For many people, watching TV can be frustrating when dialogue gets lost under background music or sound effects. If you’ve ever asked, “Why can’t I hear people on TV?” or “Will a soundbar help?”—you’re not alone. Below, we answer the most common questions about soundbars for hearing loss, with a special look at ZVOX’s AccuVoice technology.
Why can’t I hear people on TV clearly? Will a soundbar help?
There are a few reasons dialogue is harder to hear today:
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Slim TV speakers: Modern TVs are designed to be ultra-thin, leaving little room for high-quality speakers that project voices clearly.
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Room acoustics: Hard surfaces and open layouts in many homes can make voices harder to distinguish.
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Modern-day mixing: Many shows and movies now feature soundtracks where dialogue is blended under music, effects, and ambient sound. While it may sound cinematic, it makes understanding voices much more difficult.
A soundbar designed for dialogue enhancement—like a ZVOX AccuVoice speaker—can help by lifting voices out of the mix so they’re clear and easy to understand. Many customers say they no longer need to rely on closed captions once they add a ZVOX soundbar.
How does dialogue enhancement work?
ZVOX uses patented AccuVoice technology to separate and amplify the frequencies of human voices. This makes speech stand out without simply raising overall volume, so you hear dialogue without blasting everything else.
What are AccuVoice and SuperVoice?
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AccuVoice: ZVOX’s trademarked technology that works much like hearing aid technology, using advanced digital processing to make voices clearer and more understandable.
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SuperVoice: An added layer of enhancement that lowers the volume of background noise, music, and effects while boosting voices even further. SuperVoice also balances soft and loud speech so dialogue stays consistent in every scene.
Together, these features make ZVOX speakers uniquely effective for people who struggle to hear TV dialogue.
What about taming loud commercials, theme songs and scenes for sensitive hearing?
Another bonus feature of ZVOX soundbars is Output Leveling. This automatically evens out sound levels so sudden loud noises—like commercials or action scenes—don’t blast you out of the room. At the same time, softer dialogue stays audible.
Will a ZVOX soundbar work with my TV?
Yes. ZVOX soundbars work with virtually any TV that has a digital audio output or an analog audio output. Our recommended models have HDMI-ARC compatibility as well. Setup usually takes just a few minutes.
Can I use my existing remote with a ZVOX soundbar?
Yes. Most ZVOX speakers can learn the infrared commands from your TV, cable, or satellite remote, so you don’t have to juggle multiple remotes.
Can I connect a subwoofer to my ZVOX soundbar?
Yes, if your ZVOX model has a subwoofer output jack. You can connect it to a powered subwoofer with a crossover/low-pass filter for proper bass management.
Can I use wireless headphones with a ZVOX soundbar?
You can use wireless headphones with most ZVOX soundbars by connecting a Bluetooth transmitter to your ZVOX speaker. Many of our speakers have either a Line Out jack or Headphone jack that can be used with a Bluetooth transmitter. The wireless headphones can then connect to the Bluetooth transmitter, allowing you to enjoy the audio wirelessly.
Can I use ZVOX as a center channel with my surround sound system?
No. ZVOX soundbars are self-contained amplified soundbars and cannot be integrated into a traditional A/V receiver surround sound setup.
Which soundbars make it easier to hear people on TV?
Not all soundbars are designed to improve dialogue—most focus on making sound effects bigger. ZVOX specializes in clarity, with options for different room sizes:
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Compact model (AV835): Perfect for small-to-medium rooms, with multiple levels of AccuVoice dialogue boost, SuperVoice, and Output Leveling.
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Larger models (AV855): Designed for bigger rooms, these offer room-filling sound along with advanced AccuVoice and SuperVoice processing, plus Output Leveling for consistent listening.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been struggling to hear TV dialogue, a ZVOX soundbar may be the simplest and most effective solution. With AccuVoice, SuperVoice, and Output Leveling technology, these soundbars are designed specifically to make voices clearer without making everything louder.
Still have questions? Visit the ZVOX Support Page for troubleshooting tips, setup guides, and detailed information.
