IQbuds² MAX &
IQstream TV to
hear TV better

IQbuds² MAX & IQstream TV to hear TV better

The Need for TV Hearing Devices

Worldwide, millions of individuals with mild-to-moderate hearing loss struggle to hear the TV, resulting in uncomfortably loud volumes. While compensating for their hearing challenges, the TV volume becomes unpleasant for others.

For those with some degree of hearing loss, the experience of watching TV is frustrating. The solution is often more complex than simply turning up the volume. As Dr. Meredith Scharf of Manhattan Audiological Services in New York told Consumer Reports in a recent interview:

“We see this issue quite a bit, especially with our older patients. It’s not just volume; it’s clarity any time there’s a high background level of noise. It can be with speech and conversations, as well as with TV.”

To enable better hearing of the TV at normal levels without impacting others in the room, there have traditionally been a number of TV hearing device options, all with their own pros and cons. (expand sections below for more detail)

Infrared Systems
infrared TV hearing device

This type of TV hearing device uses infrared light to transmit sound. A transmitter, typically located next to the TV and connected by wire, converts sound into an infrared light signal. The signal transmits to a headset or receiver worn by the user. The receiver converts the infrared signal back into sound, and usually the volume can be directly adjusted on the receiver by the user.

Pros: Good sound quality, relatively affordable, immune to radio interference

Cons: Susceptible to sunlight interference, can’t transmit through walls, needs direct line of sight, isolating

Radio Frequency / FM Listening System
RF/FM TV Hearing Device

A Radio Frequency FM hearing device for TV transmits radio waves that penetrate walls, enabling continued listening in other rooms. A microphone transmitter attached to the TV passes the sound signal to a headset or neck loop receiver. The headset then plays the sound at the adjusted volume level desired for the user.

Pros: Easy set-up, multi-room listening, cost-efficient

Cons: Susceptible to interference, not secure, may require tuning during programming to improve reception, isolating

Induction Loop Systems
induction loop TV hearing device

A induction hearing loop is a specialized sound system compatible with hearing aids featuring “t-coils. The hearing loop provides a magnetic, wireless signal that is picked up by the hearing aid when it is set to ‘T’ (Telecoil) setting. In order to enable a hearing loop, a wire must be placed around the perimeter of a specific area. The wire acts as an antenna to transmit the magnetic signal.

Pros: T-coil hearing aid compatible, no additional headset needed, inconspicuous, reduces background noise

Cons: Susceptible to interference from other electronics, requires hard-wired perimeter.

IQstream TV Details

IQstream TV: A Smarter Solution

While many of the traditional TV hearing devices on the market offer solutions that undeniably improve the experience of watching TV for those with hearing difficulties, there are still drawbacks with all of them. These include the requirement of a specialized and extremely expensive hearing aid, or  the need to wear a cumbersome yoke around the neck or headset over the ears, or having to physically wire a “loop zone” around your TV room…

IQstream TV offers a sophisticated, stylish, easy, and affordable Bluetooth option that functions extraordinarily well. Even for those without any hearing loss, the experience of using IQstream TV with IQbuds² MAX or IQbuds BOOST for watching television is incredible. It’s like bringing the surround sound quality of a home theater directly to your ears, with the ability to independently control volume with the swipe of a finger. The volume is independently controlled from the TV, so the sound level will not be impacted for others watching the same screen.

“Especially when watching live sports or feature films on the television, the experience of IQstream for your ears is akin to going from standard to high definition (HD) for your eyes.”

IQbuds2 MAX

The best truly wireless earbuds for work, home or play

IQbuds² MAX

Game-changing

Unlike other TV hearing devices, IQstream TV and IQbuds² MAX (or IQbuds BOOST) don’t isolate the users from others watching television with them. While using IQstream TV, your Nuheara earbuds can still be toggled from world off to any of the preset environmental zones (‘home,’ ‘office,’ etc.) to enable outside sounds to pass through the external microphones and into the ear.

Below is an overview of just some of the many features that truly make IQstream TV a game-changing innovation for anyone who’s struggled to hear the television.

