Thousands or I rather say millions of people in this globe suffer from hearing impairment; also many elderly citizens suffer from such disorder. In spite of depending on the speaker, subtitles, or increased volume the soundbar manufacturers have come up with excellent ideas so that they can enjoy movies and TV to the fullest! let’s find out more about some best Soundbar for hearing impaired.
For many of us, it is unknown that there are soundbars for people having hearing issues. But the question is how does any soundbar help in this regard?
We will come on that shortly. For now, just know that there are soundbars with built-in speakers providing extra voice and dialogue clarity in order to help people with hearing impairments.
Even, there are also some soundbar manufacturers who focus on building something specifically for humans suffering from hearing loss. Anyways, you will be knowing more about this in the upcoming part of this article.
So, how will this article help you, and what things you will get to know from here?
We will be talking about :
- How soundbars help are people with hearing issues
- Soundbar Set-up tips for hearing impaired or beloved elderly
- 5 best soundbars for hearing impaired and on what basis I have chosen them.
- Some alternative soundbar/Soundbar that is not on the list but good for hearing impaired
So, without further ado, let’s get into it.
Hearing Aid Technology for a soundbar
Soundbars with the advanced technology of voice enhancement, are now helping humans with hearing-impaired to enjoy TV or music without any hearing aids.
At present, soundbar manufacturers are adding some sound clarity technology, in a voice as well as additional speakers which provide better sound.
Moreover, many new features have been included in them which help are people with hearing issues. Some of these features are discussed below:
Sound Clarity Technology
We know, every soundbar manufacturer owns a specific voice as well as sound clarity technology which helps in making the sounds more clear and crisp. This helps the people having hearing impaired.
Sometimes, the manufacturers create soundbars with high-quality sound keeping the hearing-impaired humans in mind.
Besides, more & more clear voice technology is being implemented into the soundbars in order to make the content fully enjoyable for the people or elderly with or without the hearing disorder.
Extra Speakers
By default, soundbars come with a specific number of built-in speakers with an aim to provide immersively; more intensive sound which can successfully aid people with hearing problems.
Generally, most soundbars are built to serve any 2.0 sound system at least, which means the soundbar has 2 front speakers one in right and the other in left.
Again, the soundbars with a 3.1 sound system include 2 front speakers, 1 center speaker & 1 subwoofer, which is sometimes external, and sometimes built-in.
Besides, the soundbars with 5.1, 7.1 sound systems or beyond it, come with 2 external speakers (at least), which helps to create a cinematic, high-quality sound — in small rooms especially. This feature is super helpful for people facing hearing difficulties.
Center Channel Speakers
A center channel speaker is very important to hear the voices accurately and clearly. It increases the dialogue on the user’s TV and gives him/her such an experience that it becomes impossible to go back.
Besides, the center channel speakers also help the dialogue to come forward, plus allows the right and left speakers to handle the sound effects, background music, etc.
Not only this, for most of the movie dialogue in order to enjoy surround sound the center channel speaker is one of the main factors. Without it, the dialogue in one’s entertainment can become unorganized and sound strange.
Importantly, if you want a true surround sound setup, especially for the hearing impaired then this feature is a huge asset because due to this they will be able to hear the dialogues more clearly which is why they can enjoy watching new content.
Enhanced Dialogue Technology
Enhanced dialogue technology is a standard component of the soundbars which makes the dialogue unhampered and clearer making it an important and useful feature for people with hearing issues. This is done by separating different voices from the rest of the soundtrack.
However, this feature mostly comes with higher-end soundbars or sometimes, with the standard soundbars. Yet, technology depends on the manufacturer. So the best ones in the market will make voices clearer and sharper.
It is undoubtedly an important feature, but you need to read reviews as well as get recommendations from users with hearing issues in order to get the best product.
External Speakers
For any purpose, external speakers will work in your favor as they provide
extra clarity.
It also helps in enhancing the dialogue and sound. In any speakers, such as side speakers, rear speakers, upward-firing speakers, or ceiling-mounted speakers, external speakers help in spreading the sound throughout the room which by the ways, also helps the user to target sound in a designated area.
Therefore, with the help and assistance of external speakers, those who are suffering from hearing issues can enjoy an awesome surround sound experience.
