Olga Lis, MS, CCC-A is the president of Audiology Central. Olga’s experience in the field of Audiology spans 20 years. She received a Master of Science degree from Brooklyn College CUNY in 1998. Olga spent two years as part of the Cochlear Implant Team at Lenox Hill Hospital and eight years as the coordinator of the Cochlear Implant Program in Long Island College Hospital.

Latest posts by Olga Lis, MS, CCC-A (see all)

Fall TV Premieres and Using Hearing Aid Connectivity for Better Sound - October 15, 2024
Answering Common Questions About Hearing Aids - October 5, 2024
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Hearing Aid Technology - September 28, 2024

Fall is a time of falling leaves and the return of pumpkin-spiced everything. It’s also the season of much-anticipated fall TV premieres. For hearing aid users, this season is a perfect opportunity to leverage advanced hearing aid connectivity features for an enhanced watching experience.

The technology integrated into modern hearing devices can transform your TV watching, making every line of dialogue crystal clear and ensuring you don’t miss a beat of your favorite shows. Here’s how you can use hearing aid connectivity to improve your TV sound this fall.

Embrace Bluetooth Connectivity

Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids have been a game-changer for those with hearing impairments. By pairing your hearing devices directly with your TV or a compatible streaming device, you can stream audio directly to your hearing aids. This direct connection eliminates background noise and delivers the show’s audio clearly, making it easier to follow complex storylines or catch subtle dialogue nuances.

How to Set It Up

Check Compatibility: Ensure both your hearing aids and TV support Bluetooth connectivity.
Pairing: Follow the instructions provided by your hearing aid manufacturer to pair your devices with your TV. This usually involves going into the settings menu of your TV and selecting the hearing aids from the list of available Bluetooth devices.
Adjust Volume: Once connected, you can control the volume directly via your hearing aids, allowing for a personalized listening experience without affecting the volume for others in the room.

Utilize TV Streamers

For hearing aids not equipped with direct Bluetooth connectivity, TV streamers can be an effective workaround. These devices act as a bridge, receiving the audio from your TV and then streaming it to your hearing aids. This still allows for a direct audio feed, ensuring you get clear sound without lag time.

Setting Up a TV Streamer

Connect the Streamer to Your TV: This usually involves a simple audio out cable or an optical cable connection.
Pair with Your Hearing Aids: Activate the pairing mode on both the streamer and your hearing aids. They should connect automatically.
Enjoy: You can now enjoy your TV with audio streaming directly to your hearing aids.

Telecoil (T-Coil) Systems

Another method to improve TV sound through your hearing aids is by using a Telecoil system, often referred to as a T-Coil. This technology picks up magnetic signals representing sound and can be used in conjunction with loop systems that many TVs have. This allows for a clearer sound without background noise and without the need for a direct physical connection.

How to Use a T-Coil with Your TV

Check for T-Coil Compatibility: Make sure both your hearing aids and your TV support Telecoil technology.
Activate the T-Coil Mode on your Hearing Aids: This can generally be done through your hearing aid settings.
Tune In: Once everything is set up, the audio from your TV will be transmitted directly to your hearing aids via the magnetic loop.

Smartphone Apps for Customization

Many hearing aid manufacturers offer smartphone apps that allow users to fine-tune their hearing aids’ settings for specific environments, including watching TV. These apps can adjust the audio quality, tone, and balance, making the sound from the TV clearer and more enjoyable.

Tips for Using Smartphone Apps

Download the App: Ensure you’ve downloaded the app that corresponds with your hearing aid model.
Explore Presets: Many apps come with preset modes for different listening environments. Find the one that best suits watching TV.
Customize: Use the app to adjust the sound settings to your personal preference. You can usually save these settings for future use.

Tips for an Optimal Experience

Positioning: Situate yourself in a spot where you can clearly see the TV and where the sound is most direct if you’re not using a direct connection.
Background Noise: Try to minimize background noise in the room to reduce interference.
Battery Life: Streaming can drain your hearing aids’ battery faster, so ensure they are fully charged or keep spares handy.
Consult a Professional: If you’re having trouble setting up any of these features, consult with your hearing health professional for assistance.

Visit Us to Learn About Your Connectivity Options

Fall TV premieres don’t have to be marred by poor sound quality or missed dialogue. Thanks to the range of connectivity options available in modern hearing aids, there are more ways than ever to enjoy a clear, crisp listening experience. So, grab your pumpkin-spiced latte, settle in on the couch, and enjoy your favorite fall TV premieres with sound that does them justice.