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I've been a live-in caregiver for my dad for almost 2 years. He has a significant hearing loss, even with a hearing aid. He gets angry if asked to turn it down. Even with earplugs, which sometimes cause ear infections and raw ears, it is loud. I've always had good hearing, but now I'm beginning to have a hard time hearing people.

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Loud noise will affect your hearing, but you shouldn't have to suffer because of your father's lack of cooperation and consideration for your own hearing.

I've heard of TV "ears" that apparently provide sound directly through the headset so the tv doesn't have to be turned up as loud. I've never used them so I can't report on how well they work.

Something you could do is kind of throw his behavior right back at him. Wear ear protectors that are worn for construction work, shooting/target practice, etc. I like the big ear muffs; I wear them when I mow the lawn, even when I use a drill, vacuum or use a mix master.

Is there any way you can get your dad to do something besides watch TV for 12 hours? I'm guessing that at some point he's going to have some mobility problems. Is he interested in any particular hobby? Do you think you could get him to go to a senior center for entertainment?
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I had the exact same issue with my dad. He lived with me, he was hard of hearing, and would blast the T.V. I went to Radio Shack and found a set of head phones with a long cord that plugged into the T.V. The head phones were comfortable and spongy and didn't have to go into the ear.
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Yes, either the wired headphones, cheap, or the wireless setup, more money, but either would help with this. I cannot tolerate a blasting tv. It drives most people bug s.......t!
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chandraclaws, how is your Dad's eyesight? Why I asked is that many of the newer TV sets have "closed captioning" where the sound is either totally off or lowered and the TV set will run script to read what the people are saying on the TV.
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There is some kind of remote device that amplifies sound for the hard of hearing but where the tv can be kept at a normal volume. My mother has this
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Thank you GardenArtist. I will check into the TV ears (if I can get him to wear them). I also like the idea of the big ear muff ear protectors :-). He gets out in the yard in the summer and fall. Since it's been cold, I've been taking him for short walks at the mall. Seems to help with mobility and mood. Gotta get back to the tv though....
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Thanks Eyerishlash (I'll start at radioshack). Thank you Windyridge (I may already be bug...sht), and thanks to Freqflyer (Closed captioning is a great idea) and Jane00 (normal volume would be great). Now if I can ever pry the remote from his hands. He holds on pretty tight even when he falls asleep in the chair, even takes it to the bathroom with him...
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re the remote...I got a second universal remote. I just saw on the deal of the day TODAY at amazon the chair ears that sit on the back of the recliner and direct sound to his head. IDK if it really helps with volume. I set a limit on the volume. like if it goes over 25 on the TV then it costs more money on the electric bill. that worked for a while. Now I am back to square one
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My husband was not too keen on the wireless headset at first. Then he discovered he could wear them into the bathroom and not miss a crucial play, and, hey, they were OK!
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You'd be surprised at how much everyday sound is already dangerous and potentially damaging to your ears. Being exposed to noise over 85db for extended periods can already cause some damage.
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Thank you. Good stuff to know.
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