Soundbar Set-up tips for hearing impaired or beloved elderly
Best Placement Options for Soundbars
Not just buying a feature enriched product is sufficient for the hearing impaired or elderly, you have to take care of the setup as well.
In other words, the placement of any soundbar is a very crucial factor that not only affects the sound and performance but also the overall enjoyment.
The best location for the soundbar generally depends on some factors, such as the soundbar’s style and size, the placement of your TV as well as your room’s size. Remember, a soundbar needs to be placed near the TV in order to allow them communicating properly with one another. Moreover, there are also few placement options that you should know. These are:
Mounted above or below the TV –
You might have seen soundbars mounted above or below the TV. The TV can either be mounted or not, however, if the soundbar is able to or has an option to be mounted, above or below the TV is an excellent option for sound, as well as accessibility to the user’s remote sensor.
Placed in front of the user’s TV –
If the user’s TV comes with a stand-in such a position (which is off the surface by just a few inches), he/she can easily place a slim or small soundbar in front of the TV without blocking the view. Also doing so the sound will come more clear.
Placed below the user’s TV –
If the TV is mounted but the user has an entertainment center below, he/she can easily place the soundbar in such a way that the device is on the top surface. This placement produces a better result for those having hearing issues.
On any open shelf –
Similar to the cabinet, an open shelf is also a good placement option. It helps you to get a minimalist feel and look. Moreover, it is also a great option if your soundbar is not mounted or mountable.
Why have I included these soundbars in this list?
AccuVoice AV203 Soundbar
AccuVoice AV203 is one of the best wireless speakers especially for people with hearing problems. Interestingly, this device comes with a special type of AID technology which also helps in enhancing and boosting the voice effect.
Product differentiators:
AccuVoice surely won’t disappoint you at all! Anyone using it would simply love its sound quality as well as adjustable levels. It is also super easy to play and connect with the speakers.
This soundbar also puts more effort to provide the user a high-quality and excellent sound performance that the hearing impaired one can easily enjoy.
Plus, it delivers a noiseless and clear sound, helping the user to get real and accurate clarity of the sound he/she wants.
How will you connect it?
For connection, there are a lot of options such as one 3.5mm analog combo input, one optical digital Toslink, and an input. Also, you can connect it via a headphone or subwoofer output jack.
Features
Great Internal Features
AccuVoice AV203 has a different AccuVoice dialogue feature that simply enriches by boosting the voice with the help of its unique 6 levels in order to get a boosted voice further.
3D Sound
This soundbar has an excellent feature, that is PhaseCue virtual surround feature, with the help of which the user can clear 3D as well as room-filling sound (best for hearing impaired) from only a tiny soundbox.
Remote Control
It is one of its latest features. With this fresh and new the user can handle the track with just the buttons of the remote control. No need to worry regarding how to use it as labels are there for your help.
Pros
- The sound is super clear.
- There are 6 levels for adjusting the sound.
- You can boost the voice here.
- Here you will receive a 3D quality sound.
Cons
Found no issues regarding the sound, and also it is great for the hearing impaired. However, you might need a good amount of cash to get this.
Anyways, check here to get the best deal.
Overall, I consider it as one of the best soundbars for the impaired or elderly as it has 3D sound quality. Moreover, it works great for both compact & extensive rooms which is why people can experience and enjoy the sound to the fullest without being bothered by any noisy effect.
All-new Sonos Beam
This soundbar is not great with the features but also with its look and style. It has a sleek design and a very very lightweight. This All-new Sonos Beam soundbar will provide you a great sound experience, especially for the person having hearing trouble to easily enjoy the music and movies.
Product differentiators:
I preferred this soundbar as one of the best in this list for the hearing impaired as it allows great sound coverage and also gifts a perfect sound quality to the user even at a distance as well.
The all-new Sonos Beam soundbar comes with a built-in Alexa feature, where you can just ask for the music you want, and the remaining work will be done by Alexa (I mean I know you know how Alexa works, just saying anyway!).
Simply you can just relax and peacefully enjoy the music with All-new Sonos Beam – Compact Smart TV soundbar which will surely give you a comfortable time.
How will you connect it?
You can connect it with your device simply via Bluetooth.
Features
Built-in Alexa–
It is one of its unique built-in features which can make your work easier.
Connectivity
Through Bluetooth connectivity, one can connect their devices like laptops, phones, PC or others comparable with this soundbar.
