Watching TV with Hearing Loss

For many, television is a big part of our day-to-day. For those with hearing loss, watching TV can be tough.

Many are able to hear, but they can’t understand, clarity being the biggest issue. Clarity is made worse the further you are from the TV, and by reverberation (how the sound bounces around the hard surfaces in the room before it reaches your ears).

TIP #1 Spend the extra money on a wireless transmitter. There are stand-alone systems that work without hearing aids that make watching TV with hearing loss less frustrating. Each brand of hearing aid has its own version of a TV transmitter, so you will need to use the one that is specific to your brand.

TIP #2 Today’s flat-screen televisions often leave much to be desired when it comes to sound quality (speakers are sometimes on the back of the TV, so the sound does not project out to you). It may be helpful to buy a soundbar. Some hearing aids may also be programmed with a manual setting designed specifically for watching TV. However, the wireless TV Streamers that connect to most hearing aids provide the best sound quality. ~

Editor’s Note: This article was submitted by Longmont Hearing & Tinnitus Center. They may be reached at 303-651-1178. See ad below.

DR. D’ANNE RUDDEN Au.D., CCC-A, Board Certified DR. CANEY DEMARS Au.D., CCC-A 195 S. Main Street, Ste 8 Longmont, Co 80501 303.651.1178

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