People of all ages can have a hard time hearing television. Turning up the volume on your TV too much, however, can annoy your neighbors or people around you. Hearing aids can help you work around the problem. There are many different options available; find one that meets your needs.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using a Television Amplification System
Step 1. Choose an amplifier that suits your needs
If you don't use a hearing aid but still need help, an amplifier is for you. These devices use a transmitter to plug into the television's headphone jack and send a signal to earphones or an induction loop. You can adjust the sound to a comfortable level without changing the volume of the TV.
- When choosing an amplifier, consider whether you prefer to use headphones or a lanyard, the range of the transmitter (example: you want to listen to the television even from another room), the life of the batteries and the warranty.
- The most common brands include TV Ears, Sennheiser, Serene, and Innovations.
- These devices are different from normal headphones, because they improve the sound quality of dialogue and reduce background noise.
- Connection cables, transmitters, listening devices and instructions are included in the amplifier package.
Step 2. Configure the transmitter
You should place it near the TV, but not next to metal objects that may limit its range. Turn off the television before completing the installation. Plug one end of the cable into the transmitter and the other into the television. Depending on the TV model, you will need to plug the cable into the headphone port, the RCA input or the SCART input.
Always read the instructions before connecting the transmitter to the television
Step 3. Configure the receiver
Your receiver can be rechargeable or battery powered. Adjust the volume and tone to a comfortable level, then test the range of the device. Make sure the sound is clear. If it seems confusing to you, the jack cable may not be plugged into the transmitter or television properly, or the transmitter may be in the wrong place.
Step 4. Use the T-position on the hearing aid if possible
If you wear one, you can plug it directly into the amplifier. Almost all of these devices have a T-coil that can pick up the signal from your transmitter. Switch the device to the "T" position to use it in this way. The television sound should now be transmitted directly to your device.
If you have trouble using the T-coil, ask your doctor or whoever sold you the device for advice. These professionals can make sure the T-coil is working properly and can program and adjust its volume. The coil may not be automatically enabled at the time of purchase
Method 2 of 3: Using FM Systems
Step 1. Decide if an FM system is right for you
They are radio wave devices, suitable for noisy environments. If you usually watch television in a house full of confusion and noise, this set may be the best choice. FM systems use a transmitter and a receiver microphone. You can use the receiver as a headset or in conjunction with your hearing aid.
- FM systems are portable and can be used in other environments (restaurants, school, office).
- FM sets are more expensive than television amplifiers.
- You can buy one online, at electronics stores, or by asking people who sold you your hearing aid.
Step 2. Connect the transmitter to the TV
You can connect the microphone to the television using an audio jack, or place it next to the TV speaker. You can usually connect the transmitter with a 3.5mm stereo cable. Many devices also allow you to choose a frequency. Doing so can be useful, as some frequencies are used by other devices.
Step 3. Configure the receiver
FM systems typically make use of headphones, earphones or induction straps. If your system has the ability to operate on multiple frequencies, make sure the receiver and transmitters are calibrated to it. You can control the volume using the receiver, which you can wear around your neck or tie to your pants.
- Radio waves pass through the walls, so you may be able to hear the TV from another room.
- Set the range of the receiver after installing the unit. It can reach up to 300 meters.
Step 4. Use the FM system in conjunction with your hearing aid
If you are using a device, set it to the "T" position. Connect an induction lanyard or inductor earphone. The laces are worn around the neck, while the earphones are worn behind the ear. Ear devices are most useful for people who have severe hearing problems.
Method 3 of 3: Using Other Technologies
Step 1. Try using a phone app
TV Louder is an iPhone app that you can use as a personal amplifier. Download it, set the TV volume to normal and connect the headphones to the phone. You can adjust the volume thanks to your mobile. This is a free app, but it cannot replace hearing aids. You can try this inexpensive solution before investing in another system.
Step 2. Consider infrared systems
They work exactly like FM, replacing radio waves with light waves. Light waves cannot pass through walls, so these systems can only be used in one room. The signal can also be interrupted by people or objects and be disturbed by sunlight.
Step 3. Try an induction system
A circular induction cable is installed in a room to transmit a signal that can be picked up by your hearing aid or a receiver. If you wear a hearing aid, you can use it as a receiver by setting it to the "T" position. If you don't use hearing aids, you will need to wear a receiver to hear the TV.
Step 4. Consider video streaming services
The Roku service comes with a remote control with a headphone jack. When you insert the headphones into the remote control, the TV is muted. You will therefore be able to listen to it without disturbing other people. This is very useful if you are sharing a room with someone who doesn't want to see television.
Step 5. Use subtitles
They allow you to read the words being spoken on the screen. While this method doesn't allow you to hear better, it does allow you to understand the content of what you are watching. This can be useful if background noise or music interferes with your amplified signal.
Advice
- It is not necessary to turn up the volume on the television much to get the system to work. If you hear a lot of distortion, the TV volume may be too loud.
- Not all types of hearing aids are compatible with the systems you have chosen for watching TV. Check the specifications of the model you have chosen before purchasing.
- If you're not sure which option is best for you, ask your doctor or the person who sold you your hearing aid for advice.
- Always turn off the receiver and transmitter when you are not using them. This will help you conserve the batteries.