Easy To Use & Setup-
The speakers of this device are quite easy and flexible to operate. Plus there are manufacturer instructions provided with it, which makes it easier for the user.
Pros
- It has great sound quality; good for the hearing impaired.
- The volume booster option works perfectly.
- Has built-in Alexa availability.
- It is good for gaming as well.
Cons
Adjustment levels: The adjustment levels are slightly an issue here as there are no other sound adjustment levels present.
Overall, this soundbar goes well with both compacts as well as large TVs. The one with hearing issues can just enjoy this All-new Sonos Beam soundbar because of its high-performing sound quality.
ZVOX AccuVoice AV200 Soundbar
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ZVOX is one of the leading manufacturers in terms of producing soundbars for the hearing impaired. Similarly, ZVOX AccuVoice AV200 Soundbar is a great device for anyone with hearing problems.
Product differentiators:
ZVOX AccuVoice AV200 is created with the AccuVoice technology, which helps to implement the hearing aid tech for clearer voices at high, mid, or low volume.
Besides, it is also used some advanced algorithms allowing the voices to separate. This makes the voice more prominent even than the background sounds.
How will you connect it?
For greatly improved dialogue clarity, connect this device using either the digital or analog output with the Accuvoice TV speaker.
Features
Built-in hearing technology-
The soundbar features unique things, that is the built-in hearing technology. This allows the users to easily access the clear voices, even if it is lower in volume.
Aesthetic
It is an aluminum-built soundbar that has an aesthetic style making it look cooler.
Sounds great
Not only in terms of looks but also this ZVOX AccuVoice AV200 Soundbar will have great sound quality.
AccuVoice technology
This soundbar has AccuVoice technology which ensures clarity and smoothness in the voices. Plus, this feature is also responsible for the easy understand-ability of the audio.
However, this processing totally depends on the processor with the complex algorithms which let the device separately and process the voices in the soundtrack coming from other sounds.
Easy To Use & Setup-
The speakers of this device are also quite easy and flexible to operate, similar to the device mention above. Plus there is a one-page manufacturer instruction provided with it, which makes it easier for the user.
Output Leveling-
The output Leveling makes sure that the abrupt sounds do not hurt your ears.
Pros
- It has the AccuVoice technology which provides clarity in the sound.
- The speakers of this device are also quite easy and flexible to operate, similar to the device.
- The output Leveling makes sure that the abrupt sounds do not hurt your ears.
- It performs well even at lower volumes.
Cons
It has an excellent sound, plus it is impaired-friendly. However, I just felt some of its components a little problematic.
In short, if you really need a soundbar delivering clear as well as excellent voice reproduction, then the ZVOX AccuVoice AV200 would be a great one.
Samsung Harman Kardon Sound Bar
Samsung Harman Kardon also known as Dolby Atoms Harman Kardon, comes with advanced technologies which help the hearing impaired a lot. This device has decided to step out from the conventional technology in order to enhance the audio quality. And believe me, the result is ‘Boom’!
Product differentiators:
This device comes with the Dolby Atmos and DTS:x technologies which allow the movement as well as a multi-directional projection of the sound. As a result of which the sound seems to be freely moving around the listener in independent directions. The makes the sound feel more real and vivid.
How will you connect it?
You can connect it with your device simply via Bluetooth.
Features
Built-in speakers
The interior and exterior of this device are built with a varied range of hardware tech. It has 7 built-in speakers which ensure perceiving 3D sound coming from the soundbar.
3.1.2 channels
The channels make sure that the listener receives high-class audio quality and provide an amazing experience. Like, the center channel ensures that you get a very clear and crisp dialogue.
Acoustic beam technology
It has Acoustic beam technology which makes the sound quality more clarifying.
Adaptive technology
This tech lets the users access the optimized and quality audio. Plus, it clarifies the voices even at the low volumes. Especially users with hearing issues will appreciate the Samsung Harman Kardon Soundbar for this feature a lot.
Good for gamers as well
The gamers can also use this on game mode as it offers immersive audio for gaming.
Connectivity
In terms of the audio input this device comes with HDMI and optical connections. Moreover, you can also use a Bluetooth connection to connect with your device for easily streaming your favorite content.
Pros
- Samsung Harman Kardon soundbar has great build quality.
- It delivers clear sound.
