Finding the best talking products for the visually impaired can be a cumbersome exercise. Special alarm clocks are just one assistive technology product that improve the functional capabilities of individuals with low vision giving them an enhanced lifestyle (Microsoft News 2019).
Several brands and models of these alarm clocks are readily available for sale in the Amazon marketplace. However, caregivers deciding which one to buy for grandma or grandpa find that they need to wade through information that is generally inconsistent across brands.
These commonly include product size and weight metrics along with other features.
This article reviews and compares talking alarm clocks for the visually impaired using similar criteria for 4 top rated brands – CIRBIC, NADOBA, TOP LIFE and BEJAMY. The CIRBIC brand comes in 3 models – Extra Large, Large, and Standard.
There was only a single French Voice model.
Only the most popular models with ratings of 4+ stars were selected for comparison, and these models are listed below .
What are Assistive Devices for Visually Impaired Seniors?
Assistive devices for visually impaired seniors help enhance independence and ease daily tasks. There are at least 7 popular options:
- Screen Readers: Specialised software like JAWS and NVDA read on-screen text aloud, making computers and smartphones accessible.
- Magnifiers: Handheld, desktop, or electronic magnifiers enlarge text and images for easier reading and viewing.
- Audio Books and E-Readers: Devices like the Amazon Kindle can read aloud, offering large fonts and adjustable contrast.
- Talking Watches and Clocks: These devices announce the time with the push of a button, helping with time management.
- Braille Displays and Keyboards: Converts text into braille, allowing tactile reading of digital content.
- CCTV Systems: Closed-circuit televisions provide high-powered magnification for reading documents and small objects.
- Smart Home Assistants: Voice-activated devices like Alexa and Google Assistant help with reminders, phone calls, and navigation.
These devices are designed to make everyday tasks easier, improve safety, and promote independence for visually impaired seniors.
General Information about Talking Products for the Visually Impaired
As eye health in seniors begins to deteriorate with aging many desire to enhance their quality of life by remaining active. Talking alarm clocks are useful for people with macular degeneration, who are visually impaired or blind, and the elderly.
These clocks are usually button-shaped in design and usually come in contrasting base and button colors – White/Blue, Black/White, Black/Red, White/Red.
The clock does not have a regular display display but speaks and tells you the time, date, and alarm setting. Some models may provide the week and year information as well.
Operation of the clock is simply by pressing on the top button, and a pre-recorded voice in standard American English speaks out the time. If you press the button again, you will hear the date. By pressing the button once, each time you can hear additional information if this is a feature of the model.
A clear and loud speaker is built in.
The clocks are powered by either AAA or AA batteries. These are not included
Things to Note Before You Buy Talking Products for the Visually Impaired
Because information provided by manufacturers is often inconsistent, comparing products at first glance can be misleading. There are certain features we have noted and highlighted for you below so that you better understand the product you wish to buy.
Product Dimension
Sometimes this term is used interchangeably with PARCEL DIMENSION by some manufacturers. The product dimensions are the actual size of the product, while the parcel dimensions are the size of the shipped package. The parcel dimensions are ALWAYS larger than the actual product size, so take note!
Measurement Metrics
Some manufacturers will use inches, centimeters, kilograms, grams, pounds for product or parcel dimensions. This means that in may cases you will need a conversion calculator in order to compare. Who has time for that?
The good news is that we have taken all these inconsistencies into consideration in all our comparisons – so you can truly rest assured that you are comparing “oranges to oranges”
Benefits of Talking Products for the Visually Impaired?
Talking products offer several benefits for the visually impaired, making daily life simpler and more independent. Here are some key advantages:
- Enhanced Independence: Talking products like clocks, watches, and scales allow visually impaired individuals to perform tasks without relying on others, boosting self-confidence and autonomy.
- Convenience and Accessibility: Talking products make it easy to access time, temperature, and measurements, offering quick information without needing to visually interpret displays.
- Improved Safety: Devices like talking thermometers, blood pressure monitors, and kitchen scales provide important health information audibly, reducing the risk of mistakes and promoting safer health management.
