If you’re noticing you—or someone you love—is turning the TV louder, missing conversations, or asking “Huh?” more often than usual, you are not alone. Hearing changes are common as we age, but the right support can make daily life easier, calmer, and a whole lot clearer.
As an occupational therapist, I hear this all the time:
“My husband keeps turning the TV up SO loud, and he still can’t understand what they're saying.”
Let’s break down what’s really happening, what early signs to look for, and the simple tools (including the Mirai speech-clarity speaker) that help bring the world back into focus.
What Are the Early Signs of Hearing Loss at Home?
Quick answer: The biggest early sign is difficulty understanding speech, not overall volume.
Common early clues:
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Turning the TV up louder than usual
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Saying “what?” or “can you repeat that?” often
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Complaining that everyone “mumbles”
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Withdrawing from conversations
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Missing the doorbell, timer, or phone
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Struggling most in noisy places
Caregiver note:
Often you notice these signs long before your parent or partner does.
Why Is the TV So Loud?
Quick answer: Most older adults lose the ability to distinguish voices from background noise—not the ability to hear sound itself.**
This is why increasing the TV volume doesn’t solve the problem. Everything gets louder… including the noise that makes dialogue harder to understand.
So if they say, “I can hear it, I just can’t understand the words,” that’s a major clue that clarity—not volume—is the real issue.
What Is the Mirai Speaker?
Short answer: It’s a TV speaker designed specifically for people with hearing changes.**
Unlike a traditional soundbar, the Mirai Speaker uses patented wave technology that:
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Amplifies voice clarity
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Reduces background noise
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Keeps overall volume lower
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Directs sound toward the listener
This means your loved one can finally hear what’s being said— and you can finally stop yelling from the kitchen.
How Does the Mirai Speaker Improve Voice Clarity?
Here’s the quick breakdown:
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Dialogue frequencies are amplified
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Background noise is softened
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Sound waves travel in a pattern that makes speech clearer to aging ears
I knew it worked when I tested it in my own home:
In the living room, voices were crystal clear.
But with the door closed in the next room? I could barely hear anything.
That’s the point—the listener hears better without flooding the whole house.
Who Should Try a Speech-Clarity Speaker Instead of Hearing Aids?
The Mirai Speaker is perfect when someone:
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Only struggles with TV dialogue
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Hears better in quiet spaces and worse in noise
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Is not ready for hearing aids
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Has mild–moderate hearing loss
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Needs a simple, frustration-free solution
When to call an audiologist:
If they’re missing alarms, isolating socially, or struggling across multiple parts of daily life—even with tools.
How Do You Set Up the Mirai Speaker?
Quick answer: It’s plug-and-play.
It includes:
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Clear setup instructions
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Multiple connection options
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A simple remote
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Lightweight, easy-to-handle design
Caregiver tip:
Set it up with them—and make sure they know how to adjust the remote confidently.
Other OT-Approved Tools That Help Adults With Hearing Loss
Hearing loss affects more than TV time. It impacts safety, communication, and independence.
Here are some additional OT-approved solutions we recommend on AskSAMIE:
✔ PockeTalker Voice Amplifier
Ideal for conversations, appointments, and hearing speech in noisy environments.
✔ Flashing Doorbell Sensors
Great for anyone who doesn’t always hear knocking or ringing.
✔ Auto Shut Off Systems
For alarms, stove timers, or emergency notifications.
✔ Talking & Tactile Tools
Talking clocks, talking thermometers, tactile kitchen markers, and more.
✔ Captioning Tools & TV Enhancements
Improves readability and clarity without maxing out the volume.
You can explore all of these inside our Hearing Support Collection on AskSAMIE.
What Should Caregivers Do If They Notice Hearing Loss?
1. Start the conversation gently
Try:
“I’ve noticed the TV seems harder to hear lately. Want to try something that makes voices clearer?”
2. Focus on tools, not criticism
Adaptive equipment maintains independence—it’s not a sign of weakness.
3. Make safety the priority
If they’re missing doorbells, alarms, or someone calling them, take action early.
4. Reach out to an OT if you’re unsure
We’re trained to assess functional hearing problems and recommend the right tools.
Final Thoughts
Hearing loss can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to disrupt daily life or relationships. With the right clarity-boosting tools—like the Mirai Speaker—and a few supportive adjustments, communication can feel smooth and confident again.
Looking for OT-approved hearing tools?
Everything we recommend is vetted by clinicians who specialize in aging in place.
👉 Visit AskSAMIE.com to explore hearing supports that make life easier, safer, and clearer.
