Hearing Aids and Watching TV: What Can Help

The TV volume argument

It is one of the most common household disagreements: one person needs the TV louder, everyone else finds it too loud. The NHS even lists watching TV with the volume higher than other people need as one of the general signs of hearing loss.

Hearing aids help many people, but TV can remain hard. Speech on TV competes with music and effects, the speaker is several metres away, and the room adds echo. The good news is that there are several practical ways to make TV easier, for the viewer and for the rest of the family.

Option 1: A TV adapter that streams to your hearing aids

A TV adapter is a small box connected to the TV. It sends the TV sound wirelessly to compatible hearing aids.

• Philips describes its TV Adapter as letting you hear the sound from the TV directly in your hearing aids, at your preferred volume. Philips adds that you can turn the external TV volume down or off while still hearing the audio in your hearing aids.
• Philips explains that a TV adapter lets you hear your TV clearly while not disturbing other people, and that once paired it is available as a programme in your hearing aids.
• Oticon describes its TV Adapter 3.0 as letting you watch TV at your preferred volume while the rest of the family keeps the volume at a level that suits them. Oticon says the sound has no delays, so it matches the picture on the screen.

Compatibility comes first. A TV adapter works only with the hearing-aid families it is designed for, and the TV must have a suitable audio output. Bring the make and model of your hearing aids and of your TV. G-Sound offers Philips and Oticon hearing aids and can check compatibility for your model. See accessories and connectivity.

Option 2: Captions and subtitles

Captions show the dialogue as text on the screen. The US National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) explains that closed captions can be turned on and off by the viewer, using the menu settings of the television. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that people with hearing loss can benefit from captioning as well as hearing aids and other assistive devices.

Many people find that hearing aids plus captions works better than either on its own: the hearing aids give the voice, and the captions fill the gaps.

Option 3: Loops, infrared and personal amplifiers

Other assistive listening options exist for TV:

• Hearing loop: NIDCD explains that a hearing loop can be connected to a television. The sound is picked up by a hearing aid with a telecoil.
• Infrared systems: the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) describes infrared systems that convert TV sound into infrared waves sent to a receiver worn by the listener.
• Bluetooth: ASHA notes that Bluetooth devices can connect hearing devices directly to the television, sometimes through an intermediary device.
• Personal amplifiers: NIDCD lists personal amplifiers as useful when watching TV. The NHS also describes TV amplifiers that let you hear sound clearly through your hearing aid without turning up the volume.

Which of these suits you depends on your hearing aids, your TV and how the room is used. Ask before buying.

Option 4: Set up the room

Small changes help:

• Turn off other noise. The NHS advises reducing background noise or moving to a quieter area when talking with other people. The same applies to the TV: switch off the radio, close the window to street noise and avoid running the dishwasher during your programme.
• Talk during the adverts, not the dialogue. If someone speaks to you, pause the programme.
• Check your hearing-aid programmes. If your hearing aids have a TV or streaming programme, make sure you know how to switch to it.

When the TV is still hard

If you have tried these steps and still struggle, mention TV listening at your next follow-up appointment. Settings, a programme or an accessory may help. See follow-up and adjustments.

When you call G-Sound, have ready:

• The make and model of your hearing aids.
• Your TV make and model, and a photo of the audio connections on the back if possible.
• What the problem is: speech unclear, volume arguments, delay between sound and picture.

For families

If a parent turns the TV up very loud, it is worth a gentle conversation rather than an argument. A TV adapter or captions may solve it for everyone. See hearing aids for elderly parents and communicating with someone who wears hearing aids.