- Better Time Management: Talking alarms and calendars assist in organizing daily routines, reminding users of appointments, medications, and important tasks.
- Reduced Eye Strain: Audio feedback eliminates the need for close-up or magnified reading, preventing eye fatigue and discomfort.
Overall, talking products simplify routine tasks, so that visually impaired individuals can stay organized, safe, and self-sufficient.
Product Comparisons: Talking Products for the Visually Impaired
Six talking products for the visually impaired are compared in this article. They are:
- Bejamy Talking Alarm Clock for The Blind
- CIRBIC Extra Large Talking Clock for The Blind
- CIRBIC Large Talking Clock for The Blind
- CIRBIC Talking Clock for The Blind or Visually Impaired, with Dementia, or Elderly
- TOP LIFE French Voice Talking Clock for the Elderly, Alzheimer’s, Visually Impaired or Blind People
- NADOBA Talking Clock Keychain Alarm For Blind and Visually Impaired
BEJAMY Talking Alarm Clock for The Blind
Low Vision, Visual Impairment, Seniors & Elderly (Blue Button)
| Name | BEJAMY Talking Alarm Clock |
| Color | Silver base / Blue button |
| Display | None |
| Mounting | Table Top |
| Dimensions (cm) | Product Parcel Dimensions: 10.01×3.81×3.81 cm |
| Weight (gm) | 141 |
| Power | 3 AAA batteries – not included; Electrical |
| Special Features | Adjustable volume alarm; North American English speaking |
| Present Review Rating | Check |
| Comments | Highly rated |
CIRBIC Extra Large Talking Clock for The Blind or Visually Impaired (Blue)
| Name | CIRBIC Extra Large Talking Alarm Clock |
| Color | Silver base / Blue button |
| Display | None |
| Mounting | Free standing |
| Dimensions (cm) | True Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 11.4 cm |
| Weight (gm) | 181 |
| Power | 3 AAA batteries – not included; Electrical |
| Special Features | 2 volume settings – H, L; North American English speaking |
| Present Review Rating | Check |
| Comments | Highly rated; easy set-up |
CIRBIC Large Talking Clock for The Blind or Visually Impaired (White)
| Name | CIRBIC Large Talking Alarm Clock |
| Color | Black base / White button |
| Display | None |
| Mounting | Free standing |
| Dimensions (cm) | True Product Dimensions: 3.81 x 3.81 x 8.89(H) cm |
| Weight (gm) | 90.7 |
| Power | 2 AAA batteries – not included; No cord |
| Special Features | 2 volume settings – H, L ; North American English speaking |
| Present Review Rating | Check |
| Comments | Highly rated; easy set-up; reviewer suggest change battery after 3months |
CIRBIC Talking Clock for The Blind or Visually Impaired
Helpful for those with Dementia, or the Elderly. Comes in Red color
| Name | CIRBIC Talking Alarm Clock |
| Color | Black base / Red button |
| Display | None |
| Mounting | Free standing |
| Dimensions (cm) | True Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 11.3 x 3.3(H) cm |
| Weight (gm) | 99 gm |
| Power | 2 AA batteries – not included; |
| Special Features | North American English speaking |
| Present Review Rating | Check |
| Comments | Highly rated; easy set-up |
TOP LIFE French Voice Talking Clock for the Elderly
Popular with individuals with Alzheimer’s, Visually Impaired or Blind People
| Name | TOP LIFE French Voice Talking Alarm Clock |
| Color | Red base / White button |
| Display | None |
| Mounting | Free standing |
| Dimensions (cm) | Product Parcel Dimensions: 9.1 x 9.0 x 3.9(H) cm |
| Weight (gm) | 90 gm |
| Power | 2 AAA batteries – not included; Electrical |
| Special Features | French – Male voice with Paris accent |
| Present Review Rating | Check |
| Comments | Highly rated; easy set-up; pressing button for too long stops the clock working |
CIRBIC Talking English Watch with Large Numbers For Visually Impaired, Blind or Elder People
| Name | CIRBIC Talking English Watch with Large Numbers For Visually Impaired, Blind or Elder People |
| Color | Round – Silver (or Beige) |
| Display | Digital |
| Mounting | Watch with Japanese quartz movement and stretch band strap |
| Dimensions (cm) | Product Parcel Dimensions: 14.5 x 6.6 x 4.4 cm |
| Weight (gm) | 80 gm |
| Power | Pre-installed and set to EST timezone. |
| Special Features | Voice type – English Male. Press on 2pm button for time & 4pm button for date. Works in 4 time zones. 1 year warranty |
| Present Review Rating | Check |
| Comments | High rating |
Conclusion – What are Assistive Devices for Visually Impaired People?
