Fire tech firm launches safety device for hard of hearing – Med-Tech Innovation | Latest news for the medical device industry

Innovators in fire technology, Geofire, have launched the Deaf Alert, a safety device for the deaf and hard of hearing.

The device is a digital, vibrating pillow alarm that uses ‘listening’ technology to activate on the specific sound of a home smoke alarm. 

Geofire has manufactured fire safety products in the UK since 1972. The Deaf Alert will join the Agrippa acoustic product line which includes the battery powered fire door holder and closer. The acoustic technology used among Agrippa’s wire-free products allows the unit to learn the specific sound of the smoke alarm ensuring activation upon hearing only the specific sound rather than any loud noise. 

In the event of the smoke alarm sounding, the Deaf Alert unit wakes the user by displaying a visual ‘FIRE’ warning, flashing high intensity LED lights and vibrating the pad under the user’s pillow.

The Home Office reports that house fires without a working smoke alarm are around eight times more likely to result in a fatality.

Andy Collinson, CEO at Geofire, said: “We are proud to launch the Deaf Alert and extend our innovative fire safety product offering into the home. Since the launch of the original Agrippa Pillow Alarm into hotels and commercial buildings in 2015, the demand for a product that could offer the same peace of mind in the home was staggering.

“During a time where more people are at home than ever before, it is an honour to be able to provide a solution that both protects, as well as, solves a problem for the deaf and hard of hearing community.

“Thanks to our distributors and online retailers, we have been able to ensure our products are available and accessible to all online during the pandemic.”

Powered by mains, with a backup battery supply, the Deaf Alert ensures fail-safe operation should power be lost and requires next to no installation. The unit includes a LED time display and alarm clock function.