People at all ages must have had difficulty hearing the sound of television. If the sound is set too high, your neighbors may be distracted or have difficulty watching with other people. Assistive Listening Devices (ALD) can help you listen to television without disturbing others. There are many options to choose from so find the one that suits you best.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using a Television Audio Amplifier System
Step 1. Choose an amplifier that suits your needs
If you don't wear a hearing aid, but need help listening to the television, a sound amplifier may be for you. This device uses a transmitter that is plugged into the headphone jack on the television, and sound is heard using a headset or neckloop. You can adjust the sound and tone as desired without disturbing the volume on the television.
- When looking for an amplifier, decide whether to use headphones or a neckloop, transmitter distance (can you still hear the TV when you leave the room?), battery life, and warranty.
- Popular amplifier brands include TV Ears, Sennheiser, Serene, and Innovations.
- These devices differ from regular headphones in that they increase speech sound while reducing background noise.
- The amplifier system purchase package consists of connection cables, transmitters, hearing devices, and instructions for use.
Step 2. Set up the transmitter
The transmitter should be located near the television, but away from metal objects as this can reduce the beam distance. Turn off the television before connecting the transmitter. Insert one end of the cable into the transmitter and the other end on the television. Depending on the television, the other end of the cable might be plugged into the headphone jack, RCA, or SCART.
Always read the instructions for use before connecting the transmitter to the television
Step 3. Set up your receiver
Your receiver can be recharged if it runs out of battery. Adjust the sound level and pitch as desired. We recommend that you test your transmitter distance now. Make sure the sound is clear. If the sound is blurry, the audio jack may not be fully connected to the transmitter or television, or the transmitter's location is not good.
Step 4. Use the T-coil position on the hearing aid if possible
If you wear a hearing aid, the amplifier can connect directly to the hearing aid. Most hearing aids have a t-coil that can receive signals from the transmitter. Move the hearing aid to "T" to connect it to the amplifier. Television sound is now routed directly to your hearing aid.
If you have difficulty using the t-coil, talk to an audiologist or healthcare professional. They can check if the t-coil is working properly and program and adjust the t-coil volume. The t-coil function can be activated automatically when turning on the hearing aid
Method 2 of 3: Using System FM
Step 1. Determine if this option is appropriate
FM systems use radio waves and are best suited in noisy environments. If you usually watch television in a busy or noisy home, this option might be for you. FM systems use a transmitter and a receiver. The receiver can be used as headphones or used with hearing aids.
- The FM system is also easy to carry around and use in various places (e.g. schools, restaurants, or workplaces)
- FM systems are more expensive than television amplifiers.
- You can purchase an FM system online, at an electronics store, or through a hearing specialist.
Step 2. Connect the transmitter with the television
The microphone can be connected to the television using the audio jack, or place the microphone next to the television's speakers. The 3.5mm stereo jack is usually used to connect the transmitter to the television. Many transmitters can be set the frequency. The frequency option will be useful because certain frequencies can be noisy at times.
Step 3. Set up your recipients
FM systems generally use headphones, earbuds, or a neckloop. If your FM system has different frequency options, make sure your receiver and transmitter are set to the same frequency. You can control the volume using the receiver. The receiver can be worn around the neck or sometimes clipped to the pants.
- Radio waves can penetrate walls so that the television can be heard in the next room.
- Test the receiver distance after the device is all set. The transmission distance can be up to 2.5 m.
Step 4. Use the FM system with a hearing aid
If you are using a hearing aid, switch it to the “T” position. Plug a neckloop or Silhouette inductor into the receiver. The neckloop is worn around the neck and the silhouette is worn behind the ears. Silhouettes are most useful for people with severe hearing loss.
Method 3 of 3: Using Other Technologies
Step 1. Try using the phone app
TV Louder is an app on your iPhone that you can use as a personal amplifier. Download the app, set the television volume to normal, and connect headphones to your phone. You can then adjust the television volume with your phone. This app is free, but cannot replace hearing aids. Here's an inexpensive option worth trying before buying another system.
Step 2. Try using the infrared system
The way the infrared system works is the same as the FM system. However, this tool uses light waves instead of sound waves. Light waves can not penetrate the wall so it can only be used in one room. The signal will also be disrupted if there are objects or people blocking the signal. This system is not suitable in sunlit rooms.
Step 3. Try the induction loop system
Induction loop cables are installed around the room to transmit signals that can be received by both the assistive device and the receiver. If you wear a hearing aid, you don't need a receiver. Switch the earpiece to the “T” position to listen to the television. If you don't use a hearing aid, a receiver is needed to listen to the television.
Step 4. Try using a video streaming service
Streaming services, such as Roku, are available with a remote control and headphone jack. When headphones are connected directly to the remote, the television is automatically muted. You can listen without disturbing others. This system is especially useful if you are in a room with other people but not watching television.
Step 5. Use closed captions
Closed captions will help you read the spoken text on the television screen. Even if this method doesn't make the television sound clear, you can still understand what you're watching. This is also useful if music or background noise is interfering with your transmitter signal.
Tips
- The television does not have to be loudly installed for the system to work. If you hear a lot of distortion, the television volume may be too high.
- Not all types of hearing aids are compatible with the system chosen for television viewing. Check the specifications first before buying.
- If you're not sure you can make the best choice, talk to an audiologist or healthcare professional.
- Always turn off the receiver or transmitter when not in use to save battery.