- This device connects with the accompanying subwoofer seamlessly.
- It has Dolby ATMOS and DTS:X.
Cons
The features are great, however, there is a limited. That is, this Samsung Harman Kardon is designed in such a way that it only functions at optimum with Samsung QLED TVs only, which is why this device might not be preferred or be the best option for different TV models or brands users. Plus, it is great for movies or TV and games, but will it serve other purposes/activities perfectly, that’s a question mark. However, the reviews won’t disappoint you.
Overall, this well-known brand’s soundbar; Samsung Harman Kardon is highly recommended to users with hearing issues and also those who are looking for a dependable device for viewing purposes, as it ensures quality audio along with clarity in the voices as well as the works.
VIZIO 2.1 Sound Bar SB3821-C6
The VIZIO 2.1 Soundbar SB3821-C6 is one of the company’s reasonable devices with great sound quality. It improves TV’s audio quality at a very affordable price.
Product differentiators:
It is super user-friendly. Its remote contains the control buttons for EQ settings as well as inputs. As a result, anyone even if it’s elderly, can control the device through its remote easily. Interestingly, each input button in the remote is separated with a different color-coded system, which makes it easier to operate.
How will you connect it?
You can connect it with your device simply via Bluetooth.
Features
Great design-
The VIZIO 2.1 Sound Bar has a nice textile covering and on the bottom & top, it is made of plastic. In order to regulate the sound and the other features, the portion at the top of this device also holds the other controls.
Connectivity–
This soundbar comes with a Bluetooth button, HDMI ARC input, and 2 AUX ports.
Remote
It is super user-friendly. Its remote contains the control buttons for EQ settings as well as inputs. As a result, anyone even if it’s elderly, can control the device through its remote easily. Interestingly, each input button in the remote is separated with a different color-coded system, which makes it easier to operate.
Virtual assistant
This device is equipped with the support of a virtual assistant.
DTS Virtual X Support-
This soundbar also supports DTS Virtual X, which makes the sound clearer.
Pros
- It is budget-friendly.
- It supports virtual assistants.
- It has a user-friendly remote.
- Has DTS and Dolby Atmos option
Cons
There are a lot of control buttons, which is nice but I feel the positioning of them could have been better.
The VIZIO 2.1 Soundbar SB3821-C6 is a great device that comes in budget and also it is very easy to operate.
Alternatives
The ZVOX SB380 is an excellent soundbar with great audio quality. It has a built-in subwoofer that produces room-filling sound and also it has PhaseCue virtual surround sound as well as AccuVoice hearing aid tech of ZVOX’s. You can get it at a fair price, check it out here…..
The next alternative is another model of ZVOX’s, that is ZVOX SB400. It is a mid-range soundbar that comes with Bluetooth, AccuVoice hearing aid tech, built-in subwoofer, the PhaseCue virtual surround sound system, etc.
Another is the M4 soundbar, which is an award-winning one, that comes with a built-in subwoofer. This sub eliminates the need for other cables and boxes. It also produces a clear sound which is good enough for people with hearing impairment.
Conclusion
I understand the feeling of watching any movie or video but not being able to hear anything properly. It eliminates all the fun and is frustrating at the same time, right? Don’t worry as I think this article will filter out all our problems. You can check out the above-mentioned soundbars which are designed specifically for the hearing impaired.
These soundbars will surely help in making the dialogue clear and vivid. Also, there are other interesting features that are very helpful for hearing issues. So if you are facing such a problem, without any ado check them out and enjoy whatever you watch!
FAQ
This FAQ section will bring you some solutions to the most asked questions all over the internet. so, what are you waiting for? let’s hop right into it!
How can I connect the AccuVoice AV203 soundbar?
For connection, there are a lot of options such as one 3.5mm analog combo input, one optical digital Toslink, and an input. Also, you can connect it via a headphone or subwoofer output jack.
Why is AccuVoice technology important?
AccuVoice technology helps to implement the hearing aid tech for clearer voices at high, mid, or low volume.
Besides, it is also used some advanced algorithms allowing the voices to separate. This makes the voice more prominent even than the background sounds.
Which one is the budget-friendly Soundbar for the hearing impaired?
Checkout VIZIO 2.1 Soundbar SB3821-C6 and also ZVOX SB380.
Student and Tech journalist.