Best Medical Alert Systems for Hearing-Impaired Seniors
Our tech experts spent hours testing the best medical alert systems and narrowed down the list to our top picks for those with hearing loss in 2024.
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- Operators are trained to speak loudly and clearly
- Patient needs and conditions will appear to operators during an emergency
- Variety of medical alert systems
- Vial of Life add-on provides emergency responders with your medical history
- Affordable alert systems
- Excellent customer service
- Combines mobile phone with a medical alert system
- Jitterbug phones are compatible with hearing aid
- Simple Urgent Response button for immediate connection with an operator
- Easy-to-use systems
- Lifetime warranty
- Seasonal promotions
- Language support in 190+ languages
- Wide variety of systems
- Simple payment plans
Contents
Did you know that about 1 in 3 adults between the ages of 65 to 74 has hearing loss,1 and those numbers continue to increase as we get older? If you’re experiencing hearing loss, it’s important to consider your hearing when choosing a medical alert system. Certain features and add-ons can help you get the most out of your system. Below, check out our list of the top medical alert systems for seniors with hearing loss, as well as some tips for choosing the right system for your needs.
Our Top 5 Medical Alert Systems for Older Adults With Hearing Loss
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1. Medical Guardian - Best Overall
What we like most
- Operators are trained to speak loudly and clearly
- Patient needs and conditions will appear to operators during an emergency
- Variety of medical alert systems
Medical GuardianOverview
Medical Guardian continually leads the medical alert industry with a diverse product lineup and competitive pricing. Monthly costs for Medical Guardian’s five systems range from $29.95 to $44.95, plus $10 per month to add fall detection. All five are supported by extremely skilled operators at U.S.-based monitoring centers. When you press your medical alert button, you’ll be connected to one of these operators. They’re trained to speak loudly and clearly, which is especially important for older adults who struggle to hear. Also, your medical information, including your hearing loss or deafness, will appear on their screen.
We also like that Medical Guardian throws in a free lockbox with your purchase. In an emergency, the operator can give first responders the code to retrieve your key. That way, if you can’t hear them knocking, they won’t need to break down your door to get inside and help you.
Pros About Medical Guardian
- Lifetime warranty
- No hidden fees or long-term contracts
- Adjustable volume control
- Landline and cellular options
- Varied product lineup
- Free spousal monitoring with select systems
- Free lockbox
- Fall detection available
- Discounts with annual payment plans
Cons About Medical Guardian
- Pricey premium systems
- No fall detection with smartwatch system
My grandma testing out Medical Guardian’s MGHome Cellular system
The Bottom Line
It’s easy for most older adults to find a Medical Guardian system that meets their needs. Before purchasing, consider your lifestyle and level of hearing loss. Seniors with severe hearing loss may benefit the most from the MGHome Cellular. This in-home system’s base unit lights up when an emergency call is placed, and you can adjust the volume on the two-way speakerphone. Learn about other system options in our latest Medical Guardian review.
Call Medical Guardian
Call to speak with a Medical Guardian representative. Get your questions answered, products recommended, and ask about current deals and promotions.
Visit MedicalGuardian.com
Answer a few questions on Medical Guardian's website to get a quote on the best product and plan for you. This process is slower than calling a representative.
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2. Bay Alarm Medical - Best Value
What we like most
- Vial of Life add-on provides emergency responders with your medical history
- Affordable alert systems
- Excellent customer service
Bay Alarm MedicalOverview
Bay Alarm Medical has over 70 years of experience in the medical alert industry. Their in-home and on-the-go systems are simple, affordable, and offer great value. Bay Alarm Medical’s prices range from $24.95 to $59.95 per month. That’s on the affordable side when compared to competitors. You can also save money by bundling systems together.
Bay Alarm Medical also offers an add-on called the Vial of Life that costs $8. Fill it in with your complete medical information, like allergies or hearing loss, so that it’s available in your home for emergency personnel. This is a crucial accessory for deaf seniors who may struggle to communicate with first responders.
Deal Alert: Bay Alarm Medical offers seasonal promotions throughout the year, and sometimes they include a free Vial of Life with purchase, so be on the lookout!
Pros About Bay Alarm Medical
- Inexpensive systems
- Price-lock guarantee
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Easy installation
- No long-term contracts
- Excellent customer service
- Bundles available
Cons About Bay Alarm Medical
- Limited product lineup
- No fall detection option with smartwatch
Our Editor Jeff Hoyt wearing the Bay Alarm Medical Fall Detection Pendant
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a simple, affordable medical alert system with excellent value, you won’t be disappointed with Bay Alarm Medical. Just keep in mind that their SOS Smartwatch doesn’t have fall detection capabilities — which is a feature you may want since seniors with hearing loss face a higher fall risk. Learn more about this company’s features and systems in our review of Bay Alarm Medical.
