By Erin Seamer – Audiologist Hearing Help Newport
Reduced clarity from the TV is a very common problem. While we can turn to volume up, you may start to notice the following;
- Others comment (generally complain) that your TV is too loud
- you start to feel the TV is loud but unclear
- you start to say, “I don’t have a hearing problem I just turn the TV up louder and I’m fine”
You may feel it’s easy to turn the TV up a little louder and resolve your problem but sometimes you create a problem for others. Often becomes apparent when other people or circumstances change. For example when you move into a new home, get a new TV, have extended visits from family, or even in summer (open windows).
TV Headsets can be very useful for those who have;
- Mild hearing loss (but are “not ready” for a hearing aid)
- Significant hearing loss (for those who need the TV a little louder even when wearing hearing aids)
- Noise intolerant/avoidance (useful for those who want to reduce distractions, frequently fitted for those who avoid others sounds or are Neurodiverse)
- Hearing aid wearers (Bluetooth TV streamers connect directly streaming to hearing aids)
- TV headsets fitted by Audiologists are different to those purchased at electronic stores, generally more sophisticated and sometimes medical grade.
Funding is available, and for many patients Hearing Help can provide TV headsets are fully subsidised, this includes;
- Eligible Pensioners (or their spouses)
- Eligible Veterans (or their spouses) – Veterans can access both hearing aids and a TV headset
- Eligible NDIS approved patients
- Eligible patients with Home care packages (in some cases out of pocket expenses may be applicable)
Some of the most common TV headset options include;
Small earbuds such as the Sennheiser TV clear 200 set
- These devices are small, portable and rechargeable. They have Bluetooth capabilities so you can listen to Audible, Netflix, Spotify on the go, ambient/external sounds can be passed through, patients can control features via smartphone app or onboard controls.
