How to Choose a TV Listening System

Watching movies and television is a past time that we all enjoy, yet those living with hearing loss often find themselves struggling to participate or enjoy this activity.

Do you find yourself turning the volume up to exceptional levels? Are you having a difficult time understanding words from higher frequency voices (i.e. children)? Perhaps those in your household no longer enjoy watching tv with you due to the volume related battles? 

If these scenarios describe your tv listening experiences, we can help. A TV listening system is an amazing device that connects easily to your TV and allows you independent volume control and so much more. 

Here are a couple of features to keep in mind as you select the right system for you: 

• Tone Control | This feature isn't present on all options, and if you have difficulties hearing higher frequency voices then you will definitely want to narrow your search to items that offer this feature. Tone control provides the flexibility of adjusting the actual sound down to a frequency that is easier for you to hear. Many times this feature significantly reduces or eliminates the need for extra volume or amplification entirely. 
• Balance | Simply put, this is the sound that comes out of both the left and right side of the product in use. If you have hearing loss that is greater on one side than the other, than balance control will provide you the flexibility of increasing sound more on that side compared to the other. 
• Wireless Design | All of the systems that we sell here at ADCO are wireless, but there are some products on the market that result in a long cord being placed between the TV and your seat. This is a trip hazard, which can cause problems that no one should have to deal with. For this reason, none of the products that we sell will require a cord between you and the TV. Instead, the transmitter easily connects directly to your TV (generally using the RCA audio cords), and then wirelessly transmits the sound to the receiver that you will wear. 
• Sound Signal | There are three different types of sound signals that are used today with TV listening systems: 
• Infrared (IR) - this is the oldest type of sound signal, and one that we no longer sell. However, if you are considering an infrared system keep in mind that you MUST maintain line-of-sight. If you turn sideways or walk out of the direct transmission path, you will no longer have a sound signal. 
• Radio Frequency (RF) - this is the most common option used today and does NOT require a direct line-of-sight path.  In fact, you can easily walk around without losing the sound from your device. 
• Bluetooth - This signal is quickly becoming more popular for TV listening systems, and generally provides added flexibility of connecting to multiple sound sources. While there aren't too many products in this category (yet!), this is a high-quality option worth considering. 

For your added convenience, we have prepared a comparison chart that summarizes the most popular systems that we sell. If you find that you still have questions, please contact us at 800-726-0851 or email sales@adcohearing.com and our product experts will gladly assist you.