Let’s face it. Sometimes you just want to hear the television. For some people expensive hearing aids can’t be afforded or are just over kill to be able to listen to the TV set. If you have seen any late night commercials then you’ve probably come across one for TV Ears. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the product, it’s a listening device or hearing amplifier made specifically for watching television.
One of the big advantages of using this product is that is gives you the ability to control the volume for yourself personally and not have to change the volume on the TV it’s self so that others can watch and not have to be blasted away with volume. What users really like about this product is that when they are using the product, it does not change how your TV would normally operates. So the tv can actually be on mute and the person wearing TV Ears is able to adjust the volume as they please. For this reason, those without hearing loss find this product very useful. For example, if you like to watch TV in Bed and your partner prefers to read or sleep then this can be a great solution so you don’t bother the other person with the volume of the TV.
Another reason why this product is so popular is that it is able to work with just about any television set which includes HD TV, Digital, cable, and even satellite. Hooking up the electronics is easy and there is a support number to call if you have any issues with setup. The company offers four models including Tv Ears 2.3, TV Ears Original, TV Ears Professional, and TV Ears Home Theater. It is important to note that the original version does not work with Plasma or LCD TVs.
Here are some things we liked about TV Ears.
The unit is adjustable so you can customize your listening experience by volume, tone, and balance. It’s wireless so you don’t have to worry about any one tripping over annoying cords. We also like the fact that it comes with rechargeable batteries and a charging unit. TV Ears has what it calls Voice Enhancement Technology and Automatic Commercials control however we were not totally sold on how well these technologies actually worked.
Some complaints about TV Ears
Some users have complained that the device hurts their ears while others have had issues with the construction of the wireless set being flimsy and breaking. Users have also complained that the TV Ears transmit too much static noise.
It should be noted that customer service with TV Ears seems to be solid. When people had problems with the device they were able to get a hold of customer service via phone and it most cases a new unit was shipped out to them. This is more than can be said for other hearing amplifier companies’ customer service.
I have been using TV Ears for a couple of months and have been pleased with the results. My reason for purchasing was that human voices in programs were often overpowered by background music and the TV Ears raised the pitch. Of course, commercials were never a problem. The weight of the device is sometimes distracting and I only reach for them when I need them. The volume control works very well. I detect little or no change when operating the tone control.
Posted by Donald Jones | 19. Mar, 2010, 12:39 pmI am using the TV Ears 2.3 and they work great. I would buy them again.
They could be a bit more comfortable on the ears though. For me, the foam pads should be larger/softer and the spring tension of the curved bars (which press the earpieces towards the ears) should be a bit less strong or adjustable.
Posted by Hal Keiner | 05. Apr, 2010, 9:35 amI also found the TV Ears to be uncomfortable in the ear after a short time of use. So, I tried placing them next to the ears (above the ear lobes) but not actually in the canals. The spring tension holds them securely in place. This allows for many hours of comfortable use with clear audibility.
Posted by Lou Stevens | 16. Apr, 2010, 6:53 amI had tv ears before but they broke very easily and I even tried to glue and tape them and they won’t work doing that. They really broke too easily. I gave up after that. While I was using them, I could hear clarity more than volume. That is the important thing. You don’t need the sound high if the clarity is good. I just wish they were more durable.
Posted by Lorne Willeford | 22. May, 2010, 4:30 pmI CAN TELL YOU HOW TO REPAIR YOUR TV EARS SHORT
THE EYE HOLE IN PRINT NEAR
NL 001 CAPACITOR IS OPEN RUN WIRE THRU PRINT AND SOLDER TO CENTER OF THREE TERMINAL CAPACITOR
SINCERLY J.R.SMITH
Posted by JAMES R. SMITH | 03. Jun, 2011, 2:41 pmMy first paid lasted about one year. My second pair lasted five months.
and replacement of just the sending unit is about $39. But they worked well while they lasted.