Call Bay Alarm Medical
Call to speak with a Bay Alarm Medical representative. Get your questions answered, products recommended, and ask about current deals and promotions.
Visit BayAlarmMedical.com
Answer a few questions on Bay Alarm Medical's website to get a quote on the best product and plan for you. This process is slower than calling a representative.
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3. Lively - Best Hearing Aid Compatibility
What we like most
- Combines mobile phone with a medical alert system
- Jitterbug phones are compatible with hearing aid
- Simple Urgent Response button for immediate connection with an operator
LivelyOverview
Lively made our list because of their senior-friendly phones with built-in medical alert technology. With Lively’s phones, you get a phone and medical alert device in one — no need to carry two separate devices! Plus, the Jitterbug Flip2 and Jitterbug Smart4 are both compatible with hearing aids that have an M4/T4 rating. You can also adjust the volume from low to super high and turn on speakerphone mode with the press of a button. Any combination of those features can make communicating with an Urgent Response agent easier.
Both phones have a red Urgent Response button that acts like the alert or help button you’d find on a pendant or base station of a traditional medical alert system. To use that button, you’ll need to add the Preferred or Premium Lively phone plan, starting at $39.99 and $49.99 respectively. Along with Lively’s monthly prices, you’ll need to pay a one-time equipment fee for either phone.
Pros About Lively
- Senior-friendly phones with built-in medical alert features
- Affordable plans
- Discounts for AARP members
- No long-term contracts
- GPS monitoring
- U.S.-based monitoring centers
- No cancellation fees
- Hearing aid compatibility
- One-year equipment warranty
Cons About Lively
- No landline systems
- Fall detection only available with certain devices
- Equipment fees
- Somewhat confusing add-on options
The Lively Mobile2 is small and sleek compared to its predecessor.
The Bottom Line
If you choose to use a Lively phone as your medical alert device, just know that you’ll need to pay for one of the top-tier phone plans. If you don’t want to pay for phone service, you can choose a dedicated medical alert device from Lively instead. Learn more about your options in our Lively medical alert review.
Quick Tip: To compare these providers to other top companies, check out our list of the best medical alert systems for seniors.
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4. LifeFone - Most Affordable Fall Detection
What we like most
- Easy-to-use systems
- Lifetime warranty
- Seasonal promotions
LifeFoneOverview
Did you know research suggests that hearing loss is a risk factor for falling?2 That’s why we’re impressed with LifeFone’s affordable fall detection. At just $5 per month, it’s one of the lowest rates for fall detection in the industry. You can add fall detection to any of LifeFone’s six medical alert systems. LifeFone’s prices range from $29.95 to $49.95 per month, plus the $5 per month for fall detection.
We’d recommend LifeFone’s At-Home & On-the-Go VIP (Voice-in-Pendant) Active system for older adults with hearing loss. It has a built-in two-way speakerphone for communicating with the emergency operator. You can hold the speaker right up to your ear if you’re struggling to hear the operator. If you’re a homebody, the At-Home Cellular unit is a good option too. It has an ultra-sensitive microphone and adjustable volume control, and it lights up when an emergency call is made.
Pros About LifeFone
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Free spouse monitoring
- Cheap fall detection
- Large in-home coverage range
- Lifetime price guarantee
- Caregiver mobile app
- Pendant with two-way speakerphone
- Client information visible to operators when they answer a call
- Lockbox available
Cons About LifeFone
- No language support
- Potentially pricey add-ons and accessories
Our Editor Jeff Hoyt testing out a Lifefone pendant
The Bottom Line
LifeFone intentionally made their medical alert systems accessible for those with hearing loss. Whether you need an at-home, on-the-go, or hybrid system, there’s a LifeFone option for you. Plus, if you’re concerned about falling, you can’t go wrong with their affordable fall detection. To learn more, check out our hands-on review of LifeFone.
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5. Alert1 - Best Language Support
What we like most
- Language support in 190+ languages
- Wide variety of systems
- Simple payment plans
Alert1Overview
Alert1 is known for offering extensive language support to its 200,000-plus customers. This company not only supports 190 languages but also offers a nonverbal service. It works the same as their verbal service, except it uses nonverbal protocol instead of the system’s two-way microphone. For the best support in this area, you will need to set up a nonverbal emergency protocol when you purchase an Alert1 system.
Nonverbal emergency protocol is available on all five of Alert1’s systems. Whether you want an in-the-home system, an on-the-go system, or a bundle, you’re covered. Prices start as low as $28.95 and go up to $58.95, depending on your plan and system choice. For seniors with hearing loss, we’d recommend adding fall detection for another $10 per month.
