We've all been there - settling in for our favorite show or movie, snack in hand, only to find ourselves missing every other word. The accents, the background noise, or even how the program is broadcast can make it tricky to follow along, especially when you're wearing hearing aids. If this is you, you don't have to give up your movie nights or favorite news anchor. Here are some tips for watching TV with your hearing aids!
Tip #1 – Turn on Closed Captions
If you struggle to understand actors with strong accents or fast dialogue, closed captions are a great option. Captions display the words being spoken right on your screen, so you can read along as you listen. It's a simple fix that can make a huge difference in following your favorite movies and news updates.
Tip #2 – Use Bluetooth Streaming (such as a TV Connector/Adaptor)
If you find closed captioning distracting or hard to read, try Bluetooth™ streaming to your hearing aids. Most modern hearing aids can connect to a TV connector or Adapter™, allowing the sound from your TV to stream directly into your ears - just like wireless earbuds. This way you can enjoy a clear, personalized sound without blasting the TV volume, possibly disturbing everyone else.
Tip #3 – Sit Closer to the TV
Sometimes small changes in distance can make a big difference in clarity. Sitting closer to the TV helps reduce the amount of background noise between you and the speaker, allowing your hearing aids to pick up speech and details more effectively. This can be helpful in larger rooms or open spaces where sound tends to echo or fade.
Tip #4 – Turn Up Your Hearing Aids, Not the TV
If you find the TV volume too low, resist the urge to keep turning up the television itself. Instead, increase the volume of your hearing aids. This allows the sound to be tailored to your specific hearing needs without making it uncomfortably loud for others. Many hearing aids have buttons on the back of the hearing aids to make that adjustment, or if your hearing aids connect to a smartphone app, you can make a quick adjustment there as well.
Tip #5 – Use a Sound Bar
Modern televisions usually have speakers on the back of the screen, which requires the sound to bounce off the wall behind the TV before it ever gets to your ears. Adding a sound bar, which sits in front of or on top of your television set up will help aim the sound straight at you, making listening more enjoyable for everyone who is watching.
Watching TV should be enjoyable, not stressful. By making these simple adjustments, you can enhance your listening experience. If you'd like personalized support or want to explore TV accessories compatible with your hearing aids, schedule an appointment with your local HearingLife and we can find the best solution for your listening needs.
