Dedicated Device or Bluetooth Alone — What’s the Right Call?
Love watching a good whodunit, checking out your favorite YouTuber’s clips, or having the whole crew over for a sports marathon? Connecting your hearing aids to the TV can transform your sound experience — especially with a dedicated television streamer designed just for your devices.
But you may be wondering, “Why should I use a dedicated device when newer TVs have Bluetooth?” With today’s hearing aids, there are multiple ways to link your devices and enjoy high-quality audio. So we’re breaking down some of the differences and explaining why a dedicated TV streamer may be the way to go.
Hearing Aid Connectivity Options for TV
There are several ways to connect your hearing aids to your television, each with its own pros and cons. These include Bluetooth, telecoil (T-coil) systems, mobile apps, and dedicated TV streamers. Let’s get into each method.
Bluetooth Compatibility
Bluetooth is one of the easiest and most common ways to connect hearing aids to your TV. Many newer hearing aids are Bluetooth-enabled, making it simple to stream audio directly from your TV to your ears. Wireless convenience, the ability to customize sound via your phone or hearing aids, and noise-reduction features offer flexibility and mobility.
If your TV supports Bluetooth (or if you can use an external Bluetooth transmitter), you can simply pair your hearing aids through its Bluetooth settings and adjust the audio settings for optimal listening. That’s easy enough for many users, but it may not provide the best audio quality for all situations — especially if you experience interference or dropouts.
Inductive Loop Systems (Hearing Loops)
For hearing aids with T-coil technology, inductive loop or hearing loop systems offer another option. They create a magnetic field that transmits audio directly to your hearing aids, providing a clear and uninterrupted sound. To use a hearing loop with your compatible hearing aids, you activate your T-coil setting to receive the audio signal.
Benefits of hearing loops includes clear and direct sound transmission right to your ears and effectiveness against background noise. Though reliable, they’re more likely to be found in public places like theaters, airports, or houses of worship rather than installed in private homes. So accessibility can be an issue.
Mobile Applications
Many hearing aid manufacturers offer apps that allow you to control various settings, including audio streaming to your hearing aids from your TV. Some apps also provide direct streaming via Bluetooth, offering more customization and control over your hearing experience. And, typically, the app can be downloaded at no cost.
Benefits of using apps:
- Sound Customization — you can adjust volume, equalization, and other settings to fine-tune your listening experience.
- Noise Filtering — some apps feature noise reduction, improving audio clarity and curbing distractions.
- Ease of Control — apps may let you adjust sound levels or switch between devices (e.g., TV, phone) without needing to handle physical controls.
Pairing your hearing aids with an app can create an individualized TV experience. On the flip side, however, apps don’t always offer the same level of audio quality or stability as dedicated TV streamers. They may also require frequent updates and may depend on a strong internet connection to function seamlessly.
TV Streamers (Dedicated Television Adapters)
For the best sound quality and performance, a dedicated TV streamer is often the most effective solution. TV streamers are specialized devices designed to connect your television to your hearing aids, offering an improved experience over Bluetooth alone. Some of the benefits of this technology include:
- Better Sound — TV streamers provide better clarity and reliability compared to Bluetooth, ensuring uninterrupted and crystal-clear audio.
- Improved Range and Flexibility — They offer a stronger signal that works over greater distances, ideal for larger rooms or when you’re moving around.
- Custom Features — Some TV streamers offer additional features like noise reduction, volume control, and sound equalization, making it easier to tailor the audio to your hearing needs.
- Wider Compatibility — TV streamers can connect to various types of hearing aids and TVs, potentially even those without Bluetooth.
TV streamers may require an additional purchase and setup process, but their benefits outweigh the initial inconvenience. Once installed, they deliver superior sound quality, a more stable connection compared to standard Bluetooth, and advanced features like noise reduction and personalized volume control.
TV Streamers vs. Bluetooth Alone
While Bluetooth is convenient and easy to use, it often comes with limitations, such as signal interference or occasional dropouts. It can also lack the advanced features that a TV streamer offers. In contrast, TV streamers provide several advantages:
- Reliability: TV streamers offer a stronger, more stable connection, ensuring you get uninterrupted audio even in large or complex environments.
- Higher Quality Sound: TV streamers typically offer clearer audio, especially when compared to Bluetooth, which may struggle with audio quality in some situations.
- Advanced Features: Many TV streamers allow for noise reduction, volume control, and sound customization, which are not always available with Bluetooth connections.
- No Pairing Hassles: TV streamers often connect automatically to your hearing aids without the need to pair them repeatedly.
6 Key Points When Connecting Hearing Aids to Your TV
Before setting up your hearing aids with your TV, it’s important to consider a few factors.
1. Hearing Aid Compatibility
Make sure your hearing aids support the connection method you plan to use. Some hearing aids may not be Bluetooth-enabled or may require a T-coil for hearing loops.
2. TV Settings
Check that your TV is compatible with the connection method. Some TVs might need an adapter, such as a Bluetooth transmitter or a dedicated TV streamer.
3. Signal Strength
Ensure your chosen connection method has a strong enough signal to reach your hearing aids, especially if you’re in a larger room or need to move around.
4. Sound Customization
Many modern hearing aids allow you to adjust the sound to your preferences. Take the time to customize the audio for the best experience.
5. Battery Life
Be mindful of your hearing aids’ battery life during long TV-watching sessions, and consider using rechargeable hearing aids or keeping extra batteries on hand.
6. Troubleshooting
Get to know the troubleshooting tips for both your hearing aids and television. Having the user manuals available in hard copy or online can help if you encounter any issues.
Connecting your hearing aids to your TV can greatly enhance your viewing experience, offering clearer sound and greater comfort. While Bluetooth is a convenient and accessible option, a dedicated TV streamer often provides superior sound quality, reliability, and additional customization features.
Wondering which TV streamer’s best for your or a loved one’s hearing aids? Not sure what’s compatible with your hearing technology? Our knowledgeable professionals can explain the options, providing the information you need for a more empowered listening experience. Contact our caring team with your questions. We’re HEAR to help!