Why do they whisper?

[Daisy]

"Whisper, whisper, mumble mumble".

From comments in Chat today it seems as though I'm not the only one who gives up on tv programmes because so much of the dialogue is whispered, and no matter how you adjust the sound you still can't tell what's being said. Hearing aids don't seem to help either.

I suppose it's done for dramatic effect, but the only dramatic effect it's likely to have in our house is me going "Bah, humbug" and stamping out of the room or reaching for the 'off' button.

Don't programme makers realise that youngsters don't watch tv much - their core audiences are sweet old ladies (like me!!!) who aren't deaf, but don't have the hearing of a 20-year old.

As for background 'music'!! Bah, humbug again!

[Plantaholic]

I agree Daisy, I need the words across the screen and at times I need to put my headphones on. American accents are the worst.

[Lizzie48]

I thought it was just my hearing!!!! I usually have the radio on, as now, I can hear that, no problem there.

[Oma]

I have the same problem I constantly say to B what did they say ? Another bug bear is dark scenes I can't see a thing so end up turning it off . No point watching a black screen is there .

[Enfys]

I agree. Also, we find we are constantly turning the sound up and down, it’s nots consistent from one programme to the other.

[Daisy]

It looks as though we're all having the same problems!

Another is the mystery of the text message. The character's phone bleeps. He or she whips it out of their pockets. Gazes at it in horror, surprise, fear, disbelief etc, etc, and either we, the audience, are not allowed to share it or, even worse, we get a one nano-second view of it, and it's too small to read anyway.

[Plantaholic]

We all need some trumpets!

[Gemini]

I sometimes struggle, but OH who wears hearing aids struggles more, and especially with different accents.
Sometimes we have to rewind a couple of times and then give up, as neither of us can make out what was said!!

[Sunshine]

I have hearing aids now in both ears. They help a lot. There are only certain frequencies that I missed before, but the aids definitely help. I was referred by my doctor to the audiologist, who prescribed my aids.
They are free on the NHS.
Several of the opticians offer free hearing tests, but you pay for the hearing aids, batteries etc. So if you’re thinking of getting your hearing checked it is definitely worth going via your GP.
My hearing aids are tiny and very discreet.
The TV ads make sure no one misses anything. The volume goes up significantly. Perhaps they realise we all pop out to the kitchen to make a cup of tea.
I agree with Oma about the dark screen on so many different scenes. If we can’t see it or hear it, we really are scuppered.
Happy viewing everyone!

[Nanto2girls]

Daisy,we agree with you about whispering and background music.
We find the American accents are the worst.

[Grauntie Mag]

So glad it’s not just me! I downloaded two films last night as OH was watching football. I gave up within minutes of starting both. They were American. So frustrating.

[Plantaholic]

I have two aids Sunshine, makes no difference. There are a lot of aside whispers in Emma but you should be able to hear them. An elderly lady left after about half an hour.

[Daisy]

I have two 'bionic ears' as well, but they don't help much. They increase the volume but not the clarity.

OH and I were watching Homes under the Hammer yesterday morning, and one house was shown against a background of hideous ugly 'music' that was so loud we just gave up. Do you need 'atmosphere' to look at a scruffy house!!

As for American accents! As you know Gem and I were total beginners at running this forum, and we watched a lot of 'how to' videos made by the software company. When I finally worked out that "timplte" translated as "template" I felt I'd hit the jackpot!

[Nana]

I totally agree with everything that's been said. So frustrating.🤬

[Sunshine]

It’s a shame that hearing aids don’t always work effectively. It’s no point increasing the volume if they don’t improve the clarity. How frustrating.