If you’re deaf or have hearing loss, a standard doorbell may not be loud enough to alert you that someone is at the door.
There are doorbell systems and alert devices designed to let you know when a visitor arrives, using flashing lights, vibration, smartphone alerts, or amplified sound.
Some systems can connect directly to your smartphone.
What to look for in a doorbell alert system
There are several types of doorbell alert system available, at a range of price points.
Think about which type of alert will work best for you, and whether you need more than one method.
Extra loud doorbells
If you have some hearing, an amplified doorbell may be enough to alert you reliably. Extra loud doorbells can reach volumes of up to 100 decibels (dB), which is much louder than a standard doorbell chime.
Features to look for include:
- adjustable volume, so you can find the level that works for you
- a built-in visual alert, such as a flashing light, for added reassurance
- a choice of chime tones
Flashing and visual alerts
Visual doorbell systems flash a bright light when someone presses the button outside.
Most are wireless, which means the outdoor button sends a signal to one or more plug-in receivers inside your home. There’s no wiring needed between the button and the receiver.
Features to look for include:
- brightness of the flash, which affects how visible it is in well-lit rooms
- the wireless range, typically 100 to 300 metres in open areas
- whether you can add more than one receiver to cover different rooms
- a silent flash-only mode, if you do not want an audible alert at all
Vibrating and wearable pager systems
A vibrating pager system has two parts: a transmitter near your front door, and a small receiver that you wear or carry.
When someone presses the doorbell, the receiver vibrates to alert you wherever you are in the house or garden.
Features to look for include:
- adjustable vibration intensity
- a built-in flashing light on the receiver, for a combined tactile and visual alert
- different vibration patterns to distinguish the doorbell from other household alerts, such as the phone or smoke alarm
- whether the receiver can be placed under a pillow for night-time use
Smart and video doorbells
Smart doorbells connect to your home Wi-Fi network and send an alert to your smartphone when someone presses the button.
Many include a video camera, so you can see who is at the door on your phone even when you’re in another room or out of the house.
Some smart doorbells link to smart home platforms such as Amazon Alexa, Google Home, or Apple Home. This means that pressing the doorbell can trigger other smart devices, like a flashing smart lightbulb throughout your home.
Features to look for include:
- smartphone notifications with vibration or on-screen visual alerts
- a live video feed, so you can see who is at the door
- compatibility with a smart home platform, if you already use one
- whether cloud video storage requires a paid subscription
Sound detector add-ons
You may not be able to replace your existing doorbell if you rent your home or your building has a communal entry system.
In this case, a sound detector can help. It listens for your current doorbell chime and triggers an accessible alert, such as a flashing light or vibrating pager.
This means you can add an accessible alert without replacing any existing equipment.
Buying a doorbell
Get help to pay for a doorbell system
You may be able to get help with the cost of an accessible doorbell system from your local council’s sensory support team.
Find your local council’s website on GOV.UK.
Contact the sensory or social services department. They should do an assessment to find out what support you need.