Instant Pairing
Pairing your phone and BOOST earbuds with IQstream TV is incredibly simple. While connected to your IQbuds BOOST, simply touch your Android or iOS smartphone up against the IQstream TV unit, and the devices are magically paired via a Bluetooth connection. From that point forward, you can simply toggle back and forth between IQstream TV audio and the digital audio (phone calls, music, etc) from your phone.

Within seconds, you will begin hearing the audio from your TV coming directly through your IQbuds BOOST earbuds in rich, high-fidelity sound.

  • No need to re-pair the devices for future connections
  • No need to hassle with wires, headsets, or neck yokes
  • Solid Bluetooth range of up to 15 meters (~50 feet) from IQstream device.

Independent Volume Control
Through the IQbuds application on your paired smartphone, TV volume can be easily controlled with a simple scroll, or toggled on/off entire with the tap of a button. Additionally, the tap touch controls on the BOOST earbuds retain functionality while connected with IQstream TV. This enables you to mute the TV sound with a simple tap to the ear.

Independent, complete control of the television volume… with the ability to blend it with conversations and outside world noise to your liking.

  • Volume up, down, on, or off through the phone application or tap touch controls on the earbuds
  • Fully independent volume control… Let your partner sleep or read in peace with the TV muted while you enjoy high definition sound
  • Blend outside world volume with your TV audio to remain engaged with others and avoid isolation.

No Audio/Video Lag
The transmission of the audio from a Bluetooth TV hearing device to the user’s hearing device is a critical connection. A common complaint with many devices is latency. Latency occurs when the audio heard by the end user is slightly behind what is showing on the television. As a result, there is often lip sync delay and a disjointed audio-visual experience which is very frustrating.

To eliminate latency issues, Nuheara licenses Qualcomm’s aptX LL technology for IQstream and IQbuds BOOST. aptXTM Low Latency Audio ensures that Bluetooth wireless devices synchronize sound with video content. The aptX LL technology ensures that audio transmission happens at a rate of ~40ms or less. Studies have shown that the brain typically cannot distinguish delays of less than 100ms, therefore the transmission speed eliminates any perceptible latency effect.

Positive customer experiences.

★★★★★

I highly recommend it

This device has really helped me clearly hear the TV dialogue while leaving the TV volume at a reasonable level for others to hear. The IQbuds BOOST link very easily to the IQstream TV device. The IQstream TV unit is easy to plug into the TV and began working immediately. I highly recommend it for anyone who has a hard time hearing the TV dialogue.
Thomas C. from United States

IQbuds BOOST great for TV and phone conversations

I no longer require subtitles when watching TV and my wife can watch together without increased volume from the TV. Also works well as a hands free phone device.
Harry from Australia

IQstream TV a fantastic product

In the past I had to use earphones in order to hear the TV without disturbing my present company with over excessive higher volume. Now, using my IQbuds BOOST and IQstream TV however, I can hear clearly their conversation as well as controlling the TV sound without conflicting one with the other. The Digital Optical Audio Cable Provided, transmits very high-fidelity sound quality. Very impressive.
Anonymous from Canada

Happy husband

It has been an amazing change for both of us – husband can hear the TV and as he has told his friends “choose not to hear me “ when l have had enough listening to the ? cricket ??
Anne J. from Australia

Cost effective hearing

I have tried hearing aids that simply don’t work in many environments so I thought I’d try IQBoost buds. They are more flexible in achieving a better result for my hearing problem and have the added feature of allowing access to SIRI, phone calls and importantly my music library. They are so good I purchased the IQStream product for TV listening. Now my wife likes them too.
Colin B. from Australia

Great with the IQstream

I always needed to have the TV quite loud, but now this is in the past, especially with the IQstream TV, the neighbors and my husband are delighted.
Inge B. from Australia

Excellent value & vastly improved viewing experience

The IQstream TV/IQbuds Boost combination is a winner, vastly improving my movie viewing experience. Sound is at ‘my’ level without bothering others and much clearer. The stereo is pretty amazing. I had pretty much given up watching movies without captions, but with some movies now there is no need, as I can actually hear the speech much more clearly. Of course the other benefit is I can enjoy movies with the speakers muted so as to not bother other nearby who are not watching. Thank you Nuheara for providing this technology at a reasonable price. An excellent value for money.
Terry B. from United States