A Guide to Connecting Your Hearing Aids to the Television

For many, watching a favourite movie or television show is a cherished way to relax. However, hearing loss can make this simple pleasure a frustrating experience, often involving turning the volume up to levels that may disturb others.

Fortunately, modern hearing aid technology offers a direct and effective solution. By connecting your hearing aids to your television, you can stream audio directly to your ears, creating a personalised and immersive sound experience. At ACE Audiology, we are dedicated to helping you get the most out of your hearing instruments. This guide will walk you through the process, whether your TV has built-in Bluetooth or not.

The Benefits of Streaming TV Audio to Your Hearing Aids

Connecting your hearing aids directly to your television offers significant advantages beyond just hearing the dialogue.

• Unmatched Clarity: 

Audio is streamed directly to your hearing aids, which are already programmed for your specific hearing needs. This reduces the impact of room acoustics and background noise, delivering sound with exceptional clarity.

• Personalised Volume Control:

You can adjust the streaming volume through your hearing aids or smartphone app to your ideal level, without affecting what others in the room hear. There is no longer a need for a loud, blaring television.

• Discreet and Seamless: 

The connection is wireless and invisible, allowing you to enjoy a seamless audio experience without disturbing anyone else.

How to Connect Your Hearing Aids to Your TV

The connection method will depend on your television’s capabilities. Below, we cover the two most common scenarios.

Method 1: For Smart TVs with Built-in Bluetooth

If you have a modern Smart TV (from brands like Samsung, LG, Sony, etc.), it likely has built-in Bluetooth. You can pair your hearing aids directly to it.

1. Prepare Your Hearing Aids: Place your hearing aids into pairing mode. This is typically done by turning them off and then on again. Please consult your hearing aid’s user manual for specific instructions.
2. Access Your TV’s Settings: Using your TV remote, navigate to the Settings menu.
3. Find the Bluetooth Menu: Look for an option labelled “Bluetooth,” “Sound Output,” or “Audio Devices.”
4. Search for Devices: Select the option to search for or add a new Bluetooth device. Your TV will begin scanning.
5. Select Your Hearing Aids: Your hearing aids should appear in the list of available devices. The name will often include the manufacturer (e.g., “Phonak Hearing Aid” or “Beltone”). Select them to begin pairing.
6. Confirm the Connection: Once connected, your TV audio should now stream directly to your hearing aids. We recommend playing a short video to test the connection and adjust the volume as needed.

Method 2: For TVs Without Bluetooth (Using a TV Streamer)

Many excellent televisions do not have built-in Bluetooth capabilities. For these models, the best solution is a dedicated TV Streamer (also called a TV Adapter). This small device plugs into your television’s audio output port and wirelessly transmits the sound directly to your hearing aids.

Leading manufacturers like Phonak, Oticon, and Beltone produce their own TV streamers designed to work seamlessly with their hearing aids, offering a stable, low-latency connection.

Connecting with a TV Streamer:

1. Connect the Streamer to Power: Plug the TV Streamer into a mains power outlet.
2. Connect to TV Audio Out: Connect the streamer to your television using the provided audio cable (typically optical or RCA).
3. Pair Your Hearing Aids: Place your hearing aids near the TV Streamer to pair them. Most streamers have a simple one-button pairing process.
4. Enjoy the Sound: Once paired, any audio from your TV will automatically stream to your hearing aids when they are within range.

Expert Troubleshooting For Common Connection Issues

If you encounter difficulties, do not be discouraged. Here are some common issues and professional advice on how to resolve them.

Problem: My hearing aids don’t appear in the TV’s device list. 

Solution: Ensure your hearing aids are in pairing mode. Try turning your TV’s Bluetooth off and on again. Also, check your TV’s manual, as some models have a limit on the number of paired devices, and you may need to clear the list.

Problem: The audio is delayed or doesn’t sync with the picture (Audio Lag). 

Solution: Audio lag or latency can sometimes occur with direct Bluetooth connections to a TV. A dedicated TV Streamer is the most effective solution for this, as they are optimised for low-latency transmission, ensuring the audio and video are perfectly synchronised.

Problem: The connection drops out intermittently. 

Solution: Ensure you are within the recommended range (typically 5-10 metres). Physical obstructions like walls and interference from other wireless devices (such as Wi-Fi routers) can also affect the signal. Try moving closer or repositioning the devices.

How ACE Audiology Can Help

Choosing and setting up the right technology is a crucial part of your hearing journey. At ACE Audiology, our team of dedicated audiologists possesses the expertise to guide you.

We can help you:

• Determine if your television is Bluetooth-compatible.
• Recommend the correct TV Streamer for your specific hearing aid model.
• Assist with the pairing and setup process in our clinic.
• Provide ongoing support to ensure you have the best possible listening experience.

If you are having trouble connecting your devices or wish to explore Bluetooth hearing aids and accessories, please contact our team today. We are here to provide a solution that allows you to fully enjoy the activities you love.