If you’re finding that the nightly news or your favourite drama is getting harder to follow – and you keep asking your partner, “What did they just say?” – you’re far from alone. Hearing the TV isn’t always easy as we get older, but thanks to new technology and a few clever tricks, you don’t have to miss a minute of the action. Here’s a Starts at 60 guide designed for the savvy 60+ crowd, packed with practical tips to help you banish that “mumbling TV” problem for good.
It’s a common trap: the minute dialogue blurs, you nudge up the volume. But often, it’s not about how loud the TV is, but how clear those voices are. Many speakers in today’s flatscreen TVs are tiny and tucked away, producing sound that’s as thin as a paper cup.
That’s where a soundbar can work wonders. Soundbars are horizontal speakers that amplify voices and can simulate that “movie theatre” effect – except you’ll actually understand every word, even if the kettle’s boiling in the kitchen. Some of the latest models prioritise voice clarity, making them a godsend for anyone with mild hearing loss. If you want something more personal (and less likely to annoy the neighbours), invest in wireless TV headphones. They deliver crisp, adjustable sound straight to your ears, letting you watch what you love at your perfect volume.
Don’t overlook the magic already built into your TV. Closed captions (the “CC” button on your remote) display every word on screen, which is invaluable for picking up missed dialogue – especially in shows with fast-paced action or thick accents. Studies show captions can dramatically improve understanding of TV for older viewers, sometimes more than cranking up the volume or even using hearing aids alone.
There’s also the “night mode” setting on many modern TVs. This compresses the difference between loud and soft sounds, keeping everything at a comfortable level. If your TV has options for “Speech Enhancement” or “Voice Clarity,” switch them on for an instant boost.
If you use hearing aids, ask your audiologist about connecting them to your TV via Bluetooth. Many modern hearing aids can stream audio directly from the television, meaning you get personalised, interference-free sound without turning the lounge room into a cinema. Alternatively, assistive listening devices – like infrared TV transmitters or induction loops – broadcast directly to compatible hearing aids, cutting down background noise so you pick up only what matters.
Noticing the TV’s “getting quieter” could be your ears’ way of asking for help. Book a hearing test if you haven’t had one in a while; sometimes a small adjustment with the right professional can transform your evening viewings.
With a mix of smart gadgets and easy habits, keeping up with TV shows doesn’t have to be a frustration. Whether it’s subtitles, soundbars, streaming audio direct to your hearing aids, or simply finding the perfect spot in the lounge – there are more solutions than ever for people in their 60s and beyond. So next time you settle in for your favourite series, don’t let muffled voices get in the way of the plot twists and laughs you love. Happy watching!