Bless Her Busy Heart

Being part of the ‘sandwich generation’ is a challenging yet common experience. I’m currently  navigating this complex situation while caring for my kids and aging parents.

This post I will cover Issue 1: The Blaring TV

Understanding the “Sandwich” Stage of Life

As I navigated my own “Sandwich” stage, I realized the importance of understanding its implications.  Being part of this generation means being torn between two significant responsibilities: caring for  one’s children and supporting aging parents. This situation can lead to emotional and physical strain, making it crucial to acknowledge the challenges involved.

Being caught in the middle means juggling multiple responsibilities simultaneously. For instance, I had to balance my own life, my full-time job,  care for my children, and support my dad, who was  struggling with hearing loss and issues after multiple small strokes. This added an extra layer  of complexity to my daily routine, requiring  patience, understanding, and effective communication.

Issue 1: Blaring TV Problem

This post I will cover Issue 1: The Blaring TV

One of the first indicators was when Dad’s TV was so loud that I could hear it from outside the house, highlighting his hearing loss. At the time, I didn’t think much of it, attributing it to the usual volume of his television watching. However, in retrospect, it was one of the early signs that his needs were  changing.

As his hearing deteriorated, he would turn up the volume to levels that were uncomfortable for others. I had to find a solution that would allow him to enjoy his TV without disturbing others or straining his hearing further.

Solution: The Roku Mobile App

I had already purchased small Roku devices for all of my father’s televisions, making it easier for him to access his favorite shows and channels without the hassle of complicated remotes or cable boxes. Each TV in his house is now equipped with a Roku, allowing him to simply turn it on and start watching with just a few clicks. It’s been a convenient and affordable way to streamline his entertainment setup, and it gives me peace of mind knowing he can easily navigate everything on his own.

The solution came in the form of the Roku mobile app, which allowed for private listening by  streaming TV sounds directly to his hearing aids. This was a game-changer, as it  enabled Dad to watch TV at a comfortable volume for himself without disturbing others.

Setting Up Private Listening

To set up private listening, I first ensured that Dad’s Roku device and his hearing aids were  compatible. Then, I downloaded the Roku mobile app on his phone and followed the in-app instructions to connect it to his Roku device. The process was straightforward, and within a few minutes, we were able to stream the TV audio directly to his hearing aids.

Connecting the Roku app to Dad’s hearing aids required Bluetooth connectivity. I made sure his  hearing aids were paired with his phone, and then we were able to stream the TV audio directly to his hearing aids using the Roku app. This not only improved his viewing experience but also reduced the  disturbance caused by the loud TV.

Apart from the Roku mobile app, we also explored other audio solutions that could enhance Dad’s TV watching experience. One such solution was using a TV amplifier that could boost the volume without distortion. Additionally, we considered soundbars with wireless connectivity to his hearing aids.

In the end, the Roku mobile app with the private listening feature turned out to be the perfect solution to my father’s hearing issues and the constant struggle with loud TV volumes. It has been a game-changer for us…. Plus if you already own Roku devices – it is an easy, affordable fix that has made a big difference.

Have any of you tried using Roku’s private listening feature to help with hearing issues or loud TV volume in your home? I’d love to hear if it worked for you—or if you’ve found other creative solutions that helped make TV time easier for your loved ones!