Do you have trouble hearing your TV, and you don’t want to disturb others in the room? If so, you’re not alone. Many people, including Martha from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, want to know how to connect wireless headphones to a TV.
I am searching for Bluetooth earbuds or AirPods for my elderly mom who is hard of hearing. I need her to be able to connect the wireless earbuds to the smart TV but still have sound from the TV speaker for my father in the room. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions. I have been searching but am overwhelmed with everything out there. Thank you! – Martha, Baton Rouge, LA
This is a great question, and it is possible to connect your wireless headphones to your TV when you have either a Bluetooth-capable TV or a headphone audio jack on your set. It’s up to your TV if it will also allow sound on the TV speakers simultaneously with headsets. Most TVs let you do one or the other, seldom both. Here’s how to get sound from your TV into headsets without missing another word of dialogue in your favorite show or movie.
We’ve also included steps below on how to connect your earbuds to the TV as well.
How to enjoy sound on your TV and headphones at the same time
Having sound come through both your headphones and the TV speakers is going to depend on the type of TV and headphones you have and what features they offer in the settings. A vast majority of TVs allow either one or the other, but not both. But, the best way to find this out is to first refer to your TV’s manual or explore the audio settings on your TV with your remote control. Either way, I am on a mission to get you squared away with hearing your TV the best way possible.
Use wireless headphones to connect to a TV with Bluetooth audio output
In the case that Martha is presenting above for wireless headphones, you would need to have a TV that supports Bluetooth audio output. When I tried it on my run-of-the-mill LG LED TV, it worked within 2 minutes on my first try. Bluetooth headphones paired with a TV send the audio wirelessly to the headsets.
Use dedicated TV headphones
Another option is to use dedicated TV headphones that use a base station that plugs into the TV’s audio output. These headphones can send the TV sound wirelessly to the person’s ears while also allowing the TV speaker to play sound for others in the room. These are fine, yet your best bet is simply to invest in a good pair of noise-canceling headsets with good battery life.
Get my picks for noise-cancelling best headphones
How can I connect Bluetooth headphones to my TV?
This, again, is going to depend on your TV model and what settings are on it. Many TVs can connect to Bluetooth headphones by following steps similar to what I outlined below.
- Go to the Settings menu on your TV
- Look for an Accessories menu or any menu that has a Bluetooth device connectivity option
- Have your headphones on and ready to connect to your TV
- The name of your headphones should come up on your TV screen when they’re ready to connect
- Select your headphones and wait for the connection to be made
- If your TV allows more than one output at a time for sound, the next setting you’ll want to address is selecting both Bluetooth and the internal TV speaker if your set will let both happen simultaneously. Otherwise, skip this step.
How to connect Your Earbuds to Your TV
If you prefer using earbuds over headphones or want a more discreet audio experience, connecting your earbuds to your TV can be a great choice. Here’s how:
Check your TV’s Bluetooth compatibility
First, ensure your TV supports Bluetooth connectivity. You can usually find this information in your TV’s settings menu under “Sound” or “Connections,” or by checking the user manual.
Put your Earbuds in Pairing Mode
Follow the instructions provided with your earbuds to put them into pairing mode. This often involves pressing and holding the power button until a light begins blinking, indicating they are ready to connect.
Open Bluetooth settings on your TV
Navigate to the Bluetooth settings on your TV. This may vary by brand, but you’ll generally find it in the “Settings” or “Sound” section. Select “Bluetooth” and allow the TV to start scanning for available devices.
Select your earbuds
When your earbuds appear in the list of available devices, select them. You may hear a sound or see a confirmation message on the TV indicating a successful connection.
Adjust Sound Settings as needed
Once connected, you can adjust the TV’s sound settings for optimal volume and clarity. Some TVs offer options for enhancing dialogue or balancing sound, which can improve your listening experience with earbuds.
Troubleshooting
If your earbuds don’t appear in the list, make sure they’re in pairing mode and close enough to the TV. If your TV doesn’t support Bluetooth, consider using a Bluetooth transmitter that plugs into the headphone or audio output jack of your TV to connect your earbuds.
What are some good options for wireless Bluetooth headphones and earbuds?
There are many great options out there when it comes to quality headphones that can connect wirelessly to your TV. I’ve narrowed it down to 3 that I think have some excellent features. Just be aware that not every TV may accept these headphones, so make sure you know what your TV allows before purchasing a pair.
Get my picks for noise-cancelling best headphones
Explore Professional-Grade hearing solutions
If you’re consistently struggling to hear dialogue on your TV, it might be time to consider professional-grade hearing solutions. For those with mild to moderate hearing loss, products like the AirPods Pro 2 can double as hearing aids with customizable sound settings designed to enhance speech clarity. These devices are particularly useful when paired with your TV’s Bluetooth, allowing for a clear and immersive listening experience.
For more severe hearing loss, advanced options like the Horizon IX from hear.com offer cutting-edge technology tailored for the hearing-impaired. The Horizon IX is one of the world’s first dual-processing hearing aids, capable of separating speech from background noise to deliver unparalleled clarity. These nearly invisible hearing aids, discreetly tucked behind or inside the ear, ensure comfort and discretion while providing exceptional audio performance.
The Horizon IX also features Bluetooth accessibility and a user-friendly smartphone app, allowing you to adjust settings, switch modes, and even take calls directly through the hearing aids with just a tap on your phone. Along with the device, hear.com provides expert support from top hearing specialists, either in person or from the comfort of your home, and offers outstanding customer service.
Investing in professional-grade hearing solutions like the Horizon IX can transform your TV-watching experience, ensuring every word of dialogue comes through loud and clear.
Kurt’s key takeaways
The struggle to hear the TV without disturbing those around you is a common challenge. But fear not. You’re not alone in this dilemma. Connecting wireless headphones to the TV while keeping the sound flowing from the TV speakers is absolutely possible, provided your TV and headphones have the right features. It’s all about finding the right settings on your TV and the best part is that I’ve outlined how to make it all work for you.
Should every TV now come with capabilities for connecting headphones? Let us know by commenting below.
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