Pros About Alert1
- Nonverbal emergency protocol
- Support in over 190 languages
- Best savings with a 10-month plan
- Wide range of add-on features and equipment
- Lockboxes available
- Customized emergency responses
- Support for up to 10 help buttons
- Anytime cancellation with prorated refunds
Cons About Alert1
- Limited warranty
- Third-party monitoring center (not owned by Alert1)
Jeff Hoyt times how long it takes to receive a response using Alert1’s On-the-Go device.
The Bottom Line
Alert1’s nonverbal protocol really sets this company apart. They also offer an extensive lineup of accessories and add-ons that you won’t find with other companies. For our friends out there with hearing loss, we’d especially recommend their lockbox and medical ID bracelet. To read more about their systems and accessories, check out our Alert1 review.
How We Chose the Best Medical Alert Systems for Seniors With Hearing Loss
Seniors need to weigh a lot of important factors when choosing a medical alert system. Those with hearing loss have even more to consider, and it can be hard to know where to start. To help, we’ve narrowed down the choices to our top medical alert systems for those with hearing loss. We evaluated criteria like price, ease of use, features, and operator training. To make it onto our list, a provider had to offer the following:
- Features for hearing loss: This one is a no-brainer. Every system on our list had to offer useful features for those with hearing loss. These features include loud adjustable speakers, highly trained operators, and nonverbal protocol.
- Fall detection: Hearing loss can increase your chance of experiencing a fall. For this reason, every provider on our list offers at least one system with automatic fall detection.
- Affordability: Medical alert protection shouldn’t break the bank. We’ve included systems that will fit most budgets, ranging from low-cost, wallet-friendly systems to advanced, top-tier systems.
Best Medical Alert System Features for Seniors With Hearing Loss
Having a medical alert system in your home is always a good idea for older adults, but if you are deaf or living with hearing loss, it’s extra important to choose a system that meets your hearing needs. Here are a few key features to look for and consider.
Visual Alerts
Most medical alert systems make a noise when an alert is activated. At the very least, the voice of the monitoring center operator will sound over a two-way speakerphone. If you have hearing loss, though, it’s helpful to find a system that uses visual or physical alerts too. This might be a button on the base unit that lights up or a pendant that vibrates. When you see or feel that alert, you’ll know that a call was placed by you or by your spouse who uses the same system.
Fall Detection
Falls are already the leading cause of injuries for seniors in the U.S.3 Research suggests that even mild hearing loss increases your risk of falling.4 If you are concerned about falling, or already have a history of falling, look for a medical alert system with fall detection. Also, consider the price of add-on fall detection when comparing medical alert system prices.
FYI: Interested in a system with fall detection? Visit our list of the best medical alert systems with fall detection for more information.
Trained Operators
Make sure the company you go with has a monitoring center with trained professionals who are accustomed to working with older adults who have hearing loss. These professionals will know to speak clearly and loudly on the phone. You’ll also want to ask if they keep the subscriber’s medical conditions and medical history on file. That way, as soon as you call, they’ll know that you are deaf or have hearing loss and will take the steps to get you help, even if you can’t speak to or hear them.
Volume Control
Changing the volume on your TV or phone is second nature, so it’s easy to assume every audible device would offer the same feature. That’s not always the case with medical alert systems. For example, Medical Alert’s base unit doesn’t have volume control. Before purchasing, make sure the system you’re interested in offers adjustable volume control, or at least a pendant with a speaker that you can hold up to your ear.
Accessories
Certain accessories, like lockboxes and medical alert ID bracelets, can make your medical alert system work better for you. If you’re deaf, you may not hear emergency personnel arrive. They may then have to break down the door, causing unnecessary property damage. If you have a lockbox on your front door, though, your operator can give emergency personnel the code to retrieve a key. Medical alert bracelets, meanwhile, can let first responders know that you are deaf or have hearing loss, as well as show them your name and other useful information.
Do Hearing Aids Work With Medical Alert Systems?
Nowadays, it’s common for hearing aids to connect directly to televisions, tablets, and cell phones. Unfortunately, hearing aids don’t connect directly to most medical alert systems. The biggest exception is the Lively Smart, which is hearing aid compatible. Whichever medical alert system you choose, though, your hearing aids will still boost your hearing as you speak with the operator through your system’s base unit or pendant speakerphone.
Some hearing aids actually come with some of the same features as a medical alert system. The Livio AI hearing aids from Starkey double as fall detection devices. If you fall while wearing them, the connected app will notify three contacts of the fall and of your GPS location. If you fall while wearing them, the connected app will notify three contacts of the fall and your GPS location. That way, someone can give you a call, come over to help you, and/or contact emergency services on your behalf.
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (2021). Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis).
Johns Hopkins. (2012). Hearing Loss Linked to Three-Fold Risk of Falling.
National Council on Aging. (2021). Get the Facts on Falls Prevention.
National Institutes of Health. (2012). Hearing Loss and Falls Among Older Adults in the United States.
