10 Best Wireless TV Speakers For Seniors

One third of Americans over 65 are struggling with hearing problems. They find it hard to communicate with other people, therefore they sometimes prefer to be on their own watching their favorite TV show. But it often turns out that they even have trouble understanding the storyline in a movie or series. They try to overcome the hurdle by turning up the volume. However, they don’t realize that not only may the insanely loud TV drive their neighbors and other family members crazy, turning up the volume doesn’t really help, as the problem tends to be clarity. What these people actually need is a set of high-quality speakers that can help them distinguish sounds even at a low volume.

Luckily, nowadays you can find lots of amazing wireless TV speakers that act as a hearing aid by transmitting sound from your TV to a speaker that you can place right beside you. These modern devices are highly practical for those who wish to enjoy watching TV without struggling to understand every word and for those who find headphones and headset listening systems too uncomfortable.

Which Factors To Consider When Buying Wireless TV Speakers For Seniors?

To find the best wireless TV speakers for seniors and your needs, first, we have to take a look at the most important considerations.

How is the sound quality?

As the sole purpose of this device is to help the person with impairment understand whatever is happening on the TV, the sound quality should be your number one concern. However, all of the wireless TV speakers listed below produce crystal clear sound that makes every word audible.

How easy is it to set up?

The fact is that most seniors have very limited knowledge of technology and setting up new electronic devices may be challenging for them. Unless a tech-savvy caregiver will do the setup, it’s best to buy a device with the simplest, most straight forward setup. Most of the devices listed below are very easy to set up. The exact setup may vary depending on the device, but generally, the process involves plugging the transmitter into the back of your television using the applicable audio port and necessary cables that come with the device. Then you simply turn on the speaker, and you should be ready to enjoy your favorite TV show.

Is the TV listening device easy to use?

A caregiver may do the setup, but the senior citizen will usually watch TV without any help, therefore you must make sure the device is easy to use. None of the TV speakers listed below is complicated to use. Generally, it features a large knob to adjust the volume, an on, off, and mute button, and perhaps an option to modify the tone on the device.

Is your choice hearing aid compatible?

If the senior in question is also wearing a hearing aid, you have to make sure their hearing aid is compatible with the TV speaker. This is particularly important because even the newest hearing aids can be problematic when listening to electronics. The TV speaker should include digital capabilities to pick out tones (bass, spoken dialog, sudden volume change due to commercials, etc.) and make the important sounds clearer, without creating any feedback.

Personal use or room-filling sound?

Some amplifying TV speakers deliver sound to the whole room, while others are headphone or earbud style. Make sure to choose the right type of TV speakers according to your need. If the user doesn’t want to disturb others, he or she may prefer the headphone style. However, this type of TV speaker blocks out all the surrounding sounds, therefore the user won’t be able to socialize while watching TV. You can also choose headphone-style speakers that get attached to your chair and are placed next to each of your ears, which enables the person to combine TV and socialization. On the other hand, if the user prefers to stay mobile while watching TV or if there is more than one person with a hearing disability in a household, you may want to choose a TV speaker that delivers sound to the whole room.

The Top 10 Best Wireless TV Speakers For Seniors

1. Serene Innovations TV-SB Wireless Speakers For Seniors

The Serene Innovations TV-SB Wireless Speakers is one of the best wireless TV speakers for seniors currently available. It produces a loud yet crystal clear stereo sound. You can place the speaker up to 100 feet away from the transmitter without compromising the clarity or quality. The speakers come with an RCA cord, a splitter, not one, but two AC adapters, one wireless receiver, one transmitter base with the speaker, and rechargeable batteries that should last up to 10 hours.

2. Tosima Wireless Speakers For Elders

These wireless speakers from Tosima are another popular option. They can be connected to various different devices, including a set-top box, TV, phone, DVD player, and PC. The base transmitter connects directly to the TV. Due to its relatively small size (16.2 x 5.8 x 12.8 cm), lightweight (730 grams), and strong compact handle the device is very portable and therefore incredibly practical. It provides a clear sound even from 100 feet away and its rechargeable batteries last approximately 8 hours.

3. ZVOX AccuVoice AV200 Sound Bar TV Speaker For Seniors

This soundbar TV speaker by ZVOX is a particularly great option for those who have trouble distinguishing between the various voices in a dialogue, as it does a great job clarifying the dialogue. With the advanced technology used by hearing aids, it brings the voices forward and makes them understandable. This device is extremely user-friendly, easy to set up, compact, and therefore very popular among the elderly.

