TV Ears: What They Are and How They Work

Hearing loss is a common health concern for seniors. Seniors with hearing loss are more prone to developing dementia than adults with normal hearing. Additionally, hearing loss can make it difficult for seniors to enjoy their routine activities, like watching TV, making calls, or hearing music. It might make them agitated and depressed.

Here is where comes hearing aid devices. A hearing aid is not suitable for everyone who has hearing loss. However, just one in every five persons who could benefit from them wears them. They are usually for those who have impairment to their inner ear or the nerve that connects the ear to the brain.

What Is Age-Related Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss related to aging is a common condition that affects many older persons. Presbycusis is another term for age-related hearing loss. Though not a life-threatening disease, it can influence the quality of life. Communications with friends and family may be complex for people who have hearing problems. They may also have difficulty comprehending medical advice, adhering to warnings, and perceiving doorbells and sirens.

Seniors who can’t hear adequately could become depressed or separate from others because they’re frustrated or ashamed about not comprehending what someone has said. In addition, since they can’t hear properly, older adults are sometimes misunderstood as being confused, inattentive, or unpleasant.

Causes of Age-Related Hearing Loss

A person goes through various bodily changes as they age. The same happens with the ear structure. These may include changes in the inner ear structure, changes in blood flow to the ear, cochlear nerve impairments, structural changes in the Broca’s area (area of the brain involved in speech), excess exposure to loud noises, and usage of certain medications, and diabetes.

Signs and Symptoms of Hearing Loss

Symptoms of age-related hearing loss typically begin with an inability to hear high-pitched sounds. You may notice that you have difficulty hearing the voices of females or children. You may also have trouble hearing background noises or difficulty hearing others speak clearly. 

 An individual should consult a doctor if he is experiencing difficulty listening over the phone. It’s hard to understand conversations when two or more individuals are speaking. Request that people keep repeating what they are talking about. Additionally, seniors might also switch up the TV volume to clearly understand and listen.

Types of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss manifests itself in a variety of ways. It can vary from a modest loss, in which an individual misses some high-pitched noises, such as women’s and children’s voices, to complete hearing loss. However, hearing loss is classified into two main types.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Damage to the organs in your inner ear or the auditory nerve causes sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). It is responsible for more than 90% of elderly hearing impairment. Exposure to loud noises, genetic factors, and the biological aging process are all common causes of SNHL. The cochlea, a spiraling organ inside the inner ear, consists of tiny hairs known as stereocilia. These hairs transform acoustic waves oscillations into neural impulses that the auditory nerve sends to the brain. Sound exposure of more than 85 decibels can harm the stereocilia.

However, hearing loss may not occur unless 30 to 50 percent of these hairs are destroyed. 85 dB is comparable to hearing heavy traffic sounds inside a car. SNHL is not a life-threatening illness, although it can impair communication if not adequately handled.

Conductive Hearing Loss

When sound cannot travel through the outer or middle ear, individuals can develop conductive hearing loss. For example, fluid buildup, ear infection, a perforation in the eardrum, benign tumors, cerumen, blockage by foreign objects, and genetic abnormalities in the outer or middle ear cause conductive hearing loss.

Both forms of hearing impairment might create similar effects. People with conductive hearing loss, on the other hand, frequently hear muffled noises, but individuals with SNHL perceive muffled and distorted voices. Some persons have a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. The hearing impairment is mixed if there are difficulties before and after the cochlea.

Sudden Hearing Loss

Abrupt sensorineural hearing loss, often known as sudden hearing loss, is a temporary loss of hearing. It can happen at once or over at least 3 days. It should be treated as a genuine emergency. Corticosteroids are the most commonly used treatment for abrupt hearing loss. Corticosteroids should be taken (only with the doctor’s advice) within two weeks of the onset of short hearing loss for the best chance of restoring hearing.

Device To Help With Hearing Loss

If an individual is diagnosed with hearing loss, a doctor or specialist recommends using a hearing aid. Hearing aids are electronic, battery-powered devices that increase the volume of sounds, making it more clear for older folks to watch television. Hearing aids come in a variety of styles.

Types of Hearing Aids

The ENT specialist of an audiologist will help an individual get a hearing aid best suited for them. The best hearing aid device for an individual is based on the type of hearing loss they have, how severe the hearing loss is, their age, lifestyle, the amount of watching TV, and the cost they can afford. There are two main types of hearing aids.

