Hearing loss impacts millions of Americans every day. Living with a hearing impairment reduces the quality of life in every area of life. For the hearing impaired, something as simple as watching TV can present a huge problem.
While most people resort to upping the volume, this reduces the clarity of the sound output. More importantly, it can make watching TV uncomfortable for family and friends.
This is where TV hearing devices for hearing impaired people come in. A hearing aid for TV can make watching your favorite shows more comfortable for all. Let’s examine how TV hearing devices work and how you can get one.
The first step to a better hearing experience is to contact EarPros and schedule a free hearing test. One of the questions you may have for your audiologist during your appointment is a TV hearing aid.
Hearing aids are designed not only for hearing those around you but can also improve the sound quality and clarity of TV broadcasts.
Many state-of-the-art hearing aids available today have a selection of features designed to amplify TV signals.
Hearing aids that use artificial intelligence and machine learning to automatically adapt to each listening environment may even have specialized sound profiles programmed for better hearing when watching TV.
These days, the majority of TV hearing devices are wireless and require no additional accessories. Technology has come a long way and is helping the hearing impaired to overcome the challenges of their disabilities.
The average hearing aid for TV watching is completely wireless and uses Bluetooth to connect to televisions, computers, smartphones, and tablets. In many cases, your Bluetooth hearing aid can connect to your TV directly.
On the other hand, older models require an intermediary device to allow your hearing aids to stream audio directly from your TV into your ears.
It’s important to talk to your audiologist about the different models available and the options you have that fit into your budget.
With so many top hearing aid manufacturers, including Oticon, Starkey, and Widex, it can be difficult to find the right wireless hearing aids for you. Be sure to read hearing aid reviews before purchasing.
A TV hearing aid does more than improve the experience for the watcher. There are several features modern hearing aids have that allow you to control your experience.
Let’s take a look at some of the things you can do with your hearing aid for TV watching.
These are just some of the impressive features you can take advantage of with TV hearing devices for hearing impaired people.
Make sure you discuss your needs with your audiologist as there are differences in the features offered between manufacturers and models.
Your hearing aids alone may not be suitable for TV watching, especially if you have an older model without Bluetooth capabilities. Alternatively, maybe you’re someone who doesn’t want to use them to watch TV all the time.
There are alternatives to hearing aids available. Let’s take a look at some of the other options you have for watching TV without hearing aids.
TV headphones work in a similar way to hearing aids. Wireless TV headphones use Bluetooth to connect to your TV. They are dedicated to listening; therefore, some of the more expensive models may even offer superior sound quality and clarity to your hearing aids.
Volume can be controlled on the headphones themselves, with just one button. Although this can be helpful for the people around you, most TVs are not equipped to stream audio into headphones while playing to other watchers at the same time.
Wireless headphones are an excellent stopgap if you’ve yet to be prescribed hearing aids but still have trouble hearing the TV.
TV Ears are a type of headphones that uses an infrared wireless signal, but the vast majority of wireless headphones do use Bluetooth.
Shop around for your favorite pair of headphones. There are so many different brands all offering headphones at varying price points.
Do you have an older hearing aid that is unable to connect with Bluetooth devices? This is a common problem for those on low budgets, who may still be using old analogue hearing aids. Technology has moved on, and older models may not be suitable for watching your favorite programs.
Instead, consider a loop system. These professionally installed systems create a special magnetic field around your living room or bedroom. A loop system can also fit around your neck, which is ideal if you are on a budget.
Loop systems are connected to either the audio output of your TV set or utilize wireless technology.
Audio is transmitted directly into your hearing aids, regardless of the model. If you still have older hearing aids or lack the budget to upgrade to a modern alternative, a loop system can overcome that challenge.
Remember that your hearing aids must be at least telecoil compatible for a loop system to work.
Not all TV audio signals are particularly strong, especially if your TV is old. If your hearing impairment has grown progressively worse, even when wearing a hearing aid, closed-caption television could offer a boost.
What is closed-caption television?
When this feature is enabled, you will be able to hear and read the speech on your television. The only requirement is that your TV screen is larger than 13 inches, which is a federal requirement.
To access closed-caption television, you should be able to see a CC icon on your remote. Click the button, and you’ll be able to both hear and read the contents of your favorite TV series.
With so many options for watching TV when you have a hearing impairment, it can be difficult to know what to look for.
Mainly, we recommend speaking to your audiologist. They will be able to analyze your hearing loss and come up with different solutions to suit you and your lifestyle.
If searching for a hearing device for TV watching, here are some essential features to investigate:
If you can find a manufacturer that has a free trial or allows for returns within a specific period, this can be beneficial. It can take some time to get used to a new TV hearing device for the first time.
A hearing aid for TV allows you to continue to consume content and enjoy a great hearing experience. With so many options, we recommend contacting a licensed audiologist.
Don’t accept your hearing impairment as a reality. There are solutions available. Start your journey to better hearing with EarPros.
Contact EarPros to book a free hearing test or schedule a consultation with a licensed hearing specialist.