4. ZVOX SB380 Aluminum Sound Bar TV Speaker For Seniors

This soundbar speaker is a wonderful option for seniors. It has a very slim (3.3-inch) compact design, yet it is very powerful. This small device can fill a medium-size room with rich 3D sound. While the built-in subwoofer additionally enriches the tone, the AccuVoice feature provides clarity, particularly in dialogue. As the voices, background music, and sound effects are digitally controlled within the unit, the sounds are all clear. As such this device is a great option for seniors and the hearing impaired.

5. Roku Streambar TV Speaker For Seniors

This impressive device from Roku houses both a high-quality speaker and streaming software. You can simply plug it into your TV and you will be able to stream radio, music, TV shows, and movies from the internet, and enjoy the clear sounds from the same practical device. It features a very user-friendly remote control with very few buttons, which makes the navigation very simple. The voice control function enables you to give voice commands to your TV, asking it to change the channel, increase the volume, etc.

6. Pyle Wireless TV Speaker For Seniors

If simplicity is what you are looking for, look no more. This speaker comes with several connectors compatible with the headphone jack and the RCA outputs on the TV. You can simply plug the connector into the TV, adjust the volume on the speaker, and enjoy your favorite show. Not only is it extremely easy to use, but it’s also very portable, as it is small (8.5’’ x 8’’ x 3’’) and light (it weighs about a pound). It uses radio frequency to transmit the signal to the speaker, therefore it has a long-range of up to 100 feet. It features a headphone jack on the speaker and a rechargeable battery that should last up to 12 hours.

7. Sony Wireless TV Handy Speaker For Seniors

This is a small, lightweight, and compact wireless speaker by Sony. It’s very portable and practical. The sturdy handle and rubber feet make it even more portable. It provides a personalized volume that can be adjusted on the speaker itself. Even though the speaker offers more commands and adjustment buttons than others, the main features are highlighted and therefore it is easy to use (at least after the slightly more complicated setup). It has a 100 feet reach and a long battery life of up to 16 hours.

8. Vizio SB3821 Wireless TV Speaker

In spite of its sleek, light, and elegant design, this wireless TV speaker by Vizio is a powerful device. It can produce a very strong, loud, yet warm, and balanced sound. The dialogues are very audible and the sound doesn’t get distorted at high volumes. The device offers three different connectivity options – Bluetooth, RCA, and optical. Bluetooth connectivity enables it to connect to any Bluetooth supported device. It has a 60 feet long reach.

9. Simolio Digital Wireless TV Speaker For Seniors

This wireless TV speaker suitable for seniors comes in two models. One model is with a ⅛ inch input and the second, which costs $20 more, has two inputs including an optical input. With 2 pounds this is one of the heaviest devices on our list, however, it is still light enough to be carried around. The device has an auto-off feature which turns the device off after 3 minutes if there is no audio. This feature saves the battery, which is not that impressive (it only lasts from 4.5 to 6 hours). However, the issue of the short battery life can be solved with the additional AC power cable. The base station connects to the speaker via VHF at 2.4GHz. The device comes with a set of specially designed headphones.

10. OontZ Angle 3 (3rd Gen) – Bluetooth Portable Speaker

This powerful wireless speaker provides a surprisingly loud sound without any distortion – even at maximum volume. The sound it produces is loud enough for any normal living space; it can even be used outside. The waterproof device can resist splashes and can be even used in the rain or under the shower, however, it cannot be fully (or partially) submerged. It has a long reach of 100 feet and an impressive 14-hour battery life. It has a light, compact, and portable design and it’s compatible with numerous devices.

Buyer’s Guide: What Should Be Tested Before Buying Wireless TV Speakers For Seniors?

Now, let’s take a look at the most important things that should be tested before buying wireless TV speakers for seniors.

1. Design and weight

Depending on where you want to place the device and how you are planning to use it, you should get a TV speaker that fits your needs. Ideally, the TV speaker is light, portable, and compact. Consider buying a device with a sturdy handle so it can be easily gripped and moved around and rubber feet so it won’t move on its own.

2. Compatibility with your TV

Most wireless TV speakers have no problem connecting to virtually any TV audio output, including headphone jacks, RCA jacks, and optical outputs. All modern TVs have at least one of those audio outputs. You may, however, experience some issues connect your device to the TV if you have a very old TV set.