Analog Hearing Aids 

Acoustic waves are converted to electronic impulses, which are subsequently amplified. As a result, they’re typically less priced and have specific volume settings.

Digital Hearing Aids

Sound waves are converted into numerical codes, equivalent to computer codes, and then amplified. The code contains data about the frequency or volume of a sound and its location. The digital hearing aid makes it easier to tailor the sound quality to one’s preferences. Most will adjust on their own. Although this type is more expensive than an analog hearing aid, the outcomes are superior. They’re also more efficient and compact.

But individuals with hearing aids face difficulties watching TV, a video, or their favorite movie or TV show in their spare time. To help address these obstacles, audio technology firms provide some assistive listening devices developed explicitly for TV viewing and a wireless headset or Bluetooth headphones for TV. However, not all hearing aids are created equal: they range in innovation, features, pricing, benefits, and other factors.

TV Ears is the best-selling brand of TV surveillance devices in the United States, but are they the ideal option for your dear ones? This article will cover everything about TV Ears, including what they are, how they function, and what tv ears product is ideal for the needs.

What Are TV Ears?

Several firms have created TV enhancers to assist people with hearing impairments in watching TV shows or videos. These devices are frequently referred to together as “TV Ears.” TV Ears is an auditory software company that manufactures assistive listening gadgets for individuals with hearing problems. These are sound amplifiers that bring TV audio straight into the recipient’s ear, assisting in separating voice from background sound.

The company, founded in 1998 and is now based in San Diego, California, has sold over 2 million gadgets. George Dennis, the corporation’s founding member, created the initial TV Ears gadget for his father, who watched television so loudly that his neighbors complained to the neighborhood’s management. Dennis’ father had attempted to use assistive hearing aids to listen to TV sounds but discovered that they did not function well enough, prompting Dennis to design the TV Ears device.

How Do TV Ears Work?

TV Ears work differently than “traditional” hearing aids. They aren’t even categorized as hearing aids. The TV Ears original headset is a wireless set of two earbuds that users insert into their ears, similar to traditional headphones. A featherweight headset that swings beneath the user’s chin, similar to a stethoscope, these earphones are linked. A transmitter connected to the TV transfers the sound from the TV straight to the TV Ears headphones, letting users hear the enhanced audio in their ears.

A microchip inside the device isolates and amplifies speech tones, making it more straightforward to interpret communication. The TV Ears headset’s wireless 2.3MHz infrared circuitry broadcasts audio over a coverage range of 600 square feet at a high capacity of 120 dB. This states that users have to be within the TV’s sightline to watch TV comfortably to hear the sound. Users may change the volume by twisting a lever on the TV Ears professional headphone, which functions irrespective of the book on the TV. It implies that customers can watch tv with family and friends while listening to music at an acceptable volume. Furthermore, with a single transmitter, two or more persons can utilize TV Ears headphones simultaneously.

According to the firm, TV Ears are compatible with any television screen. In addition, they are compatible with standard television, cable television, satellite television, VCRs, DVDs, and audio setups. Users should note that TV Ears require a replaceable battery with a lasting life of 4-6 hours. Depending on how frequently you use it, this battery will last between 1 and 2 years. Customers can purchase replacement batteries at the TV Ears website. TV ears have been ranked as the best tv headphones for older adults or people with hearing impairments.

TV Ears creates numerous models of the device based on the user’s and television set’s specific demands. According to the TV Ears website, the product variety and pricing are valid as of this writing.

Amazon product

TV Ears Original Wireless Headset Analog

It’s an excellent system because just the person with hearing loss needs to hear the improved sound. In addition, the television can play at the volume desired by individuals watching it, resulting in two varieties of audio being sent to those watching it. Doctors recommend them as TV listening headphones for seniors, and they are readily available on Amazon.

Features

It consists of voice clarifying circuitry with double the strength at 120 decibels. It connects wirelessly to the analog TV through infrared technology, so ensure there is no interruption in the transmitter’s line of sight to provide a solid signal.

Individuals can turn up the headphone volume, whereas others mute or adjust the television sound to their chosen level because the television and headset volume operate independently. The audio frequency response ranges from 20 to 20,000 hertz.