Posted by J C Wetzel | 31. May, 2010, 12:05 pmThese work just fine with one exception…
I had a problem with my Internet connection which also provides our phone service thru ITP Viop.com
There was a serious problem with my Internet connection and my phone became all but worthless. Both my Internet provider and ITP worked for around a month trying to resolve why my phone would keep breaking up, usually to the point where it was impossible to understand the person talking. Eventually the connection would just end by itself.
I finally realized after the Internet field support technician asked if I had any wireless phones that operated in the 90 megahertz range as he said that would interfere with my Internet connection, which is wireless. About the same time a month ago when the TV Ears arrived the Internet service and, thus, the phone service got real bad real fast. I disconnected the TV Ears and the Internet and phone problem went away.
Keep in mind that I receive Internet via wireless from a tower about a mile from my home.
Other than this I love the TV Ears as I can finally hear what is being said on the TV. They are uncomfortable and make my inner ear sore. However, my ears get over it and I find it an acceptable trade-off.
Steven
Posted by Steven | 05. Jul, 2010, 2:29 pmSaw the product at Radio Shack. Brought it home to install and somewhere near the end of the 4 pages of illustrated instgructions it is stated that installation requires non-digital audio out. Very few TVs have this – all are digital.
Brought it back to the store and the salesman said this has been a problem.
The company’s website is dishonest. Says it works with all tvs including plasma and lcd. This is true if you buy a “DAC” adaptor for another $60., and you only learn this if you go into the support or products part of the website.
I’m sure it is a good product, but a little honesty in sales information would be nice.
Posted by alan | 30. Aug, 2010, 7:47 pmWhen the unit works, it is great.
But, the first unit I had failed within a couple of weeks. The seller replaced it, but now, less than six months later, the transmitter of the replacement is dead. TV Ears will replace it for 50% of the MSRP. What a deal! I do not recommend purchasing this product because it is junk, prone to failure and the manufacturer does
not stand behind it.
Posted by Evan | 01. Dec, 2010, 4:25 pmCost of battery replacement and tips make this otherwise good product a no sale for me. I have a hearing problem and fixed income and the proprietary nature of those items is ridiculous. Their product becomes unattractive due to that and I will not use their product nor recommend it to anyone else. Tips and battery plus shipping equal almost new cost!
Posted by Curtis | 14. Dec, 2010, 5:05 amFirst unit the ear pieces fell out.Called and e-mailed the company with no response whatsoever. Returned the ears to Costco ,got a new one in exchange the receiver died in two weeks.Don’t waste your money,the company does not return your call and the product is junk.
Posted by steve | 21. Dec, 2010, 1:35 pmMy unit died after eight months. I thought it might be the battery so I purchased a new one for $25 and it still didn’t work.
Posted by Dave O'Connell | 25. Dec, 2010, 6:28 amMy 93 yrs old mother has been using TV without a problem for at least 10+ yrs. I bought mine, as did my sister at Costco for around $39 over a year ago.
None of us has ever had a problem.
They are wonderful. My husband can now go to bed in the room next to where I stay up and watch TV and not have to hear the volume on my TV. What a problem solver. I know a ton of people who use them, very happily, now because of me and all their spouses love me since we are all in our 60′s plus and usually one of each married couple needs help hearing the TV and the other does not. It is the perfect solution. Go get them, you will not be disappointed. Kathy
Posted by Kathy | 15. Feb, 2011, 9:16 amI failed to mention, my 93 yr old mom has replaced hers once or twice in the past 10+ yrs since she started using them very successfully. Mine, that I bought at Costco more than a year ago for $39 is still just fine. Even if it breaks, I would not care. For that price I will just go buy another one. But I will never be without TV Ears again. Love them!
Posted by Kathy | 15. Feb, 2011, 9:22 amTV ears are junk. I bought mine six months ago and they quit working. The guarantee is only 90 days and then they offer you another set for $25, I have no confidence that the next set would be any better.
They are also uncomfortable and heavy on the ears.
Posted by Vernon | 22. Feb, 2011, 7:08 pmMy ears quit working. As long as they are sitting on the charger you can hear the tv but when you take them out of the charger they won’t work. Can anyone tell me if they can help figure it out?
