radio with Strobe continuously monitors the around-the-clock broadcasts transmitted from National Weather Service offices across the country. This network of combined All Hazard National Weather Radio stations is the most immediate source for comprehensive weather and instantaneous emergency information, in advance of television and radio bulletins. The included strobe alerts deaf and hard of hearing users with bright light and the system may also be enhanced for comprehensive alerting by adding an optional vibrator or transmitter. In addition, it functions as an everyday alarm clock with snooze.

When a severe weather or special emergency statement is broadcast, the monitor is automatically activated along with a loud tone, an LED light and an “alert” message on the LCD display. Severe weather alerts include tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, ice/snow storms and other severe weather. Special emergency bulletins include information about Amber Alerts, explosions, fires or hazardous chemical spills.

The weather radio utilizes Specific Area Message Encoding (S.A.M.E.), which allows you to enter local county codes and eliminate alerts that are not within your programmed Specific Area. For example, if you only want to be informed for alerts within your county, enter only your county code. If you want to be informed about neighboring counties, you can enter those codes as well.

Please visit www.HearMore.com for further information.

NEW PRODUCT ALERT! Flashing Strobe Chime Pager

This compact, wireless pager keeps help close at hand without “breaking the bank.” The Flashing Strobe Chime Pager is an excellent wireless alerting product for noisy situations or for the hearing impaired or visually impaired. With a simple push of a button, a bright strobe and 85-decibel chime are set off at the receiver. For added flexibility, the chime can be turned off for silent strobe operation only.

It’s available from www.HearMore.com for $49.95.

MP3 Player Independent Listening System Offers 85dB Gain and Helps Students in the Classroom and Out

The perfect combination of MP3 technology and special needs accessibility! The MP3 Player Independent Listening System allows you to download and listen to audio books, information and music in a noise-reduced environment with amplification (adjustable up to 85 dB) and optimum clarity.

It supports language learning and develops reading skills, helping students both in the classroom and during independent study. It’s especially useful for hearing, speech and visually impaired students and can also be used for downloading self-guided tours in museums and for similar applications. It’s currently on sale for $119.95. Also, check out our limited time FREE SHIPPING offer.

To learn more or to purchase this product, visit www.HearMore.com or call 1-800-881-4327 and ask about item #810100.

Bill to Require Internet Captioning Brought Before Congress

Just prior to Congress adjourning for the summer in late June, Representative Ed Markey of Massachusetts introduced a bill that would require captioning for video shown on the internet.

The goal of the 21st Century Communications & Video Accessibility Act of 2009 is to make material on the internet more accessible to the special needs communities. A similar bill was voted down in 2008. Read more here on the Coalition of Organizations for Accessible Technology website.

Visit www.HearMore.com to view the latest technology for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Oversized Rearview Car Mirror Helps Keep Hard of Hearing Drivers Safe

The Oversized Rearview Car Mirror from www.HearMore.com is great for any driver and will be especially appreciated by the hearing impaired. This oversized mirror provides greater peripheral view, helping you accurately judge the position, speed and distance of approaching rearward vehicles so you can confidently make lane changes. Plus, it easily clips on top of existing mirror.

Taking a Trip? Don’t Get Caught Short of Batteries for Your Hearing Aids or Cochlear Implants

Shorts – check! T-shirts – check! Bathing Suit – check! Whether you are packing for a business trip, a summer vacation, or preparing the kids to go off to camp, the list of items can be long and the process daunting.

But in the frenzy of activity, don’t forget your (or your children’s) all-important hearing aid or cochlear implant batteries. Why risk having to scramble around in unfamiliar areas looking for a store that sells them? Or even worse, not being able to get any?

Be sure you'll get maximum enjoyment from your travels. Keep your hearing devices powered up! Call Hear-More at 1-800-881-4327 or click hearing aid batteries to order. Visit www.HearMore.com for a variety of other products for the deaf and hard of hearing.

CDC Posts H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)-Related ASL Videos for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in their ongoing efforts to communicate to as many people as possible their recommendations regarding the H1N1 Flu (a.k.a. Swine Flu), have made two American Sign Language videos available on their website.

Posted in the H1N1 Flu section of the site, and billed as Resources for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, the two videos are called “Hand Washing” and “Swine Flu (Influenza A H1N1): Public Service Announcement”. Click here to go to these videos.

Visit www.HearMore.com and enter "sanitizer" in the search box to view a variety of hand sanitizing gels that help prevent the spread of germs.

Still Looking for the Perfect Father’s Day Gift for Your Senior, Deaf or Hard of Hearing Dad?

