Age Related Hearing Loss
Age related hearing loss (also known as presbycusis) is a natural part of getting older, with one in two people over the age of 65 experiencing it.
As we get older, we naturally experience changes in the inner ear. This common type of hearing impairment is usually caused when the tiny hairs in the ear are damaged or die (sensorineural hearing loss) and means that the elderly can have trouble hearing the TV.
They can struggle to hear high-pitched sounds, softer voices (such as women and children) and it can be harder to hear dialogue if there is background noise on the TV programme (for example if a news reporter is talking somewhere crowded).
This is why listening devices for the hearing impaired that improve TV audio can make such a difference.
When the Background Noise is Louder Than Voice On TV
Do your parents find that the background music is louder than the voice on the TV? That’s because, as people get older, they are more likely to pick up the lower end of the sonic range and have trouble hearing higher frequency (like voices). When it comes to TV watching, they hear background music over dialogue.
Tweaking the audio settings on the TV could help adjust this, so it’s always worth looking at that as a first port of call. If you can change sound mode, opt for ‘news’, ‘voice’ or ‘speech’ mode.
Then, turn down the bass and increase the treble. If possible, turn off audio enhancements like Dolby surround sound. This helps people who are hearing impaired hear the TV better and improve TV sound clarity.
People tend to just turn the TV volume up when they can’t hear – which can make the background noise even worse.
Devices to Hear the TV Better
Now you understand why hearing loss affects us as we age, let’s find out what useful gadgets are available to help the elderly hear the TV better.
At Hearing Loop we have several devices that will aid with the hearing of the television, so that your neighbours no longer have to suffer with the high volume!
We stock two Sonumaxx Systems that both amplify the noise of the television, the 230-461 Sonumaxx 2.4 PR Neckloop System features a neck loop for added comfort. Whereas the 230-450 Sonumaxx 2.4 Headset System features in-ear headphones to allow the users to hear the television as well as conversations.
For users who do not wish to where a device around their neck, then we also offer alternative solutions. Our LA240 Home Induction Loop Pad System is a system that picks up the sound from a TV via a direct connection or microphone and feeds it to the amplifier. The sound is then passed to a loop of wire around the listening area, which in turn transmits the sound inductively, “magnetic sound waves”, to a hearing aid with the loop facility. This allows for optimum comfort and easy for users who currently wear hearing aids.
One of our most popular TV hearing loop kits in the PDA103S. This kit includes everything you need to create a high-quality domestic hearing loop system for bedrooms, living rooms, TV lounges and studies up to 50m2 in size.
For more information on all your hearing loop needs, please be sure to check out our online shop and please get in touch with any questions.
Age Related Hearing Loss
Age related hearing loss (also known as presbycusis) is a natural part of getting older, with one in two people over the age of 65 experiencing it.
As we get older, we naturally experience changes in the inner ear. This common type of hearing impairment is usually caused when the tiny hairs in the ear are damaged or die (sensorineural hearing loss) and means that the elderly can have trouble hearing the TV.
They can struggle to hear high-pitched sounds, softer voices (such as women and children) and it can be harder to hear dialogue if there is background noise on the TV programme (for example if a news reporter is talking somewhere crowded).
This is why listening devices for the hearing impaired that improve TV audio can make such a difference.
When the Background Noise is Louder Than Voice On TV
Do your parents find that the background music is louder than the voice on the TV? That’s because, as people get older, they are more likely to pick up the lower end of the sonic range and have trouble hearing higher frequency (like voices). When it comes to TV watching, they hear background music over dialogue.
Tweaking the audio settings on the TV could help adjust this, so it’s always worth looking at that as a first port of call. If you can change sound mode, opt for ‘news’, ‘voice’ or ‘speech’ mode.
Then, turn down the bass and increase the treble. If possible, turn off audio enhancements like Dolby surround sound. This helps people who are hearing impaired hear the TV better and improve TV sound clarity.
People tend to just turn the TV volume up when they can’t hear – which can make the background noise even worse.
Devices to Hear the TV Better
Now you understand why hearing loss affects us as we age, let’s find out what useful gadgets are available to help the elderly hear the TV better.
At Hearing Loop we have several devices that will aid with the hearing of the television, so that your neighbours no longer have to suffer with the high volume!
We stock two Sonumaxx Systems that both amplify the noise of the television, the 230-461 Sonumaxx 2.4 PR Neckloop System features a neck loop for added comfort. Whereas the 230-450 Sonumaxx 2.4 Headset System features in-ear headphones to allow the users to hear the television as well as conversations.
For users who do not wish to where a device around their neck, then we also offer alternative solutions. Our LA240 Home Induction Loop Pad System is a system that picks up the sound from a TV via a direct connection or microphone and feeds it to the amplifier. The sound is then passed to a loop of wire around the listening area, which in turn transmits the sound inductively, “magnetic sound waves”, to a hearing aid with the loop facility. This allows for optimum comfort and easy for users who currently wear hearing aids.
One of our most popular TV hearing loop kits in the PDA103S. This kit includes everything you need to create a high-quality domestic hearing loop system for bedrooms, living rooms, TV lounges and studies up to 50m2 in size.
For more information on all your hearing loop needs, please be sure to check out our online shop and please get in touch with any questions.
