TLC Resource Hub
Your one-stop space for practical resources, featured tips, and recommended tools for hearing and vision accessibility.
Living with hearing loss doesn’t have to mean missing out. The right tools can make listening situations clearer, easier, and more enjoyable. Below are resources I personally recommend.
Alert Devices
Staying safe and independent often starts with reliable alerting systems. These devices use sound, light, and vibration to make sure you never miss an important signal—whether it’s your morning alarm, a smoke detector, or a phone call.
Bellman Symfon Alarm Clock (Model 1380)
Why I recommend it: Easy to use with clearly marked buttons. It includes sound, flashing light, and a bed shaker for reliable wake-ups. Compatible with accessories like cell phone alerts, smoke alarms, and baby-cry detectors. Compact size and battery back-up make it convenient for any bedside table.
Bellman Symfon Smoke Alarm Transmitter
Why I recommend it: Pairs perfectly with the 1380 clock. Offers a strong signal range and provides audible alerts for hearing family members as well.
Clock & Smoke Alarm Combo
Why I recommend it: Buying both together is simple and ensures full coverage from the start.
Great Phones for Hearing Aid Users
Phone calls don’t have to be frustrating. These phones are designed with amplification, visual alerts, and captioning options to make conversations clearer and easier to follow.
Clarity Alto Phone
Why I recommend it: Wide amplification range for callers’ voices, plus a tone control button to improve clarity. Features a bright flashing ringer, adjustable ring volume, and large lighted keypad numbers.
ClearSounds CSC Phone
Why I recommend it: Compact size without sacrificing amplification. The speakerphone is clear, letting you listen with both ears, and the ringer provides both sound and light alerts.
CapTel Captioned Phone
Why I recommend it: Among captioned phones, this one is the easiest to use. It has a large, clear screen, a loud handset, and helpful answering machine options.
Hearing Aid Care
Taking care of your hearing aids is the best way to keep them working their best for years to come. These cleaning tools and accessories help prevent damage, remove moisture, and protect your devices from daily wear and tear.
Hearing Aid Dryer
Why I recommend it: Affordable, easy to open, and roomy enough for easy placement and removal of hearing aids.
Eyeglass Cleaning Cloths
Why I recommend it: Unlike tissues, these lint-free cloths won’t leave fibers in your devices. Bright colors make them easy to spot in a drawer or cabinet.
Hearing Aid Cleaning Tools Kit
Why I recommend it: Includes everything needed for daily care. The tools are high quality, and the sturdy zippered case keeps everything organized.
Ear Mold Blower
Why I recommend it: Keeps earmold tubing dry and dust-free, which is vital for performance. The sturdy design and metal tip last longer than plastic versions.
Ear Gear Covers
Why I recommend it: Protects hearing aids from dirt, dust, and moisture. The soft, sleek material is comfortable, and the retention cords are lightweight, not bulky.
Affiliate Disclaimer
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Hearing aid care isn’t just about sound—clear size cues, contrast, lighting, and organization all make daily life easier. Below are tools I recommend to support both hearing and vision needs.
Tools to Help with Size
Quick Guide to Large Print
Why I recommend it: This guide answers basic questions about large print with clear, research-based examples that are easy to follow.
Orange Magnifier
Why I recommend it: Provides 30x magnification for everyday items and includes a 40x magnifier—perfect for showing very small parts, like wax guards.
Tools to Help with Contrast
Solid Colored Placemats
Why I recommend it: Great for working with hearing aids. They come in strong, contrasting colors and are easy to wash.
Contrast Checker Tool
Why I recommend it: A simple online tool to quickly test color combinations on your computer screen for accessibility.
Cafeteria Trays
Why I recommend it: Lightweight yet sturdy, these trays come in a variety of colors that work well for different vision needs. I suggest purchasing one light and one dark color for best results.
Tools to Help with Light
Flashlight
Why I recommend it: Very bright with a wide 180-degree beam. Drop-resistant and reliable for daily use.
Orange Magnifier (with Light)
Why I recommend it: Offers flexible cool and warm light options to adjust for sensitivities. The hands-free stand and guiding frame help patients easily locate what you’re pointing out. (I love this magnifier so much—I’m recommending it twice!)
Tools to Help Organize
Round Hearing Aid Boxes
Why I recommend it: A practical way to organize hearing aids. Since most hearing aid cases are square, using a round box for one side makes it easier to tell them apart by touch. I suggest using the square case for the left aid and the round case for the right aid.
Affiliate Disclaimer
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Explore some of my most popular posts below—filled with practical tips, product insights, and real-life stories to help you get more out of your hearing aids.
Unlock Joy with Your New Hearing Aid — Refrigerator Edition
A lighthearted story showing how everyday sounds—like those from your fridge—can help you rediscover joy with your new hearing aids.
Alarm Clocks for Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing
Explore the best alarm clocks with sound, light, and vibration features designed to help you wake up on time.
Hearing Aids and Cell Phones
Practical tips and product options to make phone calls clearer and easier when using hearing aids.
How to Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean and Working Well
Step-by-step guidance on simple cleaning habits that extend the life and performance of your hearing aids.
Take self-paced online courses designed to boost confidence, improve hearing aid use, and support accessibility in daily life.
-
Hearing Aids with Technology Gadgets
Learn practical ways to connect hearing aids with phones, music, TV, and more. -
Out & About with Hearing Aids
Gain strategies for navigating social settings, restaurants, and public spaces with confidence.
Reading about deafness, hearing loss, and disability through personal stories and fiction can be both inspiring and eye-opening. Here are a few of my favorite titles:
Hurt Go Happy: Paperback · Audiobook
Why I recommend it: A heartwarming young adult story about a girl, her family, and a chimpanzee who inspires her journey with deafness. It’s an easier read, but filled with meaningful lessons and deep reflections.
My Sense of Silence: Memoirs of a Childhood with Deafness: Paperback
Why I recommend it: A moving memoir by a man raised by deaf parents. He shares his perspective on their home, their world, and his unique childhood experiences.
Resurrection Bay: Paperback · Audiobook
Why I recommend it: A gripping crime novel featuring a deaf private investigator. His challenges and perspective with hearing loss are woven seamlessly into the storyline.
You Never Know: A Novel: Paperback · Audiobook
Why I recommend it: A chilling thriller about a deaf woman facing trauma and the added worries of navigating life as a woman with a disability. Suspenseful and thought-provoking.
The Blind Woodsman: Paperback · Audiobook
Why I recommend it: An inspiring memoir of a man who lost his vision as a teenager and found purpose in woodworking. Along the way, he meets his wife, blending love and resilience into a powerful story.
Affiliate Disclaimer
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Invite me to present at your next event or workshop on accessibility, hearing aid use, or best practices for professionals.
I speak on topics such as:
-
Accessibility in everyday life
-
Best practices for professionals supporting people with hearing or vision loss
-
Practical tools for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Blind, and Low Vision audiences
Email me at janelle@tamcolearning.com.
If you found this page helpful, I’d love for you to join my email community. You’ll receive accessibility resources, product recommendations, and practical tips—whether you’re supporting patients, caring for a loved one, or managing your own hearing needs.
Disclaimer & Affiliate Disclosure
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions you may have about your health, hearing aids, or assistive technology.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products and resources that I personally use or believe will add value to my audience. Your support helps me continue creating helpful resources and presentations.