Have a 19" TV (Sony I think) and has reasonably loud sound for the most part, however, if I run the generator and a/c unit, it's difficult to hear the words. I do a lot of "off grid" camping so it is quite often I run the generator and a/c. Secondly, lost most of my hearing in one ear due to a benign brain tumor, so I have slight trouble hearing words anyway (ie: that, cat, hat, bat, etc all sound the same so I lose the context of the conversation). Anyway, tried a bluetooth wireless speaker but wasn't even as loud as the built-in speaker on the TV, and having the sound behind me on each side of the couch was even worse for my limited hearing since I'm facing the TV but sound is from the side/rear. Was thinking of trying a sound bar next, but just wondering if anyone else has similar hearing issue and solved this problem in the RV.

Understanding words isn't all about loudness. A lot of it is dependent on sibilance - the high frequencies necessary to hear and distinguish consonants such as "S" and "Sh," etc. It's also important in telling the difference between a "P" and a "T." Most stock TV speakers do a TERRIBLE job of this part of the audio spectrum. Making bad audio louder will not fix your problem - especially since high frequencies tend to get smothered by background noises. My advice would be to install a good sound bar (with or without a sub-woofer). You will enjoy everything much more and understand speech better.Rob

I use the captions. What's funny is that if I miss something, oftentimes the caption people miss it too. My hearing isn't all that bad even after years of rock n roll, but I do have trouble sometimes for which I use captions. Then again, sometimes the dialogue is so garbled nobody gets it.If captions aren't your style, a good-quality set of headphones (not earplugs) would be a suggestion. What I love about my Bose is the ambient noise cancellation feature.. really amazing. Not sure if those come in a wireless version.

I have this issue at home. It appears that the TV production folks have gone to a different style of dialogue, supposedly more "natural" in volume. Watch an episode of "Elementary" for examples.We've given up. Gone to wireless headphones.

obgraham wrote: It appears that the TV production folks have gone to a different style of dialogue, supposedly more "natural" in volume.Also digital, which, at least years ago, was considered harder to understand than analogue.A little off the subject, but there are some actors who talk too fast and don't have very good diction. The actor who plays Robinette (DA) in the old Law and Orders is one.I might ask mod to move this to Disabilities...

I have a hard time hearing people in front of me when I'm in a crowded room and people or music is behind me.Have you tried closed captioning?I tried the portable bluetooth speaker, JBL Charge, and it's a world of difference.Not all portable speakers are created equal. I have 3 different brands and they all sound different.Are you using a stereo plug/cable for the speaker?Some are just mono plugs.I also spend some time adjusting the speakers in the tv settings to make it rightgood luckI said GOOD LUCK! :)

Louder TV?? | Good Sam Community

20 Replies

VA-Apraisr
Explorer II
Sep 07, 2019
Installed another ZVOX in my house yesterday and has made a world of difference! Terrific product in the RV and house. Didn't realize how much I was straining to hear, but, this soundbar is great for voice. Super product and highly recommend. Keeping the volume down on the TV is a blessing for everyone.
obgraham
Explorer
Sep 07, 2019
Learn something every day!

I might try that Zvox gadget. Amazon'll let me try it for 30 days.

I tried a Bose bar, but wasn't impressed -- Costco got it back within their 30 days too.
VA-Apraisr
Explorer II
Sep 04, 2019
From what I read, the ZVOX allows user to increase the AUDIO/VOICE portions separate from the overall volume of the program which sounds perfect in most situations I've experienced (just can't hear the dialog clearly). It has 6 levels to increase the volume of the words....I'll post a reply once it arrives and I try it out. It would be nice to not be blasting the volume all the time just to hear what's being spoken.
edatlanta
Explorer
Sep 04, 2019
The Bose Solo 5 solved my issues just like yours. The sound enhance feature is great. And the universal remote that comes with this unit is superb as well.
ron_dittmer
Explorer III
Sep 04, 2019
naturist wrote:
headphones? especially the noise cancelling ones.
That's what I was thinking, as long as you are watching TV by yourself.
2oldman
Explorer II
Sep 03, 2019
still in class c
Dusty_R
Explorer
Sep 03, 2019
I wear hearing aids. Our TV audio goes wireless to my hearing aids. I stepped into someones home once, while there tv was on and thought how poor the audio was, then realized how great mine is to my hearing aids.
Bordercollie
Explorer
Sep 03, 2019
We bought the Zvox soundbar from HSN for $129.It works well but has it's own remote. You may be able to sync it with your TV remote.

It has much better sound than tiny speakers on flat screen TV's. Movies with a lot of "hushed tones" and high speed babble on commercials is irritating especially if you are hard of hearing like me. Headphones may be another solution for you if you can leave regular sound on for your wife.

Now $149

https://www.hsn.com/products/zvox-accuvoice-tv-soundbar-with-6-level-dialogue-boost-/8812050
marty1300
Explorer
Sep 03, 2019
We had the same issue, we bought a sub woofer and 2 powered speakers . Plugged into the headphone jack, worked great. Our generator was right under the dinette and AC right above so log if extra noise in small space. Our RV was only 25'
VA-Apraisr
Explorer II
Sep 03, 2019
Wow, thanks for all the replies! I clicked on the ZVOX link and this "sounds" (no pun intented) like the exact fix for what is/are my hearing issues. Hoping the volume is high to help further drown out the a/c unit overhead. But, overall, the description of what this soundbar does should greatly assist with enjoying a DVD while on the beach relaxing between tides. As an aside, they say my hearing may improve over time as the nerve damage from the tumor may regrow and make a connection from the eardrum back to the brain. The body is a mysterious, marvelous thing. Thanks again for some alternatives!

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Louder TV??

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