3. Portability

Most of these devices are lightweight and small enough to be moved around with ease. Make sure the speakers you use are portable enough as well. This is especially important if the user likes to sit in different chairs or if he or she is a frequent traveler.

4. Radiofrequency or infrared

Both Radiofrequency and Infrared systems are popular, relatively inexpensive, available, and user-friendly. Both types of TV speakers normally come with a transmitter that you plug into the back of your TV, and a receiver (the speaker). A hearing aid can be used in both cases. The only difference really is that the Infrared system requires the transmitter and the receiver to have a line of sight, while the Radiofrequency system doesn’t require the two parts to be in the same room and enables you to move a part of the device around the house freely as long as you stay within the product range.

5. Return policy and warranty

Even though we tend to read everything about the product in advance to make sure we have chosen the right one, it’s a completely different story to actually try the device for yourself. If for one reason or another you want to return the product, you want to make sure it has a good return policy. You also want a good warranty in case of a problem. The standard warranty for these types of products is a one-year limited warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Before buying wireless TV speakers for seniors, make sure to review the return policy and warranty.

6. The cost of TV speakers

The price also tends to be a big factor when buying a device. The prices range from $75 for the simpler devices to $300 for the more complex ones. And remember that the more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better. Simply make sure the device fits your needs and gets the job done.

7. Battery life/Rechargeable batteries

It is also always a good idea to check the device’s battery life. Choose speakers according to your needs – take into consideration how many hours a day you watch TV, how close you are to the electrical plug, etc. Check how many hours of wireless TV listening you get with a full charge. Ideally, opt for a product that promises at least 8-10 hours of battery life. And keep in mind that wireless TV speakers with rechargeable batteries are the best.

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Basic Tips To Help Seniors With Impaired Hearing Watch TV

There are a couple of additional tips that could improve the sound and help seniors hear and understand the words and dialogues better.

The first option is to turn on the ‘closed captions’ function in your TV settings. This function enables you to read the dialogue as it scrolls across your screen. This is also a great option in loud crowded spaces and if you have to mute the TV in order to not disturb someone. Keep in mind that this function works best for prerecorded shows, as the captions in live programs may be flawed and misleading.

The second option is to adjust the TV audio settings. Some of these settings are specifically designed to enhance dialogue, which can be of great help. Some TVs also have the ‘User’ mode with an equalizer that lets you adjust various frequencies. Try lowering the bass and lower mid-range frequencies and boost the upper mid-range and higher frequencies.

The third option is to put your TV in a corner of the room, as it will allow the TV to use the walls as sound amplifiers. This hack is especially useful when the speakers are on the backside of the TV.

Lastly, you can try out different gadgets designed to help seniors with impaired hearing watch TV. These gadgets include a hearing aid, wireless headphones or earbuds, a loop system, a soundbar system, and a home theater system.

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FAQ

How do wireless TV speakers work?

There are various different types of TV speakers and each of them works differently. Radiofrequency TV speakers connect the transmitter and the receiver through radiofrequency. This type of speaker doesn’t require a line of sight. Infrared speakers work with infrared frequency. Wireless soundbars use Bluetooth connection. Soundbars with wireless subwoofers, on the other hand, may use either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection.

Why isn’t the sound of the TV clear after connecting all the cables to the speaker?

First, make sure that all the cables are connected to the TV correctly. Then check the format of your TV from the settings. And lastly, you can try checking the audio settings and enable ‘external audio speaker’ to ensure the TV’s sound is clear.

What is the best wireless range the TV speakers can connect to?

The optimal range is 150 feet to a minimum of 100 feet. As elderly people like to move around, make sure to choose a device with a minimum of 100 feet transmitter range.

Can you use wireless speakers with any receiver?

It depends. Some receivers will work fine with wireless speakers and some will not. If your receiver has a ‘preamp’ output, you can simply connect it to an input on the wireless speakers. In this case, your receiver’s built-in amplifier will not be used.

How can I improve the TV sound for the hearing impaired?

There are several tips on how to improve the TV sound. You can turn on the ‘closed captions’ function in your TV settings, adjust the TV audio settings (enhance dialogue or lower the bass and lower mid-range frequencies and boost the upper mid-range and higher frequencies), put your TV in a corner of the room, or try out different gadgets. You can read more in chapter 4.