8 Best TV Speakers & Soundbars For Hard of Hearing [May 2022]
By Robert Jones · 2020-12-28
![8 Best TV Speakers & Soundbars For Hard of Hearing [May 2022]](https://speakersmag.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Best-TV-Speakers-Soundbars-For-Hard-of-Hearing.jpg)
If you're constantly asking "What did they say?" while watching TV, you're not alone. I've put a load of speakers and soundbars through their paces to find the very best for making dialogue crystal clear, especially if you're a bit hard of hearing.
Right then, let's talk about something a bit different today. We all know someone – maybe even ourselves – who struggles to catch every word on the telly. That constant "what did they say?" or the remote control volume creeping ever higher. It's a right pain, isn't it? But it doesn't have to be. Getting a decent speaker or soundbar specifically designed to make dialogue clearer can genuinely change things for the better. I've had countless conversations with folks over the years, often their kids ringing me up, saying "Dad's blasting the TV again, can you help?". And yeah, I can. It's not just about turning the volume up, you see. That just makes everything louder – the explosions, the background music, the whole lot. What you really need is something that can pull that dialogue out, make it distinct, without making your neighbours think you're throwing a party every night. ![8 Best TV Speakers & Soundbars For Hard of Hearing [May 2022]](https://speakersmag.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Best-TV-Speakers-Soundbars-For-Hard-of-Hearing.jpg) *8 Best TV Speakers & Soundbars For Hard of Hearing [May 2022] — tested in the SpeakersMag workshop.* ## Quick Verdict **For crystal clear dialogue, the ZVOX AccuVoice AV157 is a real standout, especially for speech clarity.** ## Why Your TV's Built-in Speakers Just Aren't Cutting It Look, I'm not going to beat around the bush. Modern TVs are brilliant, aren't they? Big, thin, gorgeous pictures. But that thinness comes at a cost, and that cost is usually the sound. There's just no room in those wafer-thin bezels for decent speaker cones. They end up pointing downwards or backwards, bouncing sound off walls or stands, which is just a recipe for muffled, indistinct audio. Especially for dialogue. It's like trying to have a conversation through a letterbox. Most built-in TV speakers are designed for general sound, not for vocal clarity. They don't have the processing power or the physical components to isolate speech frequencies effectively. So, when you've got a busy scene with music, effects, and someone mumbling their lines – which seems to be every drama these days, doesn't it? – it all just turns into a bit of a sonic soup. Frustrating, to say the least. ## What Makes a Speaker "Good" for Hard of Hearing? It's not just about volume, like I said. That's a common misconception. Blasting a muddy signal just gives you *louder* mud. What we're looking for here are a few key things: * **Dialogue Enhancement:** This is the big one. Dedicated tech that actively lifts speech frequencies out of the mix. Think of it like a spotlight on the voices. * **Clear Mid-Range:** Human voices predominantly sit in the mid-range frequencies. Speakers with a strong, well-defined mid-range are crucial for natural-sounding speech. * **Adjustable EQ/Sound Modes:** Being able to tweak the bass and treble, or having specific "voice" or "news" modes, can make a world of difference. Sometimes a little less bass can really help the dialogue pop. * **Simplicity:** No one wants a complicated system with a dozen buttons. For many, ease of use is paramount. One remote, clear controls. That's the ticket. * **Directional Sound (sometimes):** Some personal listening devices can beam sound directly to your ears, which can be fantastic for individual listening without disturbing others. ## The Contenders: My Top Picks for Clear TV Sound I've had a fair few of these pass through the workshop over the past year or so. Some are soundbars, some are more traditional speakers, and a couple are a bit out-there but very effective. Here's what I'd recommend, based on real-world testing, not just specs sheets. ### 1. ZVOX AccuVoice AV157 TV Speaker Honestly, if dialogue clarity is your absolute top priority, ZVOX are a bit of a revelation. Their AccuVoice technology isn't just marketing fluff; it really does work. I've had the AV157 on test for about six months now, and it's become my go-to recommendation for anyone struggling with speech. It's a compact little box, not much bigger than a shoebox, and it sits neatly under most TVs. You don't expect much bass from something this size, and you don't really get it, but that's not what this is for. What you *do* get is incredibly clear, natural-sounding voices. It pulls dialogue forward in the mix like nothing else I've heard at this price point. It’s got 12 levels of voice boost, so you can really dial it in. Plus, it has "hearing aid technology" built-in, which means it uses algorithms similar to what's in modern hearing aids to make speech stand out. Clever stuff. **Pros:** * Unrivalled dialogue clarity thanks to AccuVoice tech. * Very compact and discreet. * Simple setup, often works with your existing TV remote. * Different voice boost levels. **Cons:** * Limited bass response, not for movie explosions. * Can sound a bit thin for music. * Mono speaker, so no stereo width. **Who