Posted by Ronald Mayle | 24. Feb, 2011, 2:09 pmFor Ronald Mayle: See if the this might help you, Ronald: The TV Ears unit charges the battery when set on the charger. The unit needs to be shut off. If you are hearing the TV while it is on the charger, the unit is not charging. Therefore, when you put the TV Ears on your haed, they won’t work because the batter is not charged. If you are doing this, then I have no idea what is wrong. Good luck.
I have had two inits in the last 4 years. Both of them shorted out on the arm (between the ear piece and the battery).
Posted by Dr. Rick | 21. Mar, 2011, 3:54 pmThey worked great for 5 months then the battery died. The cost of the battery is way to much. I would not buy these again.
Posted by Lyle Jacobson | 04. Apr, 2011, 2:27 pmI have two units that I love. I agree that the ear pieces are not comfortable so I replaced them with some ipod ear buds. If you know anything about electronics and soldering, it is a very simple change out.
Posted by Anthony | 13. Apr, 2011, 9:33 amThey work great. No problems with the battery. I am on my 4th headset. (the arms break) The weak spot is where the arms come out of the unit. The arms should be stronger in that area because of the flexing when putting them on and taking them off. Better design in that area should be looked at. As for the the soft ear pads, when they come off I don’t replace them. I can hear the tv just as well. The only reason I replace the headset is because of the broken arms. Now I have extra batteries. I get about a year out of a headset before a arm breaks.
Posted by Bob Barr | 22. May, 2011, 1:23 pmA) Inadequate battery life and
B) Proprietary battery assembly, causing the cost of battery replacement to be exorbitant in relation to true value and
C) the ridiculous cost of shipping.
Posted by casey | 09. Jun, 2011, 7:56 pmI also have had a set of tvears which were given me as a Xmas present this year. The ear muff came off immediately, I then experienced static through the system, tried both the remedies in the trouble shooting part of the manual to no avail. I have had no response from the supplier and cannot get any replacements. The cost is also a turn-off. Do not buy this item as they are not reliable.
Posted by S F Browning | 13. Jun, 2011, 4:09 amFor the price, it is hard to beat the TV Ears product in their small area of the hearing assistance field. They offer several models and we think the least expensive units do as good a job as any of the others. These products are designed to allow the wearer to hear TV in his living room; they do that and not much else. They were not designed for more and should not be expected to do any more. Williams Sound and Sennhiser also make products in this area. You could “hardwire” a speaker or headphone to your TV and save some money. A speaker behind your chair would have the same effect in terms of hearing the TV better, but you would have to consider the effect on others in the room. Headphones that are hardwired offer excellent reception and low cost; however, you have a wire running across the floor.
Posted by Hearing Aid Expert | 29. Jun, 2011, 12:27 pmI got mine about a year ago. Loved it and wish it could last longer …
Bought from COSTCO, used it five hours a week and the transmitter goes bad in an year.
One of the five LEDs on the transmitter goes bad and the signal transmit angle is reduced.
The range seems to be same as before but I have to have the headset pointing to the transmitter to get rid of the static.
Posted by peyfu | 05. Jul, 2011, 1:50 amok so is there something better? i want to buy something that is reliable. thanks betty
Posted by betty | 20. Jul, 2011, 2:57 pmI have purchased so many of these tv ears for my husband is not even funny, the charging bases do not seam to last he has gone thru 2 or 3 bases just quit charging the set that goes into the ears and it is all most impossible for us to be in the same room when he is watching tv with out the ears but going broke buying the bases for the ears and i do not think i can even by the charger unless i buy the complete set is their any other thing on the market that is reliable and will last for more then just a short time.
