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Neurodiverse Mumsnetters

Use this forum to discuss neurodiverse parenting.

Original poster

Do you use the subtitles on the TV even though you don't have hearing problems?

43 replies

ofwarren · 16/02/2022 18:19

Disclaimer
This is the neurodiverse mumsnetters board so I'm wanting replies from other ND women

Do you use the subtitles when you watch TV?
I always have done because otherwise I can't hear what they are saying. I miss so much of what is being said without it.
If a programme doesn't have subtitles on it, I won't watch it and I won't watch live TV programmes because the subtitles won't match.

OP posts:
Nortd · 16/02/2022 18:23

Always! I find it helps me process better.

BuanoKubiamVej · 16/02/2022 18:25

I like this but DH hates it so I generally have to cope without. Our ND son has the same issue and hates watching tv without subtitles so if we are watching together as a family we are usually allowed subtitles.

OutlookStalking · 16/02/2022 18:25

Yes. Ive not got hearing problems but i hear so much more!

felulageller · 16/02/2022 18:32

Using the subtitles has been revaluationary for me!
I did t realise how much I was missing of film and TV until I started using them and it made me see shows in a whole different light. I realised I'd been mis hearing things all my life!

Original poster
ofwarren · 16/02/2022 18:39

If only we could have subtitles in real life 🤣

OP posts:
deeplyrooted · 16/02/2022 18:42

@ofwarren

If only we could have subtitles in real life 🤣
I’ve often thought this. I even toyed with the idea of using the dictation software on my phone but it’s always rubbish anyway.

I always use the subtitles. I also far prefer to have subtitles for foreign language than dubbing which hurts my head.

I put subtitles on for the dc too because it might help with reading.

deeplyrooted · 16/02/2022 18:42

@ofwarren brilliant opening line!

Original poster
ofwarren · 16/02/2022 18:51

[quote deeplyrooted]@ofwarren brilliant opening line![/quote]
Grin
We just get swamped with NTs otherwise

OP posts:
BachAndByte · 16/02/2022 18:51

Yes, always when they’re available. I can’t follow what’s going on otherwise.

Clarice99 · 16/02/2022 18:53

I use the subtitles all of the time and cannot watch TV without them. But, in addition to being autistic, I have lost most of my hearing, so the subtitles are necessary from a deafness point of view.

However, I'm certain if I could hear, I'd use the subtitles because, as weird as it may sound coming from a person with very little hearing, noise pisses me off!

RamonaFlowers1 · 16/02/2022 18:53

Yep, I find it so much easier to follow a story with subtitles! I don't avoid watching things if there are none available, but it really helps if they are.

BarrowInFurnessRailwayStation · 16/02/2022 18:55

We don't have a TV anymore, but I did used to put the subtitles on if I couldn't manage with the sound.

TVs and programmes are too loud and have loud music, but indistinct speech. I can't deal with that at all.

BachAndByte · 16/02/2022 18:58

On a related point, does anyone else struggle to watch programmes that are signed? For some reason I can’t focus on anything else when that’s there. I wish that there was the option to turn it off.

Namechangeagain84 · 16/02/2022 18:59

I'm not sure I'm ok to reply...

But yes. I can hear fine, but it was suggested when I was younger, and in adult life, I have my hearing checked. My hearing is fine. But I often find myself saying 'pardon' before I have processed it, then I realise what someone has said and answer. Such an annoying habit for others.
So to answer the questions, I love subtitles! Ongoing battle with DH who hates them. So they go on and off 😄

Namechangeagain84 · 16/02/2022 19:01

@BachAndByte yes! I couldn't find a version of a programme the other day that wasn't signed, so didn't watch it for that reason. My eyes always get dragged to the bottom right of the screen then I have no idea what's going on in the programme!

AnotherMansCause · 16/02/2022 19:01

Someone mentioned auditory processing disorder on MN a while ago so I looked it up & immediately I felt like it was describing me. I've used the subtitles on my TV since I got my first TV at 15 (am 40). I always assumed I had slight hearing loss but I actually think it's this.

DD always insists we have the subtitles on, even on her programmes, & TBH I suspect it helped her with learning to read.

Original poster
ofwarren · 16/02/2022 19:05

@namechange84 Of course you can reply, the disclaimer is for the NTs, not those who are more than likely ND like yourself.

OP posts:
Original poster
ofwarren · 16/02/2022 19:06

@BachAndByte

On a related point, does anyone else struggle to watch programmes that are signed? For some reason I can’t focus on anything else when that’s there. I wish that there was the option to turn it off.
@BachAndByte , omg yes! I feel bad about not liking it because obviously deaf people rely on it, but it distracts me far too much too.
OP posts:
Namechangeagain84 · 16/02/2022 19:10

Honestly, all these things that are posted, I really did assume that this was all the norm for everyone too.
It's a relief to discover all the things on this board. It's been an eye opening week! (In a good way)

TheSoapyFrog · 16/02/2022 19:50

Yes! I can't follow what's going on otherwise. It drives everyone else up the wall, but it may as well not be on without subtitles. No problems with my hearing.

MinnieJackson · 16/02/2022 20:02

Hmm, I've been lurking for a while. I have diagnosed mh issues but recently I've been looking into my childhood traits. My son has autism as do my father and 5 of my cousins. I just did the test, what do I do now regarding my results? Could I get more support than what I'm currently diagnosed with? Would anyone say this is worth pursuing? (Depression, generalised anxiety disorder and agoraphobia with panic disorder).I've done cbt therapy. Obviously social situations are a huge trigger for me. I'm currently prescribed Sertraline 200mg and diazepam.

Do you use the subtitles on the TV even though you don't have hearing problems?
MinnieJackson · 16/02/2022 20:03

Sorry to add, yes, I can't watch something without subtitles.

Percie · 16/02/2022 20:04

Me, too! I remember so much more of whatever I've been watching this way.

Nortd · 16/02/2022 20:07

@MinnieJackson

Hmm, I've been lurking for a while. I have diagnosed mh issues but recently I've been looking into my childhood traits. My son has autism as do my father and 5 of my cousins. I just did the test, what do I do now regarding my results? Could I get more support than what I'm currently diagnosed with? Would anyone say this is worth pursuing? (Depression, generalised anxiety disorder and agoraphobia with panic disorder).I've done cbt therapy. Obviously social situations are a huge trigger for me. I'm currently prescribed Sertraline 200mg and diazepam.
In terms of support it will depend where in country you are I think, in a lot of places adult help is pretty much non existent, when I turned 18 it was pretty much good luck and goodbye! But I think it's always worth pursuing so you can understand yourself better, if you work it can obviously be declared if you want.
ClumpingBambooIsALie · 16/02/2022 20:10

I used to watch everything with subtitles, but it annoyed DP so eventually I stopped. Haven't done it for years. But yes, instinctively I prefer it. Text is my first language.