Question Signal Device For Hard of Hearing Divers?

[SaltySiren]

I wasn't sure if this Q belongs here or in the disability forum, but I dive with someone who is hard of hearing and we often have trouble getting their attention underwater using traditional audible methods (tank tappers, shakers)

I'm wondering if anyone has experience with this and has suggestions?

In the past, we have used flashlights, but the efficacy of that depends on the conditions underwater and distance. Someone at a scuba shop mentioned something called the "Buddy Watcher" which vibrates, which sounded great but after looking into it, it appears they are no longer in production. Does anyone know of any similar devices?

 

[SlugLife]

Some divers consider signaling devices to be unnecessary and annoying. Perhaps the diver just needs to more regularly visually check on their dive buddies.

However, in an emergency, you could use one of the dual-mode dive-alerts.

 

[Hojo in SC]

I'm one of those that can't hear under water andI was wondering what a DM was doing shaking something when I found out on the boat it was for noise. That being said, my experience would be to stay within good eye sight and use a light as needed and keep your head on a swivel.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Proper buddy procedures negates the need for noisemakers.

 

[NothingClever]

If your dive mate is a decent diver and navigator, then put him up front so that it’s easier on the other divers to move forward to communicate (rather than having to turn around and struggle to get his attention).

If he’s not a good diver, then perhaps you simply have a task of ensuring he has an escort diver that can hear a torch getting tapped on the tank (just say NO to rattles). One way to ease this burden is to swap out dedicated escort divers on each dive so that all get to enjoy their dives.

 

[happy-diver]

Hard of hearing, disability forum, seriously dude, why is not the hard of hearing guy here
go diving man have fun and ignore your urge to attract other peoples attention disability

and save the talking for the post dive briefing at the nineteenth hole do divers have those
where you can more better plan your dives to be within each others eyeshot like Jim said.

If this is how you choose to conduct all your dives spending time looking at other people
with the little time you have when there's fish

 

[SaltySiren]

Auditory exclusion is definitely an added obstacle on top of them being actually hard of hearing (they do wear hearing aids above water so I can't entirely blame selective hearing).

Maybe the line would be helpful! I'll try it. I will also try to determine what frequency their hearing works best at, thank you for the suggestion!

 

[NorCalDM]

Auditory exclusion is definitely an added obstacle on top of them being actually hard of hearing (they do wear hearing aids above water so I can't entirely blame selective hearing).

Maybe the line would be helpful! I'll try it. I will also try to determine what frequency their hearing works best at, thank you for the suggestion!

I see you are from California so if you dive locally I would not use a buddy line or leash as it can be an entanglement issue with the kelp. Maybe a predive talk and set some time intervals where they look to you so you can signal if needed.

 

[SaltySiren]

Hard of hearing, disability forum, seriously dude, why is not the hard of hearing guy here
go diving man have fun and ignore your urge to attract other peoples attention disability

and save the talking for the post dive briefing at the nineteenth hole do divers have those
where you can more better plan your dives to be within each others eyeshot like Jim said.

If this is how you choose to conduct all your dives spending time looking at other people
with the little time you have when there's fish

Might you have misnamed yourself?

Divers with disabilities or with experience working with members of the disability community may have more experience with accessibility needs and inclusion, and having the information that this person is not simply absent-minded is important to the answer. I discussed with them and they asked me to look into it for them. Sorry that struck a nerve with you! I'm guessing you may not know many people with disabilities Hope this helps shed some light on why it is important to discuss these things openly- there's nothing wrong with trying to accommodate a specific need!

Please consider that there are circumstances where it's important or at least appreciated to get the attention of a diver underwater- for example, in an emergency situation, in the event that divers end up farther apart (mistakes do happen & it's good to plan ahead!), or even to point out something rare quickly that they otherwise might miss. It's all good & well to say "stay close" / "stay within eyeshot" / "check in more often" which are all great reminders, but the idea is to plan for situations where that doesn't happen.

Inclusion is really important, and aside from emergency scenarios, it doesn't feel good when you're the only one to miss something exciting that the rest of the group got to see due to something you can't really help, especially when there may be a piece of equipment that could include you.

 

[SaltySiren]

I see you are from California so if you dive locally I would not use a buddy line or leash as it can be an entanglement issue with the kelp. Maybe a predive talk and set some time intervals where they look to you so you can signal if needed.

Thank you for the heads up! Most of my experience (in general, but also exclusively with this diver) has been in tropical waters but that's great to know & keep in mind.

 

[Landau]

I've never needed more than hands and a light to get another diver's attention. I've never carried a noisemaker for underwater. Sometimes I've resorted to a tap on the shoulder or tug on the fin.