Sometimes, hearing loss can make seemingly mundane activities – such as watching TV – feel stressful or annoying. This is especially true when trying to watch TV with someone who does not have a hearing loss. In light of recent events, many of us are spending more time at home, which can also mean more time in front of the TV. It is now more important than ever to understand these tips for helping to make watching TV stress free, fun, and enjoyable again.
For Those with Untreated Hearing Loss
Of course, we strongly suggest getting your hearing tested if hearing the TV is difficult or the people you are watching with complain that the volume is too loud. This is one of the most common early signs of hearing loss. If one is unable or unwilling to treat their hearing loss, there are still ways to make watching more enjoyable.
It is important to note that the following interventions can also help people who use hearing aids as well!
Used Closed Captioning. This one is a really simple solution. Most popular TV channels and streaming services provide free closed captioning options on all of their programming. While closed captioning is not always a perfect word-for-word transcript of what is being said, it can still be a helpful tool in making TV understandable – even at a volume that might seem too low.
TV headphones or earbuds. TV earphones are the most common assistive listening device (ADL) for people who do not use hearing aids. These simple devices utilize a port that is connected to your TV’s headphone jack. Some of these headphones use wireless or Bluetooth technology. The only issue with this intervention, is that the sound will not also come through the regular speakers, so this solution will not be the best option when watching with others. There are, however, some TV headset systems that can support more than one set of headphones, allowing two people to independently control the volume on their own headset.
For Those with Hearing Aids
There are even more options for enjoyable TV watching available to those who have chosen to treat their hearing loss with hearing aids.
Just using hearing aids! For some people, their hearing aids alone simply solve the issue of not being able to hear and understand the TV at a volume typical for people with normal hearing.
Use wireless, Bluetooth or SMART technology. Modern hearing aids are really high tech. Most manufacturers have created hearing aids that are able to stream sounds directly from the TV into your hearing aids, without the use of any additional technology. This is usually done via Bluetooth or wireless technology and will already be built into your devices. Some hearing aids are able to stream the TV directly into your hearing aids with the use of a small additional device that connects the TV to the hearing aids -seamlessly and wirelessly.
Create a specific setting for TV watching. Hearing aids of today can handle many different settings for different environments. If the setting you normally use for “home” does not work when you are watching TV, then creating a unique “TV Watching” setting may help to solve this problem. Talk to your hearing healthcare provider to see if she can finely tune your hearing aids to the right settings you need for your unique hearing loss to better hear and enjoy the TV.
Use a hearing loop solution. Some people choose to outfit their home with a hearing loop! Hearing loops are usually used in public spaces to help those with a hearing loss better understand what is going on. Hearing loops are often found in concert halls, theaters and cinemas. Installing a hearing loop at home is an inexpensive solution that will help direct the sound to the TV to your hearing aids – making listening easier.
Need Help Finding a Solution?
If you need help finding a solution for TV watching that works for you, do not hesitate to reach out to our friendly team at Hearing Wellness Solutions for assistance. We are here to support you in every aspect of your life – including curling up on the couch with the people you love to binge your favorite shows on Netflix!
