Why is TV hard to hear, even with hearing aids?
Struggling with the television is often one of the first signs of hearing loss, and a common reason families suggest a hearing test. TV is surprisingly difficult to follow. Dialogue is mixed with music and sound effects, actors may speak quickly or mumble, and the sound comes from a speaker several metres away, bouncing around the room.
Hearing aids pick up the TV sound through their microphones, along with everything else in the room. Distance and echo reduce clarity before the sound even reaches your aids. That is why many hearing aid wearers find TV better than without aids, but still not as clear as a face-to-face conversation. The options below send the TV sound more directly to your ears.
TV streamers for hearing aids
A TV streamer, sometimes called a TV adapter or TV connector, is a small box made by your hearing aid manufacturer. It plugs into the audio output of your television and sends the sound wirelessly to your hearing aids.
How a TV streamer helps
- The sound goes straight into your hearing aids, so distance and room echo are no longer a problem.
- You can usually adjust the TV volume in your aids separately from the TV speakers, so others can listen at their preferred level.
- Many systems let you hear both the TV and people talking in the room, with the balance adjustable through the aids or an app.
Things to know
- TV streamers are made by each manufacturer to work with their own hearing aids, so the streamer needs to match your aids.
- They connect through the TV’s audio output, often an optical (digital) socket or headphone socket. Your audiologist can check what your TV has.
- Most need a mains plug near the TV and are set up once, then work automatically.
Can hearing aids connect to the TV by Bluetooth?
Many modern hearing aids use Bluetooth to stream phone calls and audio from smartphones and tablets. Connecting directly to a television by Bluetooth is less consistent. It depends on the hearing aids, the TV and the Bluetooth technology both support. That is why most hearing aid users who want TV streaming use the manufacturer’s TV streamer, which is designed to work reliably with their aids.
Newer Bluetooth standards, such as Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast broadcast audio, are beginning to appear in some hearing aids and devices. Support is still developing, so ask your audiologist what your aids can do before buying new equipment.
If you watch programmes on a tablet or phone, streaming directly from that device to Bluetooth hearing aids can work well. A manufacturer app may let you control the streaming volume. See our guide to hearing aid apps for more on this.
Hearing loops and telecoils
A hearing loop is a wire that runs around a room and transmits sound magnetically. Hearing aids with a telecoil, often shown as a “T” setting, can pick this up. Public places such as theatres, churches and ticket counters often display a loop sign.
Home loop systems for TV are also available. They can suit people whose hearing aids have a telecoil but no compatible streamer. Not all hearing aids include a telecoil, particularly some of the smallest models, so check with your audiologist if loops are important to you.
Subtitles and other simple changes
Technology helps most when combined with a few easy adjustments:
- Turn on subtitles. Most UK broadcasters and streaming services offer subtitles on many programmes. Even with good hearing aids, subtitles help with fast dialogue and unfamiliar names.
- Check the TV sound settings. Many televisions have a dialogue or speech enhancement mode. Turning off surround or “virtual” sound effects can make voices clearer.
- Reduce other noise. Turn off the dishwasher, close the window, and avoid talking over the programme.
- Sit closer and face the screen. Being nearer the TV and able to see faces helps with lip-reading.
- Use a TV programme on your hearing aids. Your audiologist may be able to set a programme designed for TV listening.
Tips for families
Arguments over the TV volume are common in households where one person has hearing loss. A TV streamer can help everyone, because the person with hearing aids hears the TV in their aids while the room volume stays comfortable for others. Agree on using subtitles, pause the programme to talk rather than speaking over it, and remember that a loud TV is often a sign that a hearing test is due. If someone in your family has started turning the TV up, encourage them to have their hearing checked. Our guide to getting used to hearing aids may help them know what to expect.
Hearing the TV better in Sutton Coldfield
At Sutton Hearing Care in Streetly, we fit hearing aids from Phonak, Oticon, Signia, Starkey, ReSound, Widex and Unitron, and can advise on TV streaming options for each. During your free 14-day home trial, you can try your hearing aids with your own TV and decide what works best before buying.
It all starts with a free hearing test of up to 90 minutes, no GP referral needed. Your audiologist will explain your results on the day and talk you through options that suit how you watch. See our hearing aid prices, call 0121 369 0780, or book your hearing test online.