You’re watching a movie on your television. It’s a pivotal scene and all you can think is, “What did that person just say?” It’s no fun having to reach for the rewind button just to keep up with the plot.
Most of us have experienced some sort of frustration with our televisions, whether it’s not being able to hear the words clearly or feeling overwhelmed by big booms from overly loud special effects. People dealing with hearing loss can have a particularly difficult time and that can sap the enjoyment of watching movies and television shows.
When it comes to your television, there are ways you can improve the sound. Check out these tips for tweaking your TV sound using audio settings and helpful gadgets.
Adjust your TV sound settings
Every television manufacturer offers a slightly different set of audio controls, but you should be able to make some helpful adjustments by exploring your settings.
Look for a setting labeled “sound” and see if you can try different audio modes or access expert settings that let you adjust the balance or change the equalizer.
You may also find an automatic volume setting, sometimes called a night mode that keeps sound levels the same even when you switch channels. This can help you avoid sudden changes in volume when you are channel-surfing.
Don’t be afraid to play with your TV’s sound settings. You can always return it to the default audio setup if you prefer.
Using closed captioning
Closed captioning is a versatile tool that can help people with extreme hearing loss still follow along. Even if you don’t have major hearing loss, it can be useful for when you need to keep the volume down.
Upgrade your speakers
The built-in speakers on most televisions can be serviceable, but they probably won’t blow you away with clarity and a full spectrum of sound. A good set of external speakers can make your living room feel more like a theater. You don’t have to go for a full surround-sound experience. A simple soundbar system can transform the way you hear your TV.
Wear wireless headphones
One way to deal with difficulties in hearing your TV speakers is to bring the sound closer to your ears with wireless headphones. Look for headphones that are specially designed for entertainment systems. These use a transmitter on one end to send the sound wirelessly to the headphones.
This solution can have the added bonuses of blocking out external sounds and keeping the TV from bothering other people in the house. You can watch movies, shows, or play video games without waking the kids or keeping your spouse up.
You can also find specialty headsets that resemble stethoscopes and are geared for people with hearing loss. These are sometimes called TV hearing aids or TV assisted listening devices.
Connect directly to your hearing aids
Some hearing aids allow you to connect your television audio to your hearing devices, but the availability of this option can depend on the brand you use. Check with your local hearing center to see if they offer a media streamer accessory. Essentially, this turns your hearing aids into a convenient wireless headset.
Hearing loss doesn’t have to mean losing the enjoyment of your television. You just need to find the combination of settings and tech accessories that lets you experience the full fun of your favorite movies and shows.
Have you tested your hearing lately?
Hearing loss can affect people of all ages. If you think you might have hearing issues, then start with a simple test.
Stephen L. Hope is your Hearing Instrument Specialist over at Hope 4 Hearing Center, in the Copper Vista Dental and Law Office building across the highway from Denny’s. Call 928-425-3359 for additional help.
