Auracast™ and the Future of Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids
For many people with hearing loss, navigating through public spaces often means missing out on everyday moments that most of us take for granted.
Imagine this…
You’re standing in a crowded airport, straining to hear a gate change announcement over the roar of the terminal.
Or perhaps, you are at a sports bar, trying to enjoy a game with your friend, but you’re left feeling isolated because you can’t actually hear the commentary coming from the TV.
This can leave a person feeling disempowered, discouraged, and even hopeless. Technology, however, is constantly advancing, and there’s a new piece of equipment that is starting to hit the market and make a real difference in people's lives.
It’s name, is Auracast™.
We’re going to explain what Auracast™ is, how it works, and how it will change the future of audio streaming for hearing aid users. Audiology First has always been a leader for the latest tech in hearing aid investments, and we’re excited to help our patients navigate these new opportunities.
What is Auracast™ Broadcast Audio?
Auracast™ is a new Bluetooth® capability that allows a single transmitter (such as a television, your smartphone, or even a public announcement system) to broadcast high-quality audio to an unlimited number of nearby receivers. This will include compatible hearing aids, earbuds, and headphones.
An easy way to conceptualize this is like your very own personal radio station. In your car, you can tune the radio into a specific frequency carrying a specific channel. Auracast™ allows you to “tune in” in a similar way; specific audio streams available in a public venue, directly to your hearing device.
This technology is built upon the advanced Bluetooth LE Audio standard, which provides better sound quality with significantly lower battery consumption.
How is Auracast™ Different from Current Systems?
Public venues currently use Assistive Listening Systems (ALS). Examples of these include hearing loops (telecoils), FM systems, or infrared systems to help those with hearing loss. They’ve been helpful, but they have their limitations. Some of which Auracast™ has been designed to overcome.
Nick Hunn, a physicist, engineer, and wireless technology specialist is uniquely positioned to address some of these barriers.
As the Chief Technology Officer of WiFore (a wireless technology analysis and design firm), and a key contributor to the technological foundation of Auracast™, he has been a driving force in the development of the Bluetooth® LE Audio standards that are now making this vision of inclusive audio a reality.
“While current assistive listening systems, such as inductive loops, have been providing great benefit to people with hearing loss, they suffer from a number of challenges that have limited their deployment, including poor quality, high cost, and lack of privacy.” —Nick Hunn, CTO of WiFore
One of the most significant shifts is the removal of “equipment stigma”; users will no longer have to borrow bulky, specialized receivers from the public spaces. The introduction of a BYOD (bring your own device) model will help people with hearing loss to maintain autonomy and comfort, without feeling singled out, among the public.
Here is a simple table to outline some of the key differences between traditional systems and Auracast™ broadcast audio:
| Feature | Traditional Systems (Loops/FM) | Auracast™ Broadcast Audio |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | Often requires borrowing a venue receiver | Uses your own personal hearing aids or earbuds |
| Audio Quality | Can be prone to interference or lower fidelity | High-quality, digital Bluetooth LE Audio |
| Privacy | Public broadcasts can sometimes be "overheard" | Supports both open and encrypted broadcasts |
| Scalability | Can be expensive and complex to install | Lower cost and easier for venues to deploy |
Unlocking Audio in Airports, Theaters, and Beyond
There are so many potential applications, scenarios, and environments that Auracast™ is slated to revolutionize for people with hearing loss:
- Airports: Tune into gate announcements or the audio of a specific news channel playing at your gate.
- Theaters & Conferences: Receive crystal-clear audio directly from the presenter’s microphone; you could even choose a dedicated channel for real-time language translation.
- Gyms & Waiting Rooms: Listen to the audio from any of the muted TVs on the wall without disrupting others.
- Museums: Access guided tour audio directly through your hearing aids without needing a separate headset.
While these are just a few examples, there’s really no limit to its future development, application, and capacity.
When Can I Expect Auracast™?
The future is closer than you think. While widespread adoption may take some time (experts estimate it could be anywhere from 2 to 10 years for global Auracast-compatibility), some of the latest hearing aids, like Oticon Intent and Zeal models, already come equipped with Auracast™-ready hardware.
Global standards for the technology and its use are projected to be fully-established by late 2027.
What You Can Do Now:
- Talk to your audiologist: Our team at Audiology First works hard to stay at the forefront of the industry, and we can help you determine if your current lifestyle would benefit from this exciting new technology.
- Consider “Dual-Tech” devices: For people who have significant hearing loss, it’s recommended they look into hearing aids that offer both traditional, telecoil systems, as well as Auracast™. This allows such individuals to access both systems; ready for today, prepared for the technology of tomorrow.
Check your phone: Ask your provider if your current smartphone is compatible with the Bluetooth LE Audio standard required for Auracast™.
Curious if new hearing aid technology like Auracast™ is right for you? The world of hearing technology is advancing quickly, and the expert team at Audiology First is here to help you navigate it.
Contact Audiology First today to book a consultation. We’ll help you understand your options and find the best solution for your unique hearing needs and lifestyle!
