When the TV Volume Starts a Family Argument
Robert, 80, kept the television at a volume that rattled the windows, and his wife had started watching in another room. He was not being stubborn; he simply could not make out the dialogue. A TV listening device solves exactly this standoff, delivering clear sound straight to the person who needs it while everyone else enjoys a normal volume. There are two main approaches, and the right one depends on whether your parent already uses hearing aids.
The Short Answer
Choose a wireless TV speaker that sits beside your parent’s chair if they want clear, loud, personalized TV sound without wearing anything on their ears. Choose a personal amplifier with headphones if they want to boost TV and conversation alike and do not mind wearing earphones. Both let the rest of the household keep the TV at a normal level. The speaker is effortless; the amplifier is more flexible.
Serene Innovations TV SoundBox
Wireless speaker that amplifies TV audio right beside you without raising the TV volume
Williams Sound Pocketalker 2.0
Personal sound amplifier with 63dB amplification, directional microphone, and dead-simple operation. Insert batteries, plug in headphones, turn the wheel.
The Wireless TV Speaker Approach
A portable wireless TV speaker streams sound from the television to a small unit your parent keeps within arm’s reach. They control their own volume independently of the main TV, so the room stays comfortable while they get crystal-clear dialogue right next to them. There is nothing to wear and nothing to fuss with once it is set up, which makes it the easiest option for a senior who resists headphones.
The Personal Amplifier Approach
A personal amplifier with headphones picks up and boosts nearby sound, including the TV and conversation. It is more versatile because it helps in restaurants and family gatherings too, not just in front of the television. The tradeoff is that your parent has to wear the earphones, which some seniors find less comfortable than a speaker on the side table.
Our Picks
For effortless, clear TV sound, our pick is a dedicated wireless TV speaker. For flexible boosting of TV and conversation, our pick is a personal amplifier.
Serene Innovations TV SoundBox
Wireless speaker that amplifies TV audio right beside you without raising the TV volume
Check Price on Amazon
Williams Sound Pocketalker 2.0
Personal sound amplifier with 63dB amplification, directional microphone, and dead-simple operation. Insert batteries, plug in headphones, turn the wheel.
Check Price on AmazonWhat We Would Do
If the problem is strictly the television, get the wireless TV speaker, because it is the simplest fix and ends the volume war immediately. If your parent struggles to hear in many settings, the personal amplifier does more for the money. If you are weighing hearing aids too, see our comparison of hearing aids vs amplifiers vs TV speakers.