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Any TV from the last 10 years will connect to a soundbar, and I never use an auxiliary jack. Attached below are the connections that a TV and soundbar might have.
Cindy, are you using an antenna, or do you have another source (cable box, streaming device, etc)?
I have a cable box. I can't remember how old the TV is. I got a new one but my friend couldn't connect it well. So I'll try using the old TV for a while anyway.
Off topic, but I rely on closed captioning a lot while my hearing aids are broken. I use CC a lot anyway, like when I am too lazy to use the hearing aids or it is a show/movie that is not heavy on dialogue.
Your TV may not support closed captioningor maybe you just don't want to have to take your eyes off the picture. In any event, that wasn't the help you were looking for. I don't know how you can just "hear better" without hearing aids. Anything else will only yield a small improvement, and probably not significant. Once you stop being able to make out the sounds of some letters, just making everything louder doesn't help unless it is a LOT LOUDER.
I would just caution against headphones. They tend to accelerate hearing loss. If you are hearing is already going, headphones will just speed up that process.
You don't have to use damaging loud with headset or ear buds. But it greatly enhances ability to clearly hear the details of dialogue and music
With a. Older TV, you may need a sound bar to implement a wireless device. You can find sound bars at thrift stores.
My mom introduced the TV ears 10+ yrs ago, as she and her spouse preferred different programs, so they used a split screen TV and each enjoyed their programming and audio and visitors could chose to hear nothing. (Total silence while they heard their programs). Chose something very light, with a built in charger on a convenient holder that can hang nearby (reaching distance).
Off topic, but I rely on closed captioning a lot while my hearing aids are broken. I use CC a lot anyway, like when I am too lazy to use the hearing aids or it is a show/movie that is not heavy on dialogue.
Your TV may not support closed captioningor maybe you just don't want to have to take your eyes off the picture. In any event, that wasn't the help you were looking for. I don't know how you can just "hear better" without hearing aids. Anything else will only yield a small improvement, and probably not significant. Once you stop being able to make out the sounds of some letters, just making everything louder doesn't help unless it is a LOT LOUDER.
I would just caution against headphones. They tend to accelerate hearing loss. If you are hearing is already going, headphones will just speed up that process.
As I referenced in my earlier post, this company - ZVOX ( https://zvox.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI...SAAEgJ18_D_BwE ) does make equipment that improves the listening experience. I listed their Amazon store in the previous post.
From their site: "Can't Hear Voices On TV?AccuVoice Is The Answer. ZVOX is the industry leader in dialogue-boosting speakers. Our AccuVoice TV Speakers use patented hearing aid technology to lift voices out of background noises, making dialogue clear and easy to understand - even at low volumes."
I was able to use a small soundbar style speaker and move it closer to the listening position (thus reducing the need for higher volume). We adjusted the settings that best suited the user, Since then, I haven't heard any complaints.
Added note: the person using the speaker recently had a hearing test and was told that they did need hearing aids. And no, I have no connection with that company except for being a customer.
Last edited by Paul_G; 01-17-2024 at 03:57 PM..
Reason: added content
Off topic, but I rely on closed captioning a lot while my hearing aids are broken. I use CC a lot anyway, like when I am too lazy to use the hearing aids or it is a show/movie that is not heavy on dialogue.
Your TV may not support closed captioningor maybe you just don't want to have to take your eyes off the picture. In any event, that wasn't the help you were looking for. I don't know how you can just "hear better" without hearing aids. Anything else will only yield a small improvement, and probably not significant. Once you stop being able to make out the sounds of some letters, just making everything louder doesn't help unless it is a LOT LOUDER.
I would just caution against headphones. They tend to accelerate hearing loss. If you are hearing is already going, headphones will just speed up that process.
ok, good points. I bought a soundbar today but honestly can't figure how to connect it. Because I don't know that much about my TV and it calls for connections I haven't the vaguest idea about. I may call a friend. Most of the stations, now that you mention it, I can hear ok. There are a few that are muffled. Probably what I need to do is call the cable service. And maybe return the soundbar. :-( oh well. P.S. Although I do have hearing loss. I have to ask people to speak louder sometimes.
About 5 years ago, i wanted a little more volume on my 40 inch flatscreen tv, so i hooked up a pair of old speakers i have from one of my old computers. This has helped when a program i''m watching needs a little more volume. I hooked the speakers up to the audio out connection on the back of my tv
Sometimes i use closed captioning setting when the speaking dialogue isn't clear to my hearing.
ok, good points. I bought a soundbar today but honestly can't figure how to connect it. Because I don't know that much about my TV and it calls for connections I haven't the vaguest idea about. I may call a friend. Most of the stations, now that you mention it, I can hear ok. There are a few that are muffled. Probably what I need to do is call the cable service. And maybe return the soundbar.
The cable company doesn't fix "muffled" stations.
I'm not giving up on you if you don't want to pay the Best Buy Geek Squad $100 to hook it up. Does your new soundbar include cables? Which cables does it include? My post #10 shows all the cable/connection types. You may need a flashlight to look at the back of the TV.
- Write down the exact make and model number of the TV
- Look at the cable between the cable box and the TV and match it up with one of the connection types in my post #10. Which is it?
- Give us the make and model of your new soundbar as well.
We can look up all the connection types available for your TV and soundbar and make a recommendation which one you should use. If you can physically make the connections we might be able to guide you through it.
Last edited by akrausz; 01-18-2024 at 05:26 AM..
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