This wireless headset is ultra-lightweight and has excellent battery life for increased comfort. Background noise-reducing foam ear tips ensure the headset’s optimum volume. Experts recommend rotating the ear tips into multiple positions to fit them for the most incredible audio quality with the ear canals.

The box includes a 5.0 rechargeable and wireless headset, 5.0 analog transmitter, rechargeable battery, auxiliary audio cord, analog audio cord, and power supply.

TV Ears Dual Digital Wireless Headset System

The dual digital headphones set is the next device in the range. It is the most efficient television listening headphone system available. It has twice as many light-emitting diodes as a single digital system. Users receive two sets of headphones rather than one. This is ideal for couples who have hearing impairments. It is also less expensive to buy two on Amazon.

Features

TV ears 5.0 dual digital features system is twice as strong as conventional TV Ears systems. Wireless connectivity technology is used. The measurements are 8 x 5.4375 x 0.6875 inches. Bluetooth is used as a wireless communication medium.

TV Ears Digital Wireless Headphones System

Because more and more TVs are offering digital sound, it is now feasible to purchase a specifically built headset to work with digital screens. This technology enables consumers to benefit immensely from the advances provided by modern digital audio systems. They work with any TV supporting Dolby, SRS, or PCM specifications. They also operate independently of the television’s speakers, which is essential. It is easily accessible on Amazon.

Features

These headphones have the same appearance as analog headsets and provide perks. However, due to the lighter elements used inside the headphones, they are much more comfortable. In addition, they are only 2oz in weight. Several audiologists highly recommend this type of TV hearing equipment. It works on wireless TV connectivity technology and delivers audio frequency response between 20 to 20,000 Hz. It holds a space for an additional headset if it is needed. Its UHF technology allows a person to listen from more than 50 feet.

TV Ears Additional Wireless Headset

These additional wireless headsets are compatible with TV ears originals, TV ears dual digital, and TV ears digital wireless headsets, respectively. It is readily available on Amazon.

Features

The TV ears’ additional wireless headset features the same qualities as the TV ears’ original headsets. It Features the best circuitry for voice clarification. In addition, it features a design wireless headset that is exceptionally light. Foam ear tips that reduce background music. With 120db, users get twice the power. TV Ears 5.0, 2.3, and 3.0 systems are all compatible. The packaging does not include a charger or a transmitter.

Simolio IR Wireless TV Headphones

Infrared technology (IR) is used in this product. The reception distance is less than 10 meters, or the transmission will be interrupted by barriers caused by the infrared working principle’s limitations. These headphones are suitable for people who have pacemakers and will not interfere with WiFi. Ideal for usage in a senior living facility or care home. It is readily available on Amazon.

Features

These digital wireless headphones are best for TV and feature Voice highlighting and noise reduction to minimize background noise on TV and make talks stand out. In addition, the automatic signal control stabilizes the output, preventing the ears from being injured by a rapid increase in TV levels. 

Users can choose TONE (Treble/Normal/Bass) to get the best sound frequency for clearly hearing the desired sound. The BALANCE adjustment is intended for persons with different hearing levels in their left and right ears.

Impressive durability and comfortability of wireless TV headsets for the elderly or the deaf, featuring robust components at the headset handles for adjusting to a comfortable shape. In addition, earloops and amazingly soft memory foam ear tips help an individual feel much more relaxed.

Final Thoughts

Hearing loss with age is a gradual condition. If a person suffers hearing loss, it’s irreversible. Despite hearing loss worsening over time, adopting assistive equipment can enhance the quality of life. It’s critical to understand that the hearing aid cannot restore the hearing to its former potential. However, users will become more conscious of noises and where they emanate.

If a person experiences signs of age-related hearing impairment, it is advised to seek immediate medical attention. This is because the individual’s capacity to understand speech is more likely to deteriorate as their hearing loss worsens. Individuals who seek early therapy, on the other hand, have a better chance of retaining or minimizing the loss of this skill.

There’s no explanation why affected individuals can’t continue to enjoy the series and movies they’ve always cherished watching with the correct TV audio device. In addition, individuals who have used wireless TV headphones frequently find the gadget so valuable that they investigate the use of assistive devices in their daily life.