About TV Voice Pro
Designed by Hearing Specialists
TV Voice Pro wireless system was developed by hearing specialists based on clinical hearing test results.
The development of the wireless TV Voice Pro headset is based on extensive client centered audiology experience and clinical hearing test results. This information was analysed to enable the development of the best TV headphone sound quality for those with hearing loss.
Developed by leading hearing specialists and audio engineers, the TV Voice Pro audio, powered by PocketAid’s innovative EarWave Technology, was specifically designed after an extensive review of over 1,000 audiograms (hearing test results). This ensures optimal sound clarity and speech enhancement tailored to various hearing needs.
Interview with Hearing Specialist Don Hudson
Hearing Specialist Don Hudson has been interviewed by James Langridge and discusses the development of the TV Voice Pro system, and how it assists those with hearing loss to hear TV clearly.
Our mission
Hearing loss affects over 320 million adults worldwide. Despite this dramatic figure, hearing loss is still a commonly misunderstood area. Combining an understanding of hearing loss, the needs of those with hearing loss, with the latest in technological advancements and audio engineering, is key to providing premium solutions to restore normal lives and communication.
The development of high quality custom designed hearing loss solutions is at the forefront of what we do. With support from a highly respected Australian team of audiologists, client centered customer support and technical staff, we strive to deliver exceptional hearing loss products and services.
Hearing loss affects over 320 million adults worldwide.
Our values
- Audiology and Hearing Loss
We pride ourselves on building deeper knowledge and understanding about hearing loss. This is achieved through developing further scientific research and understanding within the hearing field, as well as evaluating direct feedback from our customers on individual hearing needs.
We believe that each listening environment is different and tailoring our products to work for both hearing loss and the listening environment is a key factor in the audio quality and clarity our products provide to our customers.
- The Forefront of Technology
We utilise state of the art EarWave Technology, designed by PocketAid, within all of our products. Through the use of quality audio components and adhering to strict compliance testing, we guarantee brilliantly engineered technology within the TV Voice Pro system to all customers.
Why can’t I hear the TV?
TV audio clarity – The television audio is not mastered correctly for hearing dialogue
If you notice you have trouble hearing the TV clearly, and specifically difficulty hearing television dialogue, you are not alone. Part of the difficulty in hearing television dialogue clearly has to do with problems with the quality of the audio which has been mixed for each individual program, or television channel. Movies are also mastered differently for audio.
Essentially this means that when watching the TV, even with perfect hearing, you can expect a great deal of variability in the clarity of the TV audio, including the level of sound effects, music, and of course clarity of dialogue. The other factor is that all of the original ‘mixing’ of television audio is done for those with perfect hearing! The bottom line is, TV audio is often poorly mixed, with many movies and programs not well produced for hearing dialogue clearly.
Hearing loss and television listening
When we combine the original problem of variable TV audio clarity between programs and movies themselves, with a problem such as a mild hearing loss, or a more significant level of hearing loss, the result is enormous difficulty hearing television dialogue clearly, and often the need to turn the television volume up above the preferred level of others in the house.
Unfortunately turning the TV volume up, or even purchasing a TV amplifying system often doesn’t result in a significant improvement in clarity for the listener, as the volume for music and sound effects is also being turned up with the dialogue, resulting in a ‘masking effect’ on the dialogue. Of course, this also presents a problem in the household for others who are disturbed by the loud volume of the TV audio.
Why Streaming TV Audio via Bluetooth directly to Hearing Aids Falls Short (and the Better Solution That Works)
Streaming TV audio directly to hearing aids via Bluetooth is often less effective than it might seem, particularly for users with behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids equipped with domes. These domes are designed to allow an open ear fitting, which lets the wearer continue to benefit from their natural hearing abilities, particularly in terms of bass and mid-frequency sounds. This open-ear design is crucial for many users, as it enables a more natural sound experience by combining the amplified sounds from the hearing aids with the ambient sounds naturally entering the ear.
When streaming TV audio directly to hearing aids via Bluetooth, the sound is delivered via the tiny speakers within the hearing aids. Unfortunately, these small speakers are not designed to handle the full range of TV sound frequencies effectively, particularly bass and mid-range tones. These frequencies are often crucial for a rich and full TV audio experience, and their absence can make streamed Bluetooth audio sound thin or tinny. For users accustomed to the combined sound from their natural hearing and the hearing aids, this can result in a less satisfying TV listening experience.
Latency is another significant issue when streaming TV audio via Bluetooth to hearing aids. Even the smallest delay can create an echo effect, where the wearer hears the sound twice—first naturally, and then through the hearing aids. This can be particularly disorienting and can significantly reduce the enjoyment of watching TV. Those with an open ear behind the ear hearing aid are more at risk of experiencing this delay.
A better option for those using behind-the-ear, or in-the-ear hearing aids, is to consider the TV Voice Pro Soundbar. It allows users to enjoy high-quality TV audio without the need for Bluetooth streaming directly to the hearing aids. By using the TV Voice Pro Soundbar in combination with your hearing aids operating in their regular mode, you can benefit from your hearing aids’ ability to address your hearing loss, while simultaneously improving the original sound quality of your TV speakers, enhancing speech clarity and overall audio experience.
With the TV Voice Pro Soundbar used together with any pair of hearing aids, this setup ensures that the full spectrum of sound is preserved, providing a richer, more immersive audio experience.
How the whole family benefits from TV Voice Pro
TV Voice Pro allows the wearer to listen at their own volume, without disturbing the TV audio for others in the room. This means the rest of the family can listen to television at their preferred volume. The TV Voice Pro headsets have a large wireless range and can even be used from a distance, meaning the wearer can move into another room close by and still hear the television audio.
The TV Voice Pro wireless headset can even be used with the TV put on nil to low volume, allowing others to sleep, or not be disturbed by TV audio at all.