GOOD NEWS FOR DEAF AND HARD-OF-HEARING DRIVERS
According to a National Safety Council study there were
53,000 accidents involving emergency vehicles in a recent two-year
period. Some of these accidents were caused by drivers who simply
did not hear the siren of the approaching emergency vehicle.
Drivers with hearing impairment realize this lack of auditory
awareness can cause a serious safety problem on the highway.
With the advent of Digital Signal Processing and computer
miniaturization, a new product called E.A.R.S. (Early Alert
Response System) was developed. Within 1.5 seconds the E.A.R.S.
unit recognizes all siren sounds currently used in the U.S. up to
distances of 500 feet. The presence of an emergency vehicle is
detected by specialized microphone circuitry and conveyed to the
driver through a dash-mounted processing module which flashes red
warning lights and emits a high-pitched audible tone.
Qualified purchasers/leasors of new G.M., Ford, Chrysler and
Saturn vehicles can receive reimbursement for this device through
their manufacturer's "Mobility" program. Consult your dealer's
mobility representative for qualification requirements. Veterans
who are profoundly deaf may also qualify for this type of device
under Title 38, Section 1717(c). Direct inquiries to the
Department of Veteran Affairs, Veterans Health Administration,
Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service, Washington, DC 20420.
Auto Trim Design of Reading, Inc., 211 Evans Avenue, Reading,
PA, recently added this unique device to its automotive electronics
product line. Auto Trim Design of Reading provides full
installation service. All E.A.R.S. components are U.L. approved.
E.A.R.S. is completely manufactured and assembled in the U.S. and
is warrantied for one year. For further information call
Walter Kuehn at (610) 374-6335, 1-800-616-2683 TTY or E-mail
ears at sub-i-o.com or visit the EARS web page at
http://www.sub-i-o.com/ears.
