Feature Article:::...

New low-tone fire alarms wake more sleepers

By: Danielle Combs

It is that time of year again to turn back the clocks. Local fire departments also encourage you to change the batteries in your smoke detectors and to check that they are functioning properly.

It is also the perfect time to check to see if every member of the household can hear the detector when it alarms.

Smoke alarms do save lives. However many Americans remain at risk because they may not notice a traditional smoke alarm signal sounding.

People more likely not to be roused by traditional smoke alarms include children, older adults, those impaired by alcohol consumption, those who are heavy sleepers, and those who have hearing loss.

A recent study compared the effectiveness of the different types of warning signals of smoke detectors including: the traditional high-pitched pure tone signal, a low-pitched complex signal, strobe lights and bed shakers.

Strobe lights alone were found to be ineffective in waking hearing-impaired sleepers. Bed or pillow shakers were found to be effective in waking people who had severe to profound hearing loss.

A low-pitched signal was found to be the most effective signal for waking people with mild to moderate hearing loss. A combination of more than one type of signal was recommended.

The National Fire Protection Association hopes that more people will be saved by smoke alarms thanks to a future change in the fire code.

The 2010 edition of the National Fire Alarm Code will require the use of a new signal that is supposed to allow individuals a better chance of waking up when a fire occurs.

This new signal is a low frequency 520Hz square wave signal. Studies have shown that this particular signal awakens an average of 94 percent of all individuals. This signal was an average of 65 percent more effective at waking people than the high-pitched signal of 3100Hz that is the current standard signal in smoke detectors.

Subjects in the study also reacted faster and more consistently to the alarm with the low frequency alarm sound.

The 2010 Code will require that alarms with this type of signal be installed in residential bedrooms of people with hearing loss by January 2010. By January 2014, this signal should be installed in all commercial sleeping rooms.

The new signal is available through either the Darrow Corp., in a product called Loudenlow or through Lifetone Technologies. The Lifetone product is a bedside fire alarm and alarm clock. It has a battery back-up and is available through numerous catalogs that carry products for those with hearing loss.

Take time on Nov. 1 as we return to Standard Time and test the smoke alarms in your home. If every member of our household is not awakened by the signal, consider an investment in a new alarm with the low pitched signal. It could save a life.

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Danielle Combs is a clinical audiologist who staffs The Hearing Center at Holston Valley Medical Center. E-mail her at danielle_combs@wellmont.org