Ask An Audiologist: My family complains about the television volume whenever I switch it on!

Isabel graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences and a Master’s degree in Audiology from the National University of Singapore. With a strong passion to promote hearing awareness and hearing rehabilitation especially among the elderly in Singapore, Isabel provides training and support to Hearing Care Professionals in Singapore on behalf of Signia.

Today we catch up with her with some frequently asked questions!

I enjoy watching television, but my family complains about the loud television volume whenever I switch it on. Is there any solution for this?

Whenever Signia runs a consumer roadshow, I often ask the people I meet: “Do people say that your television or radio volume is set too high?” – and most people do reply with a resounding yes. Watching television is often difficult for hearing impaired people as the full range of frequencies are not presented through the television speaker. Thus, they tend to find that television sounds are not clear and turn up the volume.

A fellow audiologist, Alyssa, chips in that this question comes up in private clinic consultations as well. Some questions that she asks are: “what is the biggest challenge you have with your hearing loss?” or “what do your family members say about your hearing loss?” with the answer often being: watching television is difficult, especially when they are sitting together with their family members.

Hearing loss causing a quarrel between couple!

I once met an elderly couple where the husband was suffering from hearing loss since a few years ago. However, like many others suffering from hearing loss, they chose to ignore it. After all, it seemed like a normal sign of aging and it was not affecting their communication.

His hearing loss became a daily challenge for them, as he would always turn the television volume up to unbearable levels. Their frequent fights finally drove them to visit a hearing care professional, where the husband was prescribed a pair of hearing aids. They also purchased a StreamLine TV accessory to adjust the television volume to their own liking.

Making use of Bluetooth technology, Signia’s StreamLine TV streams sound straight to your hearing aids at an optimum volume. This provides a convenient way of watching television without needing to turn up the volume. And in a family situation, enjoy the program together through the television speakers at a volume comfortable for them! You do not even have to get up from your seat to control the StreamLine TV, just use Signia’s useful mobile app as a remote control.

There are many signs of hearing loss.

Having trouble understanding conversation, or turning up the volume of the television to an unbearable level – are some of the many signs of hearing loss. A way to know for sure is to visit a hearing care professional for a hearing test. If needed, find out more about treatments and hearing aids to prevent such conditions from deteriorating further!

If you feel that you are having problems with your hearing and would like to find out more, you can use our handy Store Locator to find your nearest hearing care professional!