What Is Auracast Technology? What Does It Mean for the Future of Hearing Aids?

Have you ever found yourself struggling to hear at a theater, concert, conference, or place of worship? If so, you’re not alone.  Traditional assisted listening systems (ALS) like induction loops, infrared, or FM systems have tried to improve this, but they come with limitations, including high costs, lack of privacy, and subpar audio quality.  Enter Auracast, the revolutionary “next generation of Bluetooth” technology that promises to transform how we experience sound in public spaces. 

What Is Auracast? 

Auracast is a new technology developed by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) that leverages Bluetooth LE Audio (Bluetooth 5.2), a low-energy Bluetooth standard introduced in 2022. Unlike traditional Bluetooth, which typically allows for one-to-one connections, Bluetooth LE Audio can connect multiple devices simultaneously.  This breakthrough allows Auracast to broadcast audio to large numbers of people in public spaces, making it a game-changer for those with hearing aids or other listening devices.  Imagine attending a concert, conference, or church service and being able to tune in directly to the audio feed via your hearing aids or smartphone. With Auracast, this is no longer a dream but a reality. 

How Auracast Improves Public Listening Experiences 

Auracast technology allows for seamless audio sharing in public settings, dramatically improving the experience for people who struggle with hearing in noisy environments. Here’s how: 

Whether you’re in a meeting, on a tour, or attending an event, you can easily share audio with multiple listeners using a smartphone, tablet, or any other compatible device. 

With Auracast-enabled devices, you can hear muted televisions in public places like gyms, airport lounges, train stations, and waiting rooms. This makes it easier to stay informed and entertained, no matter where you are. 

For those with hearing aids, Auracast can significantly improve audio quality in public places. It can also provide multi-language support by simulcasting audio in different languages, making events more accessible to a broader audience. 

Auracast is less expensive than traditional loop systems, which means it can be deployed in more locations, expanding the number of venues where you can enjoy clear, high-quality sound. 

What Does Auracast Mean for the Hearing Aid Industry? 

Auracast is set to revolutionize the hearing aid industry by providing a more seamless, integrated listening experience in public spaces. Currently, hearing aid users often rely on their smartphones as intermediaries to access audio feeds, similar to how Wi-Fi Audio works. But with Auracast, hearing aids will be able to connect directly to an audio source with a simple tap, eliminating the need for additional devices.  According to the Hearing Health Foundation, “In due time, hearing aids, too, will be capable of direct connection to an Auracast signal with the simple touch of a button.” As manufacturers upgrade to Bluetooth LE Audio as a standard feature, hearing aids will have built-in Auracast capabilities, allowing users to stream audio directly into their devices.  This innovation is expected to: 

More venues will adopt Auracast technology, providing greater access to live events, public broadcasts, and educational environments.

By bypassing the need for intermediary devices, users will experience clearer, more natural sound quality directly in their hearing aids. 

As more people discover the ease and convenience of Auracast, hearing aid adoption rates are likely to increase, helping to reduce the stigma often associated with hearing loss. 

How to Stay Ahead with Auracast Technology 

Pacific Hearing Service is committed to staying at the forefront of hearing technology to provide our patients with the best solutions available.

As Auracast technology continues to roll out, we will ensure that our patients are informed, equipped, and ready to take advantage of this exciting development. 

If you’re interested in learning more about Auracast and how it can benefit your hearing experience, stay connected with us for the latest updates and explore your options.

Give us a call at Menlo Park: (650) 854-1980 or Los Altos: (650) 941-0664 to schedule an appointment today!