Yes there is a setting i found while setting up the sound bar that aloud for the use of both the sounder and television simultaneously. You can change both the volumes separate as well. I got this tv for my grandfather who has 50% hearing and no hearing aids so he also used a headset with his old tv because my grandmother has great hearing and doesnt want it super loud. But instead of hooking up the headphones again i hooked up a very nice sound bar that has an extra voice tweeter in it for better sound on speech and both were able to hear well enough to watch tv together.