Comparing the best talking products for the visually impaired becomes a breeze only when you are using the same features and measurements for the comparison.
This cuts down the time it takes to make a decision on the product to buy which is what this article has done.
To answer the question – What are Assistive Devices for Visually Impaired people, this article is the first in a series.
If you found value in this article, kindly leave us a comment.
Related Articles
- Eye Health in Seniors – What to Expect in Aging Adults
- How Aging Affects Vision – Best Foods for Aging Eyes
- Best Alarm Clocks for Seniors – How to Compare
FAQ for Talking Products for the Visually Impaired
What are talking products for the visually impaired?
Talking products for the visually impaired include devices with audio feedback, such as talking clocks, watches, calculators, thermometers, and blood pressure monitors. These products provide spoken information, aiding independence and daily tasks for visually impaired individuals. Brands like Sonic Alert, Serene Innovations, and LS&S offer various options.
How do talking alarm clocks work for the visually impaired?
Talking alarm clocks are designed to speak the time aloud at the press of a button. They use recorded or synthesized voices to announce the time, making it easy to stay on schedule without reading a display. Many talking clocks also have additional features, like announcing the date, setting multiple alarms, and reminders, which help visually impaired users manage their day-to-day activities more independently.
What features should I look for in a talking alarm clock for the visually impaired?
Look for features like clear, adjustable volume levels and simple buttons that are easy to locate by touch. Some clocks also offer hourly time announcements, large buttons, and backup battery options to keep them functional during power outages. Clocks that include extra options like weather updates, calendar functions, or temperature announcements can be helpful, too, for more comprehensive daily assistance.
Can talking alarm clocks be customized for different needs?
Yes, many talking alarm clocks have customizable options. You can often adjust the volume, set hourly or daily alarms, and choose 12- or 24-hour formats. Some models allow you to set multiple alarms, use voice prompts for reminders, and even adjust the tone or type of voice. Customization helps visually impaired users adapt the clock to their personal preferences and daily routines.
References
American Foundation for the Blind. Technology Resources for People with Vision Loss https://www.afb.org/blindness-and-low-vision/using-technology
Microsoft News (2019) 7 smart tech developments for people who are blind or have low vision https://news.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/2019/08/08/smart-tech-blind-low-vision/
That is great! I love how so many obstacles can be overcome by adding some useful gadgets into our lives. A speaking alarm clock is the perfect solution for anyone who is visually impaired. And I think it would also work well with teenagers who won’t get out of bed in the mornings (on schooldays), lol 😉
I like how small these models are and there is even a French one with a Parisian accent. Do they only work on batteries? Is there a speaking alarm clock that can be plugged in?
All of the clocks except one can be plugged in. They are designated in the table as being “Electrical”. The batteries are simply for back up and I presume when the cord is not long enough.
Interestingly, you are quite right about these clocks being good for teenagers as well. Many of them are also advertised as being suitable for teenagers. Furthermore, there are models that come in some really funky colors for teens
Ceci
WOW! I didn’t have a clue about these talking clocks. This is just an awesome idea. One question: could you hand those clocks or are they made to be loose on furniture for instance? I know there are keychain clocks, but I meant the bigger ones in this case. Btw, keychain talking closk is another awesome idea. I see that they are also in different languages. That’s perfect. Clearly, artificial intelligence is very helpful here. I think, you just gave me a Xmas present idea for my grandpa. Thank you for your great post.
Hi Julius,
No you cannot hang them up. They are all table top – free standing.
Yes, they make really great gifts for the elderly.
Ceci