Having Trouble Hearing the TV? Here are 6 Devices That Can Help
Listening aids improve volume, voice clairty and sound quality
Hearing loss affects about 48 million people in the U.S. In addition, more than 50 million people experience some form of tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Hearing impairment can make pastimes such as watching TV—including hearing voices and understanding dialogue—less enjoyable.
Fortunately, technological advancements have produced many assistive listening devices that not only improve sound quality overall, but make it possible to people with hearing problems to have a more enjoyable viewing experience.
Trouble hearing isn’t the only reason some people struggle to hear TV dialogue. Newer televisions are designed to look sleek and more appealing to users. As a result, many manufacturers have reduced the speakers’ size and shifted their location to the side, back, or bottom of the television, which doesn’t allow for great sound production. Here are six devices that can help improve TV sound.
Sound bar speakers
Sound bar speakers connect to your television, amplifying the sound in stereo or surround sound. Sound bars are increasing in popularity because the price is more feasible than investing in a complete surround sound system. Plus, they are relatively small and don’t require much space to install. With several options available on the market, it is best to know where you plan to put your sound bar before shopping. Measure the available space to assure that it fits before unboxing it at home.
Wireless headphones
Wireless headphones are an excellent option for those that don’t wear or hearing aids or are the only one in their home struggling with hearing. To utilize these, a TV transmitting system should also be purchased. The transmitter base plugs directly into the headphone jack on the TV. The wireless headphones are then connected wirelessly to the device to stream sound and make it easier to hear. This choice also removes any outside noise or interference occurring in the house.
Neck and room loops
A loop system works well for those with hearing aids and distributes sound via a magnetic field in the room or in a personal neck loop that the individual wears. These can also pick up sound from a TV transmitting device connected to the headphone jack on the television. This option works well for older model hearing aids.
Wireless streaming device
For those who wear hearing aids, a wireless streaming device may be the better choice as many new models can easily connect to them. To determine which device, contact the or research the hearing aid brand to see which is compatible.
Bluetooth hearing aids
As technology continues to change, many hearing aid manufacturers are producing Bluetooth hearing aids that wirelessly connect with devices, including televisions. One of the biggest benefits of this solution is that users can use them with multiple devices and not just their TV. They also allow more control over the volume through an app on the hearing aids themselves.
Home Theater System
Also known as a surround sound system, home theater systems are far from being new. However, more recent models and designs are sleeker than their predecessors. Users can strategically place speakers to project sound where it is needed most. These also remove any feedback or scratchy noises from the television’s sound.
Whether you are enjoying favorite shows or the evening news, if hearing the TV dialogue is a struggle, these are some devices that can help improve the sound quality and have you back laughing at your favorite characters in no time.
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