I have a good amount of hearing loss, particularly in my right ear. The loss is in the higher pitch range. The problem is that it is particularly hard for me to hear voices in movies. Much of the other sound effects seem loud enough, but when people are talking I can't make some of it out unless I turn up the volume. Then the other sounds are loud. This is a real problem because my wife has very good hearing. It is getting that we can't watch movies together.

Part of it is the trend in movies for people to drop into a softer whisper speech to emote some feeling or such. Then I am really at a loss. Also the new tendency is to have more noticeable background music that overpowers the voices.

I know that some TVs have voice control. My question is, is it really an improvement or is it hype ?

I have adjusted my bass and treble levels, but that hasn't really helped much at all.

Is there a sound bar or set-up that allows me to improve voice volume without an increase in general volume ?

Any help ?

With a 5.1 surround set up, you could pretty much just turn up the center channel speaker where 90% of the voices come from. Much more defined sound, you don't have to turn it up so much.
Background music mainly comes from the front left/right and rear left/right speakers. You can turn down the rears if you want. The front left/right are just tied to the main volume, you adjust center and rears separately from there.
For even more control, add an equalizer and you can boost the frequency range you have a hard time hearing.

On a budget, you can do better than a "home theater in a box" system by going with a high end pc theater system.
Nice and simple, doesn't take up much space. Like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Surround-...ker+System+Z906

We use the older version of this, the Logitech Z5500 and it shakes the house if you want. Good sound for tv/movies.
Really good price on that right now too.

Yep, what he said. Not being able to hear dialogue drives me nuts, so I keep the center channel of my home system CRANKED.

We use Closed Caption a lot.

WC

Or....if that doesn't work.....just get a good pair of headphones for yourself, and crank them up.
They have wireless, and quality ones now, even wireless 5.1 stereo, which I use for my flight sim but they're the old plug in.

Mine have 5 plugs, which I don't think fit the TV. (but might)
Everything is at least 5.1 stereo now.
You may have to fiddle with the DirectTV box or TV a bit, to get them working along with the sound from your speakers, but it can be done.

Get some good ones, light as you can, comfortable.
They don't need to block out other noise, if your with your wife.
Just the small ones are fine, and cheaper.

OG. You've brought up something that's been bothering me for a while now. I've had a pretty good amount of hearing loss in the last two years and watching TV has been an exercise in futility on many shows. 24 was almost unwatchable (though I think that's as much production values as my hearing loss).

I may look into RawKryptonite's recommendation. I've already tried two sound bars with middling success.

Speak up sonny...

All of the above
I usually run the centre speaker a little hot to help, and I have been known to use subtitles on some films where I am having difficulty.

It is a sad reflection on me that I used to quality check the audio in a recording studio as part of my duties and even managed to help the company win an industry award for the quality of the music reproduction.

I've got the same problem. Have to use closed captions.

Maybe it's time to look into getting some hearing aids. They make them really small and inconspicuous these days.
Cranking up the volume on everything will probably just damage your hearing further.

My brother recently got a pair, and he really likes them. Or rather, they are somewhat annoying just like a pair of spectacles are, but the advantages by far overshines the disadvantages of wearing them. And, he dosen't fight over the tv volume with his wife any more.

While poor hearing is an issue, I do think part of the problem is over producing audio tracks. Music, sound FX, surround sound, dialogue... The most important part of a show is the dialogue and more and more movies and tv shows seem to forget that. Even watching movies on my PC with headphones is sometimes difficult. My hearing isn't THAT bad. Sure, play music for dramatic affect, but if an actor is talking tone it down a smidge.

EDIT: It could be that productions are done toward the use of 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound, but how many people (proportionally) have a home surround sound system? I don't find the need for them on a day to day basis and find they would probably be disruptive to those in the house who aren't watching tv at the same time.

Wow, I'm so glad it's not me, lately it seems like the damn sound in movies is turned up higher than the voices. Living in an apartment complex I just can't turn it up. Already had my neighbor above come down as I was cranking Band of Brothers around 11pm...

I'm always turning it up and down through out the movie because the SFX are too loud, but the dialog is too soft..

It's not just movies, it's TV as well. Just notice how often the actors seem to follow the Nicolas Cage Rules of Acting and either scream or whisper all dialogue. Effects and music are still normal, but they don't balance them THX style to make sure the dialogue is clear.

Add in a couple of preschoolers squealing away while you're trying to listen and it's amazing when you can follow 1/2 of what is said.



The Jedi Master

Have you tried Pantene?

I'm in my 20s and I still use subtitles as needed, it's not just you.

Either CCs or buy a wireless headset so you can crank up the sound for yourself and she can watch at normal levels.

Being an X-Files fan means I've had to pass the grueling audio tests of understanding David Duchovny's mumbling.

"The murderer is..." *loud music swells as camera cuts to faces of others in room reacting so you can't even read their lips*




The Jedi Master

'this one goes to eleven'

British TV wise, there have been many complaints on media forums regarding dialogue being drowned-out by incidental music or mumbling actors, especially in gritty Northern Dramas.
My hearing has been diminished by too much motorcycling and loud rock bands (that's my excuse rather than admitting to ageing!) so I tend to use subtitles, especially with US programmes; I wouldn't know what the hell Ricky was on about in the Walking Dead otherwise. (but ain't he a Brit?)

Yes he is as well as about 25% of actors you see on US tv shows. Another 30-35% are Canadian.

I hate the final three minute montage of music and shots where a narrator or character dialogue is played over them. The video and the dialogue reveal details, but the music is so loud you only get partial understanding from the montage.

That bomb in the montage's final shot..... did the vocals say it was found or was the video indicating the last remaining bomb that they didn't find? Hmmmmmmmmm.