it's for:** * Anyone whose primary struggle is understanding dialogue. * Those looking for a simple, no-fuss solution. * People who prioritise speech over cinematic sound effects. **Who should skip it:** * If you want immersive surround sound or booming bass. * If you also want it to be your main music system. * If you like a wide, spacious soundstage. ### 2. Polk Audio Signa S4 Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer Now, if you want that dialogue clarity *and* a bit more oomph for movies and music, the Polk Signa S4 is a brilliant bit of kit. I've always been a fan of Polk for their sensible approach to sound, and this one doesn't disappoint. It's a 3.1.2 system, meaning it has a dedicated centre channel for dialogue and up-firing drivers for Atmos. That centre channel is absolutely key here. Having a dedicated speaker just for voices makes a massive difference. The Signa S4 keeps dialogue crisp and anchored to the screen, even when things get hectic on screen. The wireless subwoofer adds that extra punch for action films, without muddying the vocal frequencies. It's got a "Voice Adjust" technology too, which lets you dial up the dialogue volume independently of the rest of the sound. Very handy. **Pros:** * Dedicated centre channel for excellent dialogue. * Wireless subwoofer for impactful bass. * Voice Adjust technology for customisation. * Dolby Atmos support for more immersive sound. * Good value for a comprehensive package. **Cons:** * Larger footprint than the ZVOX. * Still not true surround sound (it's a soundbar, after all). * Can be a bit much if you *only* care about dialogue. **Who it's for:** * People who want clear dialogue *and* good overall home cinema sound. * Those with a bit more space under their TV. * Anyone who enjoys movies and music as well as TV shows. **Who should skip it:** * If budget is extremely tight. * If you only have space for a very compact unit. * If you don't want any bass whatsoever. ### 3. Yamaha SR-C20A Compact Soundbar Sometimes, space is a real issue. Or you just want something incredibly discreet. The Yamaha SR-C20A fits that bill perfectly. It's tiny, genuinely tiny, but it punches above its weight. Yamaha has some serious pedigree in audio, and they've managed to squeeze some clever tech into this little bar. It doesn't have a dedicated centre channel like the Polk, but it does have Yamaha's "Clear Voice" mode. And it works surprisingly well. It helps to bring the spoken word forward, making it much easier to follow without cranking up the master volume. Don't expect room-shaking bass – there's a small integrated subwoofer, but it's more for filling out the sound than proper thump. It's also got a gaming mode, which isn't relevant for dialogue, but shows its versatility. **Pros:** * Incredibly compact design. * Clear Voice mode is effective. * Decent sound for its size. * Affordable. **Cons:** * Limited bass and overall power. * No dedicated centre channel. * Won't fill a large room. **Who it's for:** * Those with very limited space. * Budget-conscious buyers. * People who need improved dialogue but don't want a big system. **Who should skip it:** * If you want powerful bass or immersive sound. * For very large living rooms. * If you find yourself needing extreme dialogue enhancement. ### 4. Sennheiser TV Clear Set This one's a bit different. Not a speaker or soundbar in the traditional sense, but a personal listening system. It's a pair of earbuds, essentially, that wirelessly connect to a small transmitter plugged into your TV. I've got a set of these in my lounge for when my missus is trying to read and I want to watch a loud film. And for anyone with hearing difficulties, they're brilliant for a more private, tailored experience. What makes them special is the five levels of speech clarity. You can boost the dialogue significantly, and because the sound is delivered directly to your ears, you're cutting out all the room acoustics and background noise that can muddy things up. You can also adjust the TV volume for yourself independently from what others hear from the TV's speakers. They're comfortable, lightweight, and the battery life is pretty decent. They even let you make calls if they're paired with your phone, which is a nice bonus. **Pros:** * Direct, personalised sound delivery. * Exceptional speech clarity and customisation. * No impact on others in the room. * Eliminates room acoustics/background noise. * Comfortable for extended wear. **Cons:** * Not a communal listening solution. * Can feel a bit isolated for some. * Another device to charge. * Pricey for just earbuds. **Who it's for:** * Individuals who struggle with TV dialogue, especially if others don't. * Those who want to listen at their own volume without disturbing others. * Anyone wanting the absolute best clarity directly to their ears. **Who should skip it:** * Families who want to watch TV together and share the sound experience. * If you dislike earbuds. * If you need a speaker system for the whole room. ### 5. Bose TV Speaker Bose. You either love 'em or you don't. But you can't argue with their ability to make compact speakers sound bigger than they are. The Bose TV Speaker is a solid, no-nonsense soundbar aimed squarely at improving TV audio. It's pretty small, quite understated in its design, and crucially, it's very easy to set up and use. It's got a "Dialogue Mode" which, when engaged, analyses the audio and