Several years ago I started using headphones with inline volume control for my TV. I use them primarily for the varying volume and background noise and characters who whisper. They also reduce the outside noise in my apartment complex.
I have worn out 3 sets, so far.
LOL!! I've got ear plugs that came with my Roku so I can use those with the programs I watch on Netflix, but haven't really used them yet. Closed captions works for me, especially with the number of British programs I watch. I love British programming, but they can be hard to understand. And I found that in a lot of the U.S. TV programs, it seems the actors talk fast, or mumble. Nobody enunciates anymore.