How Do TV Ears Work: Features & Models Available

Key Takeaways

• TV Ears are assistive listening devices that enhance TV audio for individuals with hearing loss, letting them control their volume without disturbing others.
• It uses infrared technology to send amplified audio directly to a lightweight headset. The system includes a transmitter, adjustable volume, and Voice Clarifying Circuitry® for better dialogue clarity.
• TV Ears offers various models, from the Original to advanced 5.8 GHz systems with long-range capabilities, digital connectivity, and even speaker options.
• Nano Audacity® RIC hearing aids are Bluetooth-enabled, allowing direct audio streaming from TVs.

Everyone at some time or another has probably experienced the frustration of disagreeing about the volume of music or shows with someone they love. You might battle over the volume of music you play in the car, or how loud to play the speaker at your backyard picnic.

And, if you or someone you love has trouble with their hearing, then you can certainly understand the frustrations of trying to watch television with a person who is able to hear things at a regular volume.

Whether it is an episode of Jeopardy or football Sundays, when the volume is increased so someone who struggles with hearing can hear, it can cause unrest for the rest of the family. 

Fortunately there’s TV Ears! 

Nano Hearing Aids are FDA-registered, Class I devices. These OTC hearing aids are designed for individuals over 18 years of age with perceived mild to moderate hearing impairment. Nano won the Top ENT Solution Provider 2023, has 24/7 customer care, and has an affordable price compared to others. 

Founded in 1998 by George Dennis, the company has sold over 2 million units and provides a solution for those who have difficulty hearing television dialogue clearly due to background noise or other audio distractions.

TV Ears amplify the sound between 20 to 20,000 Hz, which is then transmitted directly into your ear canal to strengthen voice clarity and improve the sound for the listener, without the distortion that often occurs when you simply turn up the volume on the television. 

This personalized system is wireless, and you can control your personal headphone without worrying about or affecting others in the room.

This system has two earbuds, like regular headphones, and the earbuds are connected by a lightweight headset hanging below the chin. This set up would remind you of a stethoscope hanging down. The earbuds are designed with a natural angle to fit comfortably within the ear canal, enhancing sound quality. 

There is a transmitter that is plugged into the television itself, which sends the television audio directly to the headset. This means that the user gets amplified audio delivered right to their ears. And in addition to that, there is also a Voice Clarifying Circuitry® microchip in the device that details and amplifies the speech frequencies, making the dialogue on television shows much easier to understand. 

The system uses infrared (IR) 2.3MHz infrared technology with a coverage of 600 square feet. Because of this, there must be a line of sight between the transmitter and the headset for optimal performance. 

The TV Ears have a knob on them so that users can adjust the volume independently of other users. There is a rechargeable battery that will last between 4-6 hours with each charge. And depending on the amount of use, the battery itself will last one to two years. 

To start using the TV Ears Original system, follow these steps:

1. 1. Charge the Headset: Place the headset in the charging cradle and ensure it is charged for at least 14 hours before first use to guarantee optimal performance.
2. 2. Connect the Transmitter: Plug the transmitter into a wall outlet using the provided AC adapter. Connect the transmitter to your television using one of the audio cables (RCA or 3.5mm) based on your TV’s audio output options. Make sure to use the "audio out" ports on your TV.
3. 3. Position the Transmitter: Place the transmitter on a flat surface, ideally 3 to 5 feet above the ground, facing the seating area where you will be using the headset. There should be no obstruction between the transmitter and headset.
4. 4. Adjust Volume and Tone: Remove the headset from the charging cradle and adjust the volume and tone dials on the headset to your preferred settings.
5. 5. Test the System: Turn on your television. The transmitter will automatically send audio to your headset as long as it is charged and within range.
6. 6. Enjoy Your Viewing Experience: You can now use your TV Ears headset to listen to television audio without disturbing others in the room. You can control the volume independently from your TV.

• This product has been recommended by doctors since 1998.
• To date, TV Ears has over 2 million satisfied customers.
• They feature powerful, voice clarifying audio. 
• TV Ears has a free 30 day trial.
• TV Ears provides a free 5 year limited warranty. 
• There is free unlimited US technical support.

TV Ears Digital System

This model is twice as powerful as the Original and comes with digital and analog connection options so it works with both digital and analog TVs.

TV Ears Long Range 5.8 Digital System

It’s the most advanced TV headset system with digital connectivity, 5.8 GHz long-range technology, multi-room coverage, and easy-to-use dials. It supports unlimited additional 5.8 digital headsets and the new TV Ears Speakers.

TV Ears Long Range 5.8 Headphones

These TV headphones are simple to use with two audio profiles: Voice Clarifying Audio® and Theater Sound™. They work with any TV, recharge easily, and have a 100-foot range for listening around your home—no WiFi, pairing, or apps needed.

TV Ears Long Range 5.8 Speaker System

This wireless speaker with Voice Enhancement Technology® and Theater Sound delivers clear TV audio. You can place it anywhere for sound close to you, with Voice and Theater audio options.

The 5.8 Digital TV Transmitter connects to digital, 3.5mm, and RCA ports, covering your entire home. Its 5.8 GHz technology transmits through walls and supports unlimited speakers—no WiFi, pairing, or apps required.

1. 1. One thing users love about this system is that you can control your own volume entirely on your own. This means that you can watch television with your loved ones and each person can have the volume that works best for them.
2. 2. Two or more headsets can use the same television receiver, so everyone will be able to amplify television shows as needed.
3. 3. TV Ears will work with any type of television and they are compatible with cable, satellites, DVDs and more.
4. 4. The TV Ears are comfortable for daily use, and can even be used while reclining or laying, so you can be totally comfortable for television time!
5. 5. TV Ears are extremely simple to use, and improve one’s quality of life dramatically, without having a difficult learning curve. 
6. 6. One special feature is the giant mute button, that is perfect for muting commercials!

1. 1. One negative about TV Ears is that you must be in a direct line of sight to the transmitter in order to use these, and they only cover 600 square feet (for the original version). Depending on the layout of your home, this could cause difficulties for certain users. 
2. 2. The other drawback to TV Ears is that you can only use these in your home environment. If you are having trouble hearing in other environments, TV Ears are not portable and will not help you.

At the end of the day, odds are that you want to kick back and relax and watch some television with the people you love. Now it is possible! Instead of fighting over the volume or being uncomfortable with the clarity of the audio you can hear, try TV Ears to bring crystal clear hearing to light.

On the other hand, you can also try affordable yet FDA-registered OTC hearing aids like the ones from Nano Hearing Aids to enjoy the TV experience even more. Our devices don’t require any hearing test or audiologist's consultation - and can be bought from our online store. They’re ideal for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. 

What makes TV Ears different from hearing aids?

TV Ears are designed specifically for TV audio and use infrared technology, while hearing aids amplify a broader range of sounds for everyday hearing needs.

Can multiple people use TV Ears at the same time?

Yes, TV Ears support multiple headsets connected to the same transmitter, so everyone can enjoy their preferred volume.

What are the limitations of TV Ears?

They require a direct line of sight to the transmitter and only work within the home, covering up to 600 square feet (for the Original model).

Why consider Nano Hearing Aids for TV watching?

Nano Audacity® RIC hearing aids stream TV audio directly via Bluetooth, offering an all-in-one solution for hearing loss and entertainment needs.