Beverly Hills Hearing Center was founded in 1983 by Bonnie Baehr. Prior to that, Dr. Baehr practiced at the House Ear Clinic in Los Angeles as a staff audiologist for seven years. She was involved with diagnostic testing, hearing aid evaluations, research and rehabilitation. Dr. Baehr did her clinical fellowship training at the Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic in downtown Los Angeles. She is a member of the American Academy of Audiology, American Speech Language and Hearing Association, California Academy of Audiology and Academy of Doctors of Audiology.
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Watching TV can be a bit challenging for those with hearing loss. But don’t worry, today’s technology offers various solutions to ensure that everyone can still enjoy their favorite shows.
Understanding Hearing Loss and TV-Watching
Hearing loss affects millions of people. Whether it’s due to age, illness, or injury, it can make enjoying TV more difficult. Words may sound muffled, and background noises can overpower the dialogue. Fortunately, understanding the challenge is the first step in overcoming it. There are ways to adapt and improve your TV-watching experience.
Using Subtitles and Closed Captions
One of the simplest ways to make TV more accessible is by using subtitles or closed captions. Subtitles display the dialogue on-screen as text. Closed captions go a step further by also describing sound effects and background noises. Here’s how to enable them:
- Find the settings menu: On most modern TVs, you can access this by pressing the “Menu” button on your remote.
- Select Accessibility or Audio Settings: Look for the section that mentions captions or subtitles.
- Turn on Subtitles or Closed Captions: Choose the option that works best for you. For a richer experience, we recommend closed captions.
Using Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs)
Assistive listening devices can be very helpful. These devices amplify the TV’s sound and send it directly to your ears. Here are some options:
Wireless TV Headphones
Wireless TV headphones can be a great choice. They connect to your TV via Bluetooth or a wireless transmitter. You can adjust the volume independently from the TV’s speakers, allowing others to listen at their preferred volume.
Hearing Loops
Some public places use hearing loops, but you can have a similar system at home. A hearing loop consists of a wire connected to the audio output of your TV. This wire creates an electromagnetic field picked up by a hearing aid or a loop receiver. It delivers clear and direct sound to your ears.
Personal Sound Amplifiers
Small and portable, personal sound amplifiers can boost the volume of your TV. Simply place them near the TV speakers, and they will amplify the sound for you.
Adjusting TV Audio Settings
Modern TVs offer various audio settings that can significantly improve your listening experience. Here are a few adjustments you can make:
Enhancing Dialogue
Many TVs have settings that allow you to enhance dialogue. This can make conversations clearer and easier to understand. Look for settings such as “Voice Clarity,” “Dialogue Enhancement,” or “Speech Mode.”
Reducing Background Noise
Sometimes, background noise can drown out dialogue. Reducing these sounds can improve clarity. Check your TV’s settings for options like “Night Mode” or “Sound Mode.” These settings aim to balance the audio, making speech more prominent.
Custom Equalizer Settings
Some TVs allow you to customize the equalizer settings. Boosting the mid-range frequencies often helps in making speech clearer. Experiment with these settings to find what works best for you.
Streaming Devices and Services
Streaming devices and services also offer features that can assist those with hearing loss. Here’s what you can do:
Enabling Subtitles
All major streaming services, such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, offer subtitles and closed captions. You can enable them through the settings menu of each streaming service.
Using Audio Description Services
Some streaming platforms provide audio description services. This feature narrates what is happening on-screen, offering more context to those with hearing difficulties. Check the settings of your streaming service to activate this feature.
Dedicated Apps
There are apps designed to help with hearing loss. Apps like “Dialog+” allow you to adjust the audio settings on your streaming devices to make dialogue clearer. Explore these options to see what suits your needs.
Seeking Professional Help
If you find that these tips and devices are not enough, consider seeking help from a professional. Hearing health professionals can provide personalized advice and recommend the best hearing aids or other devices that can enhance your TV-watching experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many ways to make TV watching enjoyable for those with hearing loss. Whether you’re using subtitles, assistive listening devices, or adjusting audio settings, you have numerous options to choose from. With these tools and tips, you can continue to enjoy your favorite shows and movies without missing a beat.