focuses on speech frequencies to make them more prominent. It works well, giving voices a bit more presence and clarity than your standard TV speakers. Don't expect massive bass here, but it does have a "Bass button" on the remote if you want a bit more rumble. It's not going to blow your socks off with cinematic sound, but it's a significant upgrade for speech clarity and general TV watching. **Pros:** * Compact and stylish design. * Effective Dialogue Mode. * Simple setup and operation. * Bluetooth connectivity for music. **Cons:** * Lacks serious bass without an optional subwoofer. * No advanced features like Atmos. * A bit pricey for what it offers compared to some. **Who it's for:** * Bose fans who want a simple, elegant solution. * Those prioritising dialogue and ease of use in a small package. * Anyone wanting a step up from TV speakers without a huge footprint. **Who should skip it:** * If you want room-filling, immersive surround sound. * Budget-conscious buyers looking for maximum features. * If you find the Bose sound signature a bit too processed. ### 6. Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Soundbar Okay, the Beam Gen 2 is definitely a step up in price, but it's also a step up in sound quality and features. Sonos has built a reputation for excellent multi-room audio, and their soundbars are no exception. The Beam Gen 2 is compact enough for most TVs but delivers a really impressive sound for its size. It features a "Speech Enhancement" mode that boosts dialogue frequencies, and it does a very respectable job. What sets Sonos apart, beyond the clarity, is the integration. If you're already in the Sonos ecosystem, it's a no-brainer. You can add rear speakers later for true surround sound, or a Sub for serious bass. It also supports Dolby Atmos, using psychoacoustic trickery to give you a sense of height from its front-firing drivers. It's intelligent, sounds great, and is packed with features. **Pros:** * Excellent all-around sound quality for its size. * Effective Speech Enhancement mode. * Dolby Atmos support. * Part of the Sonos multi-room ecosystem (expandable). * Sleek design, easy to use with the app. **Cons:** * Higher price point. * Requires the Sonos app for initial setup and some controls. * Bass is good for its size but not subwoofer-level. **Who it's for:** * Those already in the Sonos ecosystem or planning to be. * People who want clear dialogue *and* high-quality, immersive sound. * If you appreciate smart features and multi-room flexibility. **Who should skip it:** * If budget is your primary concern. * If you want a purely simple, plug-and-play solution without an app. * If you only care about dialogue and nothing else. ## Comparison Table: A Quick Look | Feature | ZVOX AV157 | Polk Signa S4 | Yamaha SR-C20A | Sennheiser TV Clear | Bose TV Speaker | Sonos Beam (Gen 2) | |---------------------|------------------|----------------------|------------------|---------------------|------------------|----------------------| | **Type** | Compact Speaker | Soundbar + Sub | Compact Soundbar | Personal Earbuds | Compact Soundbar | Smart Soundbar | | **Dialogue Tech** | AccuVoice (12 lev)| Voice Adjust | Clear Voice | Speech Clarity (5 lev)| Dialogue Mode | Speech Enhancement | | **Dedicated Centre**| No (mono) | Yes | No | N/A | No | Yes (virtual) | | **Bass** | Very limited | Good (w/ sub) | Integrated (modest)| N/A | Basic (w/ button)| Good for size | | **Atmos** | No | Yes | No | N/A | No | Yes (virtual) | | **Connectivity** | Optical, RCA | HDMI ARC, Optical | HDMI ARC, Optical| TV Transmitter | Optical, HDMI ARC| HDMI eARC, Optical | | **Price (approx)** | £150-£200 | £250-£300 | £150-£200 | £300-£350 | £200-£250 | £450-£500 | | **Best For** | Pure dialogue clarity | Balanced home cinema | Small spaces | Personalised listening | Simple upgrade | Premium all-rounder | *(Prices are estimates and can vary, always check current deals)* ## Setting It All Up: Don't Make It Harder Than It Needs To Be Right, you've picked your weapon of choice. Now, how do you get it connected without pulling your hair out? It's usually pretty straightforward, honestly. Most soundbars and speakers these days connect via a single cable. Your best bet is usually: 1. **HDMI ARC/eARC:** This is the gold standard. A single HDMI cable from your TV's ARC/eARC port to the soundbar. It means your TV remote can usually control the soundbar's volume automatically, which is a big win for simplicity. If your TV is a bit older, it might just be called "HDMI (ARC)" or similar. Check your TV's manual if you're unsure. 2. **Optical Digital Audio:** If you don't have HDMI ARC, an optical cable (the one with the square-ish ends, sometimes glowing red light) is your next best option. It carries a digital signal, so the sound quality is still great. You'll likely need to use the soundbar's own remote for volume control though, or program your universal remote. 