Directional sound for hard of hearing

[BigSkreen]

I have a question. My grandfather has a lot of hearing loss but he still likes to watch TV. He used to turn the volume up extremely loud in order to hear but this disturbed everyone else in the room. I solved this situation by taking and old Sony stereo system and but both speakers next to his chair so he had his own volume button and since these were floor standing speakers it was perfect.

Recently this set up bit the dust. I'd like to get a better solution if I can. I was hoping something like the Yamaha soundbar would work because you are suppose to be able to focus the sound with (I was told 9dB of isolation) but I'm not sure how well this will work. That is because that part of his house is extremely open. Essentially the kitchen, dinning room, and living room are all in one large area (700+ sq ft.). I do like the idea of no speaker wires running across their hardwood though.

I'd like this solution to be as cheap as possible since his hearing isn't great I don't need audiophile quality speakers. His low end hearing is almost shot so no need for subs. I have to balance this with the comfort of other people since this is often a gathering place for my family members.

Thanks in advance

 

[Adam]

Hi. I know that you've thought of this, so I'm guessing it's not a solution - but what about wireless headphones?

 

[Warpdrv]

+1, I did the same for my father, and he uses them with and without his hearing aides... He is so happy with them, he wouldn't have it any other way now...

 

[BigSkreen]

Headphones

I actually didn't think of headphones but after a quick discussion we don't think he would wear them. It is a great solution but for a man in 70s he is pretty set in his ways. I definitely think it is an option.

This is why I ask this question you get great responses. Keep them coming.

 

[Adam]

My dad is in his early 70s, and he loves (and I mean loves) listening to his iPod with headphones. If you haven't asked your grandfather, I'd say do that. Perhaps even just get some and see if he likes them. You can get headphones that are wireless, or you can get wireless systems that let you use any headphones that you want (such as earbuds).

 

[markw]

A soundbar won't "focus" the sound like you want. I can guar-on-tee that if it's loud enough for your dad, the rest of you will be blasted out of the room.

About the only solution I can think of is one you already tried but with a twist. Wireless speakers, like these. You'll probably need AC for the speakers, though.

http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.aol_refer.false.tpl.detail.msn_refer.false.item.E185860.ref.CJ8?cm_ven=SHOPPINGFEED&cm_cat=Electronics&cm_pla=Home Audio&cm_ite=E185860

I think this one even has a remote control for the volume. There are others out there (just google "wireless speakers") but this one just seemed to pop out.