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.
Selection was only of the most popular models with ratings of 4+ stars, and these models are listed below in descending order.
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 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
Talking Products for the Visually Impaired – Things to Note Before You Buy
Because information provided by manufacturers is inconsistent, comparing product 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 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 bigger than the action product size!
- 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”
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, with Dementia, or Elderly (Red)
| 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, 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 |
NADOBA Talking Clock Keychain Alarm For Blind and Visually Impaired
| Name | NADOBA Talking Clock Keychain Alarm For Blind and Visually Impaired |
| Color | Rectangular – Silver |
| Display | Yes |
| Mounting | Keychain |
| Dimensions (cm) | Product Parcel Dimensions: 11.9 x 2.5 cm |
| Weight (gm) | 22.68 gm |
| Power | Batteries included |
| Special Features | Voice type – English. Provides Time, Date, Day, Year |
| Present Review Rating | Check |
| Comments | Highly rated. May be a bit cumbersome to set up. |
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.
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
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.
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