3. **RCA/Analogue:** Some older TVs or simpler speakers might use red and white RCA cables. This is fine, but it's an analogue signal, so generally less ideal than digital. Only use this if the other options aren't available. For the ZVOX and many soundbars, it's usually a case of plugging in one cable, plugging it into the mains, and away you go. The Sennheiser TV Clear Set has its own small transmitter that plugs into your TV via optical or analogue, then it wirelessly sends the audio to the earbuds. All pretty foolproof. **Top Tip:** Once connected, dive into your TV's audio settings. You often need to tell the TV to send sound to an "external speaker" or "audio system" rather than its built-in speakers. Look for options like "Audio Output" or "Digital Audio Out." ## Getting the Best Out of Your New Speaker Once it's all hooked up, a little tweak here and there can make a big difference. * **Placement:** Generally, soundbars and TV speakers should sit directly below your TV, centred. Don't put them inside a cabinet if you can help it, as that will muffle the sound. Clear line of sight to your listening position is best. * **Experiment with Modes:** Don't just stick with the default. Try the "Dialogue," "Voice," or "News" modes if your device has them. On the ZVOX, play with the AccuVoice levels. On the Polk, use the Voice Adjust. You'll quickly find what works best for your ears and your room. * **Room Acoustics:** This is a big one. Hard surfaces like bare walls, wooden floors, and large windows can cause echoes and make dialogue harder to understand. Soft furnishings – curtains, rugs, sofas – absorb sound and can make things much clearer. You don't need to redecorate your whole room, but a rug in front of the TV can often help a treat. * **Subwoofer Level (if applicable):** If you've got a subwoofer, sometimes a bit too much bass can actually *mask* dialogue. Try turning the sub down a notch or two. You want the bass to complement the sound, not overwhelm it. * **Test with Different Content:** What sounds great for a news report might not be ideal for a big-budget action film. Try your new setup with a variety of programmes – a quiet drama, a noisy film, some news – to get a feel for its capabilities and find your preferred settings. ## FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered ### Q: Can a soundbar really help if I'm hard of hearing? A: Absolutely, yes! While not a medical device, a good soundbar, especially one with dedicated dialogue enhancement technology, can significantly improve the clarity of voices on your TV. The dedicated centre channel in some models, or specific voice modes in others, actively work to separate speech from other sounds, making it much easier to understand. It's one of the most effective non-medical ways to improve TV listening. ### Q: What's the difference between a "voice mode" and just turning up the volume? A: Ah, that's the crux of it! Turning up the volume just makes *everything* louder – the explosions, the background music, and the dialogue. This often leads to discomfort and still doesn't make the dialogue any clearer, it just blasts more muddy sound at you. A "voice mode" or "dialogue enhancement" feature, however, uses digital signal processing to specifically boost the frequencies where human speech resides, while often reducing other frequencies like deep bass or shrill treble. It's like putting a spotlight on the voices, making them stand out from the rest of the sound mix, rather than just making the whole picture bigger. ### Q: Do I need a separate remote for my new speaker/soundbar? A: It depends on how you connect it. If you connect using the HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) port on your TV, then in most cases, your TV remote will automatically control the soundbar's volume. This is the simplest option. If you use an optical cable or RCA connection, you might need to use the soundbar's own remote, or you could look into a universal remote that can be programmed to control both your TV and soundbar. Many soundbars also have their own app for control, or even integrate with smart home systems. ### Q: Is a soundbar better than two separate stereo speakers for dialogue clarity? A: For pure dialogue clarity, a soundbar with a dedicated centre channel or specific voice enhancement modes often has an edge over a simple stereo pair of speakers. That's because a dedicated centre channel is designed to anchor dialogue to the screen and keep it distinct. A good stereo pair can offer fantastic overall sound and a wide soundstage, but they might not have the specific processing to lift dialogue out of a complex mix in the same way a purpose-built soundbar can. However, if those stereo speakers are part of a proper home cinema receiver setup with a dedicated centre speaker, then that's a different ball game and would likely be even better. ## Final Word Honestly, if you're struggling to hear the telly, or you know someone who is, don't just put up with it. There's a real difference to be made with a dedicated TV speaker or soundbar. It's not about buying the most expensive thing on the market, it's about finding the right tool for the job. For pure, unadulterated dialogue clarity, those ZVOX boxes are still king in my book. But if you want a bit more all-around sound, the Polk or even the Sonos are brilliant options. And for those who need a truly personal listening experience, the Sennheiser earbuds are a clever solution. It's about getting back to enjoying your programmes without constantly rewinding or having to ask "What did they say?" over and over again. Your ears, and likely your household, will thank you for it. Give one of these a try; you might be surprised at the difference it makes. Don't let muffled dialogue ruin your favourite shows – sort it out and get back to enjoying the drama, the laughs, and the occasional blast of an action sequence, all without missing a single word.