Technology

How to connect hearing aids to your TV

Learn how to connect your hearing aids to your TV for improved sound clarity

Dec, 10, 2024

Hearing loss, whether from ageing, noise, or medical conditions, can affect your enjoyment of TV. Dialogue may be unclear, and background noise distracting, with higher volume often not helping.

Thankfully, solutions like TV-connected hearing aids, captioning, and specialised devices can enhance sound clarity. This guide explains how these options can improve your viewing experience, making TV time enjoyable again.

Benefits of connecting hearing aids to your TV

For those experiencing hearing loss, watching television can often feel frustrating. However, integrating your hearing aids with your TV offers significant benefits that can transform your viewing experience.

Enhanced clarity

One of the most immediate advantages is improved sound clarity. By streaming audio directly from your television to your hearing devices, you can focus on dialogue and subtle details without needing to increase the volume. This ensures you can follow every conversation and enjoy the full depth of your favourite programmes.

Reduced background noise

Background noise, such as the hum of household appliances or conversation, often makes it harder to enjoy television. Hearing aids for watching TV help reduce this interference by delivering sound directly to your ears, allowing you to focus on what is happening in your favourite TV programme.

Improved accessibility

For seniors or individuals with hearing loss, watching television can be challenging. TV hearing devices for seniors help to deliver clearer sound directly to your hearing aids, reducing the need to constantly adjust the volume or rely on others for assistance.

By connecting your hearing aids to the TV, you can enjoy a more personalised audio experience, making it easier to follow dialogues while minimising background noise. This makes TV time more accessible and enjoyable, especially for those using television for hard of hearing solutions.

Types of hearing aid TV connectivity solutions

There are several ways to connect your hearing aids to your TV, each offering different advantages and disadvantages.

Let’s explore the pros and cons of each solution currently available on the market to help you choose the best option for your needs:

Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids

It is possible to use Bluetooth to wirelessly stream TV audio directly to your hearing aids. This allows for personal volume control, ensuring you can adjust the sound without disturbing others.

However, as Bluetooth connection can drain batteries and cause a lag in speech reaching your devices, other options like a TV Streamer may be more appropriate. The connection range is also limited, requiring you to stay close to the TV.

TV adapters, streamers, and connectors

TV adapters, streamers, and connectors provide a reliable way to connect your hearing aids to your TV. These external devices transmit sound directly to your hearing aids, often offering a more stable connection than Bluetooth. While they’re compatible with a variety of hearing aids and TV models, the setup can be more involved. Additionally, if a wired connection is required, it may restrict your movement while watching TV.

Induction or t-coil systems

T-coils are small copper wires inside hearing aids that pick up electromagnetic signals from compatible sources. Originally designed for landline telephones, they now work with systems like induction loops in public spaces (e.g., theatres or churches). These systems transmit a magnetic signal, improving sound clarity and reducing background noise. T-coils are activated with the push of a button, offering better speech comprehension in noisy environments, though their range is limited to areas equipped with an induction loop.

TV streaming function

The TV streaming feature allows direct transmission of TV audio to the wearer’s hearing aids, removing the need for additional devices. This function enables users to adjust the volume and sound settings of their hearing aids, ensuring personalised clarity and comfort while watching TV. With TV streaming, individuals can enjoy optimal sound quality tailored to their preferences, enhancing their overall viewing experience.

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Audiologists interpret the results of a hearing test

Alternative solutions for TV accessibility

For those who struggle with hearing aids or cannot use them, captioning and the Clear Voice function offer effective alternatives to improve the TV experience.

Captions, or subtitles, display dialogue and sound effects as text on the screen, helping viewers follow along even if they have difficulty hearing.

Additionally, the Clear Voice feature enhances speech clarity by reducing background noise, making it easier to distinguish dialogue. Both options work well in combination, ensuring better comprehension without relying solely on audio.

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