How to Use Soundbar and Hearing Aids at the Same Time

Many TVs being manufactured today have active built-in speakers in them. These built-in speakers are programmed in a way where they automatically mute once another device‘s cable is plugged into their Audio Out port. Other TVs signal you to choose whether you prefer audio played from internal or external sources. Either way, you get to pick what works for you at each given moment. 

You can use both soundbar and hearing Aids at the same time by connecting them to specific ports on your TV. You first insert the hearing aid plug into the TV’s headphone jack, then the soundbar into the “Digital or Audio out” port on the TV. Afterward, you can use the soundbar and hearing aids at the same time.

However, using a soundbar and hearing aids at the same time can be quite tricky, if not carefully executed. When you use the quick approach above, you must avoid plugging cables into the HDMI ports. Since connecting via Bluetooth or direct HDMI ports will make it impossible for you to control or hear sounds from both external devices. 

This is because the TV has not been programmed to operate both commands at the same time in that kind of setting (this option is for TV models with headphone jacks inclusive).

How to Use a Soundbar and a Hearing Aids at the Same Time

The following items below are what you will need to get started:

• A television with an HDMI ARC or Digital Optical input.
• A soundbar
• An audio converter
• A Bluetooth transmitter

The most crucial aspect of this procedure is the use of the audio converter since the audio converter is what stabilizes the input and output connection. This allows you to create multiple audio channels, which you can then route through Bluetooth to your hearing aids.

Also Read:

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Making it Work:

1. Connect both your TV and sound bar with the audio converter. (A multi-functional audio converter will be the best to work with).
2. Connect the TV’s HDMI ARC port to the input of the audio converter on your TV set. Another way of going about it is by also connecting the Digital Optical Out port to the input of the audio converter on your TV set.
3. Connect the audio converter’s Digital Optical Out to the Digital Optical In identified on the soundbar.
4. Connect the output of an RCA or AUX into your Bluetooth transmitter.
5. Now join both the Bluetooth transmitter and the hearing aid.
6. Afterward, you can play all your audio files through your soundbar and hearing aids all at the same time.

How to Play Sound on Your Speakers and Headphones via Mac

Below is the right process to achieve this, whether you’re using a Bluetooth or wired device.

1. Fix the settings on your Mac system preferences to a multi-output device.
2. Connect both speakers and headphones to your Mac.
3. Search for “Finder” (in your File Explorer), then click on “Applications”.
4. Find “Utilities”, open “Audio MIDI Setup,” then select the Audio Midi Setup.
5. Click the “+ button” (which can be seen in the lower-left corner), then choose “Create Multi-Output Device“.
6. Select boxes next to the devices you prefer to use.
7. Also, select the box next to “Built-in Output” when working with a wired device.
8. You can now launch your “System Preferences”.
9. Open your Sound panel.
10. Select the “Multi-Output” device option below the “output tab”.

How to Play Sound on Your Speakers and Headphones via PC

This method can be achieved in three (3) simple ways.

The first way is to regulate the sound settings of the PC in the Control Panel.

The next option is using an auxiliary audio mixer app or software. This method helps you transfer sound to different devices at a go.

The final method is using a Bluetooth adapter to send audio sounds to several devices.

How to Play Sound on Your Speakers and Headphones Via Windows 10

1. 1. Connect devices to your PC (speaker and headphones).
   2. Go to the taskbar, and select sound.

• Scroll to the Playback tab, and right-click Speakers to select “Set as Default Device.” (If this option is grayed out, then it is operating in default mode already.)

1. Scroll down to the Recording tab. The Properties option will show up once you right-click the stereo mix.
2. Move to the Listen tab and select the box “Listen to this device”.
3. Then choose the option, “Playback through this device” and select your headphones.
4. Once you click on the Apply button, you are all set!

How to Connect Your Hearing Aids to Your TV via Bluetooth.

Hearing aids can be connected to so many devices thanks to wireless technology like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. So you can answer calls as well as pick up various audio signals from your TV. 

Since Bluetooth promotes better listening, a hearing aid makes the experience more personal and rounded up. This means audio signals are clearer with less background noise. There is usually a base unit you attach to your TV. 

Begin by fixing a charger cord into the base section and plugging the charger head into your direct power source. Connect a three-and-a-half millimeter audio jack, RCA or composite cable, or optical cable to the back of the hearing aids, and the other end of the cord to your TV (Always make sure the audio sounds coming out of your TV are going into an “Audio Out”).

After properly connecting the devices, audio signals will wirelessly transfer to the hearing aids. In the event that there is poor or no signal, it would mean the setup you just did was done poorly. You would have to repeat the process all over again, this time carefully, so you do not miss any step. 

But make sure your connection is in the right “Audio Out”. For example, if you are watching a music video on Audio 1, the only way to get the audio sounds transferred to the hearing aid is by connecting the plug to Audio Out 1 at the side or back of the TV.

Benefits of Hearing Aids for Watching TV

Hearing aids make listening to audio very easy, despite lowering your TV volume, which is connected to it. Hearing aids have been designed for different hearing loss problems. It has a functionality that reduces noise from your background. So sounds that are difficult to hear are amplified rather than regular sounds that are easy to tolerate.

Sounds that you struggle to hear, such as high-frequency sounds, will be amplified more than sounds you can hear clearly.

Caution: Don’t Turn Up the Volume

For extreme sound lovers who do not want to be distracted from what they listen to, it is expected for them to increase the volume of devices they have connected for sound clarity and quality.

However, it is important to know that hearing loss issues vary with sounds. The rule is to keep sounds from your personal headphones in the low to medium range.

Hearing loss is a common risk factor. Though the quality of your devices will still remain intact, your hearing loss will affect how you can enjoy their signals.

Turn on the subtitles.

Aside from relying on your soundbars, hearing aids, and other devices to create personalized yet quality sound outputs, the use of subtitles could be extremely useful. When you use a hearing aid, sounds are clearer, but adding subtitle options makes you keep track of digital information by reading.

Most TV sets and computers have options for captioning, so you can simply choose the caption that works well for you while you entertain yourself.

FAQ:

Can You Use a Soundbar and Headphones at the Same Time?

The truth is that working with Bluetooth is quite unpredictable. It can work so wonderfully with some devices yet be very adamant about others. However, with the help of an audio converter, you can use both the soundbar and your headphones via Bluetooth at the same time.

Is It Possible to Play Music Through Speakers While Using Headphones at the Same Time?

It is possible to share audio and videos between people by using different devices as connections. By applying simple procedures, you can transfer audio signals (music) to both speakers and headphones at the same time. You can also use this method for playing audio signals through two headphones at the same time.

It doesn’t matter if you are using a PC or a Mac; you can work your way around both to get it done.

Conclusion

I am sure that with the series of guidelines above, you were able to use your soundbar and hearing aids at the same time to play music. Absolute privacy in sharing and clarity of sound is the reason for using these helpful options.

It would be great to get feedback from you regarding any of the methods used above that worked well for you. Also, let us know of any challenges you faced and how you were able to fix them. I am eagerly awaiting your comments below.