My sister-in-law goes to yard sales and get’s the baby monitors and say’s her husband puts the box next to the tv and the other on her husband’s shoulder and works out perfect but my husband would like to try and find out why these tv ears have such a short life for the cost first pair we pd 99.99 and the second and third 79.00 it is getting to expensive to keep going this route [help]. need to know what we can get other then the baby monitor that is made for the purpose of hearing the tv as these tv ears are not a good product at least 1 that does not last for more then 6 month’s and replacing them that often is getting to expensive Sincerely Betty Jean Wallace, hopefully some 1 has an answer for us on this matter.
Posted by Betty Jean Wallace | 03. Oct, 2011, 6:58 pmTv ears are one of the better products for what they do. They do not stand up to a great deal of abuse, but we have found them to be a reliable product. They offer several models and we have not seen much need to recommend more than the basic model, unless you need receivers for two people. Star key has recently introduced the new Wi series of aids. These have an accessory that.allows the hearing aid to couple directly into the tv or other audio device, there is nothing to break with that system, but it is a several hundred dollar addition to the hearing aid. Works great though! Several other companies have introduced neck loops and other devices that do a similar function on, but to the best of our knowledge, star key is the only one that does not have added pieces that could get lost.
Posted by Hearing Aid Expert | 06. Oct, 2011, 7:34 amI do not own a pair and do not think I ever will, I think they look ridiculous, why not make them in a small headset format? I have a pair of 2.4 ghz radio shack 33-1253s that worked great looked okay (behind the neck on the ear) and are comfortable. Unfortunately they batteries are wearing out and the product is discontinued. I tried bluetooth devices but there is a large delay resulting in lip sync issue. All other wireless headphone I have found are big and bulky (not sure why with todays miniaturization) and totally cover the ears so I cannot hear anything else going on around me. Anyone know a good light weight headphones that don’t totally cover the ears, please post it hear thanks
Posted by kgm | 19. Oct, 2011, 3:59 pmI have been thinking about buying a set until I read the comments on this page. I think I am going to take a look at wireless earphones from future shop.
Posted by Bill Gooch` | 27. Nov, 2011, 10:42 amLike other reviewers whose comments I have read here, I have today ordered my third transmitter in about two years. Though the company sells them at a discount, I still have to pay for it. The only explanation the company rep would give me over the phone was: “Well, they’re warrantied for 90 days.” Such a deal!
Posted by Kent Richmond | 28. Nov, 2011, 3:46 pmRecd.TV ears yesterday,I’m returning them today. Followed the instructions to the letter, after charging for double the required time I tried them. I got no receiption over three feet away from the transmitter.
Tried TV ears on another set with the same results.
Called tech. services and was on hold forever and gave up.
I really wanted them to work, but was let down.
Posted by Bob | 29. Nov, 2011, 11:04 amTVears only seem to work with analogue audio outlets. My TV hasn’t got these (has anyones…I thought they went out years ago) You get to know this only after you have bought the product. There is no way I am going to buy the converter kit…what a con!
Posted by david evans | 02. Dec, 2011, 9:30 amThe ear cushions lasted almost 10 days. New ones were priced at rip-off prices. So, I used it without the cushions. Then the batteries went dead. Another excess price. So I threw mine in the trash. Let the buyer beware. Or as Barnum said. There is ma fool born every minute.
Posted by Chris Christopher | 17. Dec, 2011, 11:28 amAfter 3 years and 3 pair I am finally looking for something else. They work beautifully sound wise, but they are uncomfortable and the arms break. I have two I am trying to fix with glue right now…
Posted by Holly Agliolo | 02. Jan, 2012, 9:47 pmGot TVA Ears as Xmas gift. Had to buy DAC converter for LCD TV. Hooked everything up–doesn’t work. Called tech support, no clue. Called Samsung TV tech who says headset no good. BUT, digital connection indicator light does not illuminate on DAC. So far NOT impressed. We’re into this now for nearly $200 and now have only junk!!
Posted by hiwarch | 11. Jan, 2012, 12:18 pmIs there something better that will last. I’m retired and on a fixed budget. Why buy something that is not comfortable and will break after a few months? Please recommend a better product that is reliable. Thank you.
Posted by Diana Landry | 23. Jan, 2012, 9:49 pm