The last couple of times I went to a movie, I had a really hard time understanding the dialogue. I know I have some hearing issues, but I’m not quite ready for hearing aids yet. I really want to see the new Downton Abbey movie and I guess I’d like to know if anyone knows how they work and if they are helpful. TIA!
A couple of years ago, I flew with a cold and ended up with one clogged ear and one ruptured ear drum. I could hear very little for several weeks, it was horrible. If I put the TV on “100,” literally, I could barely hear it.
We don’t go to many shows, but of course we had tickets for Jerry Seinfeld during this time. I used the assisted listening device the theater provided for free and it meant I could hear maybe 80-90 percent of what he was saying. I just had to put headphones on. I would definitely use it again if I needed to.
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If you are considering hearing aids…
Today on the CBS morning show, they had the OTC version on their ‘deals’. They were raving about them, no prescription needed. My friend’s husband likes them better than his prescription ones. They look like Airpods and it said they can be adjusted up to 4 volume levels.
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DH has used a device available in theaters. It was more a thing that fitted to the cupholder in the armrest (if I remember correctly) and provided subtitles to the film. He found it very helpful.
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Hearing aids don’t require a prescription from a doctor. However, many are configured to a user’s particular hearing loss by an audiologist, so getting one may involve multiple visits to an audiologist. The audiologist tests your hearing loss at different frequencies, then configures the hearing aid’s equalizers to boost sound at the particular frequencies you have hearing loss, such that ideally your hearing at each frequency across the full frequency spectrum matches desired, when using the hearing aids. The audiologist can also apply a mold to your ears, such that the hearing aid is manufactured to your particular ear shape, making wearing the hearing aid more comfortable.
If you have notable hearing loss, this configuration by an audiologist can be invaluable. OTC products are getting more advanced. Some even support multiple equalizers that are configured based on hearing testing at different frequencies, similar to an audiologist. However, it sounds like the one you are describing, with a selection of 4 volume levels, is more basic. A simple up/down volume control is inadequate for many persons with hearing loss. It’s fine to try a cheap OTC product out and see if it works for you, but a person with notable hearing loss is likely to have a far better experience with a hearing aid configured to the user’s hearing loss and manufactured to the user’s ear shape.
Regarding the OP’s question, this is one of the many reasons why I prefer watching movies at home. I always have closed captions on. The Downton Abbey movie the OP mentions is supposed to be available on Peacock, starting on Wednesday of this week.
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Thank you. I have been to an audiologist and will get a regular hearing aid when I’m ready. As for the Downton Abbey movie, I find it hard to believe that it will be available to stream before it hits the theaters on Friday. There is a prime time “behind-the-scenes” special on Wednesday, available on Peacock on Thursday. I like to watch movies at home with closed captioning also, but figured I’d have to wait a few months before it’s available to stream.
I have seen movies available on streaming at time of release in theaters or even slightly before. However, you are right. It is the “Downton Abbey Celebrates the Grand Finale” special that streams on Peacock, rather than the “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” movie. Some streaming services list the movie as “coming soon”, but do not list a specific date.
I think the assistive devices available can vary, depending on when they were acquired and how often they are maintained. The medical center where we have conferences offers assistive hearing devices if people are going to be listening to the presentation in the auditorium. I understand it’s quite helpful, but I haven’t ever tried them. The concert hall where the opera is performed also offers the devices and I believe many find them helpful as well. The places I’m familiar with just ask for your driver’s license or ID (so you remember to return the device) and don’t charge a fee for use of the devices during the performance.
My husband did try the iPods that were supposed to be similar to hearing aids and found them very irritating. He prefers the hearing aids he got from Costco, after having his hearing tested there and the aids adjusted there. If you buy at Costco, you have a certain amount of time to try it out and if you don’t like them for any reason, return for a full refund. Our medical insurer reimbursed for a portion of the hearing aid cost by us submitting paperwork as well. My H lost his pair of hearing aids shortly after we purchased them, so they gave him a 2nd pair at no extra charge. After my folks died, they tuned all the pairs of hearing aids for H’s ears, so now he has 3 working pairs of hearing aids.
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My dad used the assisted listening devices when he went to the movies and he said they worked well for him.