Watching TV with a hearing aid

People who wear hearing aids are familiar with the problem when watching television: sometimes it feels as though they are guessing rather than hearing what is happening on the screen.

Hearing aids are small technological marvels designed to amplify and optimise ambient sounds. When watching TV, however, there is often a clash of sounds, with dialogue from the TV competing with ambient noise in the room. As a result, for many people, watching TV with hearing aids is more of a challenge than a relaxing experience. Read on to

find out how you can enjoy watching TV to the full despite wearing hearing aids. From Bluetooth connections and TV adapters to TV sound amplifiers, there are various ways to tailor your TV’s sound to your hearing aid. Read on to find out more.

The basics of watching TV with a hearing aid

How hearing aids work

Hearing aids are complex, technological devices designed to improve or restore hearing. They work by picking up sound waves from the environment, digitally amplifying and modifying them, and then directing the amplified sound into the wearer’s ear. Modern hearing aids can automatically adapt to different listening environments.

Types of hearing aids

There are various types of hearing aids. Among the best-known manufacturers are, for example, Oticon, Signia, Widex and Phonak. Hearing aids can vary in size, shape, functionality and the way they process sound, so that they provide the best possible support for the wearer. Some are almost invisible in the ear canal, whilst others are worn behind the ear. Whether Oticon, Signia, Widex, Phonak or other manufacturers: each model also offers different functions and features, such as wireless connectivity, directional microphones or tinnitus-relieving technologies. Here too, the individual preferences of the wearers play a role.

It is important to note that not all hearing aids are compatible with all types of additional devices or hearing aids, such as certain televisions or Bluetooth devices. This can pose a challenge if users wish to utilise specific functions or connections. It is therefore important to check compatibility with existing or planned devices before purchasing a hearing aid. Expert advice from a hearing care professional can help you find a hearing aid that meets not only your hearing needs but also your technical requirements.

Modern television technology in terms of sound quality

Today’s televisions are no less diverse in terms of their functions and technology. Modern televisions are equipped with advanced audio technologies that deliver clear and dynamic sound quality. Many models offer features such as Dolby Atmos, surround sound systems and customisable audio settings.

These technologies are designed to create an immersive listening experience, but can be problematic for hearing aid users if the sound is not optimally tailored to their specific needs. Some televisions therefore offer special settings or additional devices to enable viewing with hearing aids.

Watching TV with a hearing aid: here are the options

Watching TV with a hearing aid or connecting a hearing aid to your TV may seem complicated at first glance. However, with the right technology, watching TV with a hearing aid is actually quite simple, and the sound quality is excellent. There are various methods available, ranging from special audio settings and direct cable connections to modern wireless solutions, as well as TV adapters or TV hearing amplifiers, which you can simply take with you to your listening spot as portable TV speakers.

Audio settings for hearing aid users

Modern televisions offer a wide range of audio settings that allow you to adjust the volume and sound to suit your individual needs. Hearing aid users should take the time to try out different settings to achieve the best possible audio output. Adjusting the bass and treble settings, for example, can significantly improve speech intelligibility.

In addition, customised hearing programmes tailored to the specific needs of hearing aid users can be helpful. Such programmes allow you to adjust the TV sound so that it harmonises perfectly with the characteristics of the room and the hearing aid. These adjustments can often be made directly on the television set.

However, using these special settings also has disadvantages:

• Shared use:
  If a television is used by several people, the settings optimised specifically for hearing aid users may be less than ideal for other viewers.
  
  
• Individual differences in perception:
  What is a clear and intelligible audio setting for one person may be inadequate for another. This can be particularly challenging for hearing aid users with different types of hearing loss.
  
  
• Complexity of settings:
  For users who are not familiar with the technology, adjusting the audio options on the television can be a challenge.
  

• Time required for fine-tuning:
  Finding the optimal audio settings can be time-consuming, as it often requires several attempts and adjustments to achieve the best possible sound quality.
  
  
• Dependence on the quality of the television:
  Not all televisions offer the same range of audio adjustments. In some cases, the available settings may be limited, which restricts the options for optimising the sound for hearing aid users.

Bluetooth connectivity: Connecting your hearing aid to the TV

One of the most popular and convenient ways to connect your hearing aid to the TV is via Bluetooth. Some modern hearing aids and TVs are equipped with Bluetooth, which enables a wireless connection between the hearing aid and the TV. You can stream the sound directly to your hearing aid, meaning you can adjust the volume individually without disturbing other viewers.

However, the Bluetooth connection also has a few drawbacks when watching TV with hearing aids:

• Unstable connections:
  Occasional interruptions or delays in the sound may occur.
  
  
• Limited range:
  The need to stay close to the television to ensure a constant connection.
  
  
• Higher battery consumption: You may need to recharge or
  change the hearing aid’s battery more frequently.

• Compatibility issues:
  Not all hearing aids and televisions support Bluetooth or are compatible with one another.
  
