TV Amplifier Systems

- The product ClearSounds IL95 Connectivity Cable has been added to comparison list.
- The product Sennheiser Set 840S RF TV Sound Amplifier System with Bodypack Receiver has been added to comparison list.

Many people with hearing loss find it difficult to enjoy their favorite television programs because they struggle to hear what’s being said. You may find that you’re turning up the TV really loud to try and compensate for your hearing loss, without even realizing it. This can be frustrating not only for you, but for others in the room. With a TV amplifying system, you can listen to the TV at a volume that’s comfortable for you, without disturbing anyone else in the room!

A TV amplifying system consists of two main parts—a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter connects to your television and transmits audio from the TV to the receiver that is worn by the listener.

Wearing Styles

Neckloop
Neckloop wearing TV amplifier style

For those with telecoil equipped hearing aids
The neckloop style receiver is worn comfortably around the neck, and sends sound directly to your telecoil equipped hearing aid(s) through a magnetic signal.

Stethoscope
Stethoscope wearing TV amplifier style

The stethoscope style receiver is the most common wearing style. The earpiece goes directly into the ear canal. This style is great for those who do not have hearing aids, or for those who prefer to take them out while watching TV.

Headphone
Headphone wearing TV amplifier style

The headphone style receiver can be worn with or without hearing aids by simply wearing it like a traditional pair of headphones.

Technology

TV amplifying systems use two different types of technology to send the sound signal to the receivers—Infrared (IR) and Radio Frequency/FM (RF). Both types of systems have a transmitter that hooks directly into the audio output jacks (red and white) on your TV, DVD player, cable box, or other sound source. If you do not have audio output jacks on your TV, many of our systems will connect to your TV through the headset jack, though this usually requires an additional accessory.
TV Amp Technology Graphic

Radio Frequency/FM Systems (yellow in the above graphic)
RF/FM TV amplifying system transmit sounds through radio waves. These systems give the user mobility, as the signal easily travels through walls and ceilings. If you like to listen to the TV while doing other things around your home, an FM system would suit you perfectly.

Infrared Systems (red in the above graphic)
IR TV amplifying systems transmit sounds from the TV through invisible light waves to a receiver that is within “line-of-sight” of the TV. These systems are more secure because sounds cannot “spill over” into other rooms, but this means you can’t hear the TV if you’re in a different room. If you have multiple systems in your home, in the proximity of your home, or you live in an apartment complex, an infrared system might be a good choice for you.