Although not necessarily for people who are hard of hearing, it's exactly the same product. What was introduced as an assistive technology device moved over and became a consumer product. We need to see more of this type of transition. It's also a great product for someone who can't get up and walk down to put out the lights. A consumer product for security made a great little control device for people with disabilities.
People put power door operators on garages all the time.
I don't know. I think it's assistive technology for people who don't like to admit they have a disability or are lazy. However, like consumer products, it is inexpensive, easy to get, and universally usable. But, when I want to put a power operator on the door of my house, I am told the openers are for commercial applications and are very expensive to configure and install for residential use. This is nonsense.