  
• Isolation:
  Streaming the sound directly into the hearing aid can mean you are less aware of your surroundings, which can lead to a certain degree of isolation.

Alternative connection options: TV adapters, TV streamers, TV connectors

If your TV or hearing aid does not have Bluetooth, don’t worry! There are other options, such as TV adapters, streamers or connectors, which act as a bridge between your TV and your hearing aid. Many of these devices can be adjusted to suit your hearing needs and offer various connection and transmission options, for example via radio or infrared.

However, there are a few potential drawbacks here too that users should be aware of:

• Compatibility issues:
  Not all TV adapters are compatible with all types or models of hearing aids. This can be problematic for users who already own a hearing aid and find that it cannot be paired with available TV adapters.
  
  
• Additional setup and maintenance:
  Installing and setting up a TV adapter requires a certain amount of effort. For people who are not technically savvy, this could pose a problem.
  
  
• Delays in audio transmission:
  In some cases, there may be a slight delay between the picture on the TV and the sound transmitted via the hearing aid, which can affect the viewing experience.
  

• Limited mobility:
  While using the TV adapter, freedom of movement may be restricted, particularly if the adapter requires a physical connection to the television.
  
  
• Power consumption:
  Some TV adapters can increase the hearing aid’s battery consumption, leading to more frequent battery changes or recharging.
  
  
• Isolation from the surroundings:
  The direct transmission of TV sound to the hearing aid may mean that users hear less of their surroundings, which could be problematic in certain situations and limit social interaction.

Wireless headphones

Special wireless headphones for the hard of hearing, such as chin-strap headphones, are another option for hearing aid users to better understand the television. However, they have a clear disadvantage: they often cannot be used at the same time as a hearing aid. This means that hearing aids must be removed from the ears before using the headphones, which can be perceived as cumbersome and annoying in the long run.

Further disadvantages of wireless headphones when watching television with hearing aids include:

• Wearing comfort:
  Wireless headphones, such as over-the-ear headphones, can cause discomfort during prolonged use due to their weight or the pressure on the jaw and ears.
  
  
• Perception of background noise:
  When wearing wireless headphones, everyday noises, such as the rustling of clothing, may be perceived more intensely.
  

• Isolation:
  Using headphones whilst watching TV with family or friends can lead to social distancing. Wearers may feel cut off from conversations and interaction with others.
  
  
• Poorer sound quality:
  Although headphones generally increase the volume, they do not necessarily improve sound quality.

TV hearing amplifiers: Portable TV speakers for hearing aid users

TV hearing amplifiers such as the OSKAR from faller audio offer a great alternative to TV adapters, connectors or direct Bluetooth connections between hearing aids and televisions. Whilst hearing aids are indispensable for many people with hearing loss, they are not always the ideal solution for watching television, as they are primarily designed to amplify speech and ambient noise. The OSKAR TV hearing amplifier, on the other hand, features special technology that amplifies dialogue on the television and filters out distracting background noise. This makes it a helpful addition when watching TV with a hearing aid.

Furthermore, the OSKAR is compatible with all standard TV models that have an optical digital audio output or a 3.5 mm audio output (jack). This means it can be easily connected to almost any television. Furthermore, the hearing aid can be connected to any other device that has one of these connections (e.g. PC, tablet, radio, CD player).

Tips for watching TV with hearing aids

For people with hearing difficulties, watching TV can be a challenge. We would therefore like to offer you a few additional useful tips to help improve your TV viewing experience with hearing aids:

• Have your hearing aids individually fitted by a hearing care professional:
  It is important that your hearing aids or hearing aids are optimally adjusted to your individual needs. A visit to a hearing care professional can help to adjust your hearing aids so that they are specifically optimised for use whilst watching TV.
  
  
• Use special TV hearing aids:
  In addition to your hearing aids, you can use special TV hearing aids such as the OSKAR TV hearing amplifier. It helps to make dialogue clearer and easier to understand by reducing background noise and improving speech intelligibility.
  
  
• Use your TV’s settings:
  Many modern TVs offer special settings that improve speech clarity. These settings can be particularly useful for increasing the intelligibility of dialogue for people with hearing loss.
  
  
• Use “Clear Speech”:
  Since 2022, some TV channels such as Das Erste and some regional programmes have offered an additional audio track called “Clear Speech”. This audio track, which runs alongside the original audio track, has been technically processed to improve speech intelligibility.
  
  
• Use subtitles:
  Subtitles are an excellent aid for people with hearing difficulties. They allow you to follow what is happening on screen, even if the sound quality or speech intelligibility is not optimal.
  
  
• Consider positioning and room acoustics:
  The positioning of the television and the acoustics of the room play an important role when watching TV with hearing aids. Ensure that your viewing area is acoustically well-positioned and avoid places with high background noise or echo effects.
  
  
• Have your hearing aids serviced and adjusted regularly:
  Ensure that your hearing aids and hearing devices are serviced and checked regularly. Proper maintenance by a hearing care professional guarantees that your devices function optimally.