As Father’s Day approaches (it’s less than 2 weeks away now, on June 21), you may still be seeking out the ideal gift for your dad. Hear-More, www.HearMore.com, specializing in products for the deaf and hard of hearing, has numerous great gift ideas. Although many are aimed at the hearing impaired and other special needs individuals, quite a number would make great gifts for your senior and baby boomer dads.

The Shake-N-Lite Vibrating Alarm Clock is ideal for home and travel. It's especially useful for the deaf and hearing impaired, but will also be appreciated by anyone wishing to have the option to wake to an audible or a vibrating alarm. It features a strong intermittent and continuous vibration alarm and a large 1-1/2” square LCD with time displayed in clear black 1/2" high numbers. At the touch of a button, a soothing green backlight illuminates the LCD display for nighttime viewing. Displays both the current time and alarm time at all times. Now $19.95.

The Reizen Super Ear 120 dB Gain Hearing Enhancer for Hard of Hearing offers amplifying power in a small package. Offers a built-in microphone for clear and loud delivery of voice and sound through the single mini earphone. Picks up sound at a distance of up to 100 feet away. Handy built-in belt clip allows you to attach it to your belt or clothing. Suggested Retail: $49.95, Now $19.95.

Give your dad a daily reminder that you love him with the "I Love You, Dad” Keychain in Gold. It depicts a hand signing I Love You, and the word DAD. Also available in Silver. $9.95 each.

For more Father’s Day gift ideas, visit www.HearMore.com

HearMore Reduces Prices on Braille Quartz Alarm Clock, Amplified Cordless Phone

HearMore Products for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing has reduced their already low prices on an assortment of popular items. Among the items being featured as part of this limited time offer are the Reizen Braille Quartz Alarm Clock with Vibrator and the Geemarc 40dB Amplified Cordless Telephone.

Visit http://www.hearmore.com/ or click directly on the above products for more details or to place an order.

Hard of Hearing Kids in WI to Get Insurance Coverage for Hearing Aids, Cochlear Implants

Governor Jim Doyle of Wisconsin recently signed a bill requiring health insurers to cover hearing aids and cochlear implants for hearing impaired persons under 18 years of age.

“This is an important bill that protects Wisconsin families,” the Governor is quoted as saying in a May 21 press release appearing on his website. “For too long, too many families with deaf children or children with hearing loss have struggled to pay for treatment. Today, we are making sure these families no longer have to choose between putting food on the table or providing effective and proven treatment for their child.”

Every year about 200 babies are born deaf or hard of hearing in Wisconsin, and over half of Wisconsin families do not have insurance that covers any of the cost of hearing aids, according to a survey by the Wisconsin Chapter of Hands.

Follow these links to Read the Full Press Release on Governor Doyle’s website or visit www.HearMore.com to view a range of assistive aids aimed at helping the deaf and hard of hearing live more active, independent lives.

Beauty Pageant for the Deaf Held in Botswana

A beauty pageant held recently in Botswana was unique in that all the contestants had hearing impairments. Among the sponsors of the event was the Botswana Association for the Deaf. The pageant is likely to become an annual event, according to a story in Mmegi Online.

Neo Mmipi took home the title of “Queen”, along with a list of prizes including a computer and printer, a home theater and an assortment of jewelry.

Miss VIP Deaf is expected to work as an ambassador for the hearing impaired, participating in events and projects that would help improve the lives of the deaf and hard of hearing throughout the country of Botswana.

Light On Call Serves as Both a Telephone Alert and Security Device

Light On Call is a simple multi-function device which upon receiving a call turns on your light for the length of time you decide -- anywhere from 3 minutes to 5 hours. This functionality makes it the perfect home security device for any user, and for the deaf and hard of hearing, it serves as an efficient, economical telephone alerting device

As an alert to incoming telephone calls, Light On Call is a great choice for the hearing impaired. Simply adjust the timer to its shortest setting. On the first ring of the phone, the lamp will go on, alerting you to the incoming call. The lamp will automatically turn off in 3 minutes.

Never walk into a dark home again! Light On Call is great as an added measure of security for people who might be arriving home to a house with no lights on. Just call ahead... even from as close as your driveway. Light On Call will detect the incoming call and turn on the connected lamp. Enjoy the secure feeling and peace of mind walking into a lighted home can provide.

Plus, it stays on the job while you’re away! Traditional timers have set time patterns, even if you stagger them. Clever burglars can easily determine your schedule and identify your absence from your home. With Lights On Call, you control exactly when and for how long your light will be turned on, so nobody can predict the pattern or your schedule. And since the light turns on upon the first ring, you are able to hang up and not incur phone charges for your call home.

Light on Call is available at www.HearMore.com. Get for information here.