Auracast represents the next generation of audio accessibility technology, allowing public venues and personal devices to broadcast audio directly to compatible hearing aids and other audio devices. This Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio protocol eliminates the need for traditional assistive listening systems and creates new possibilities for inclusive audio experiences in theaters, restaurants, airports, and countless other environments.

What Is Auracast Technology?

Auracast functions like an invisible, highly advanced public address system that can reach unlimited numbers of audio devices simultaneously. Using Bluetooth LE Audio 5.2 technology, any Auracast transmitter—whether it's a smartphone, laptop, television, or dedicated public address system—can broadcast audio to nearby Auracast-enabled devices including hearing aids, cochlear implants, and wireless earbuds.

The technology works bidirectionally, meaning users can both receive broadcasts from venues and share their own audio content with other Auracast-enabled devices. This creates opportunities for everything from silent disco experiences to personal audio sharing between family members.

Unlike traditional assistive listening systems that require special equipment pickup and return, Auracast streams directly to users' personal devices. This eliminates barriers that previously prevented many people from accessing audio assistance in public spaces due to stigma, inconvenience, or hygiene concerns.

How Auracast Benefits People with Hearing Loss

For individuals with hearing difficulties, Auracast addresses many long-standing challenges in public audio environments. Traditional assistive listening systems often involve cumbersome equipment, limited availability, and the need to identify oneself as having hearing difficulties to venue staff.

Auracast eliminates these barriers by streaming crystal-clear audio directly to hearing aids, allowing users to access assistance discretely and independently. The technology automatically optimizes audio quality based on each individual's hearing device settings and personal preferences.

At Southwest Balance, Dizziness & Ear Institute, we recognize that hearing in challenging environments remains one of the primary concerns for our patients. Auracast technology represents a significant advancement in addressing these real-world listening situations that extend far beyond the controlled environment of our clinic.

The protocol supports both public broadcasts (available to anyone within range) and private, encrypted streams for secure communications. This flexibility makes Auracast suitable for everything from museum tours to confidential business presentations.

Current Availability and Compatible Devices

Several leading hearing aid manufacturers have already integrated Auracast capabilities into their latest models. ReSound Vivia and ReSound Savi hearing aids feature full Auracast activation, requiring no future firmware updates to access broadcast streams. These devices can immediately connect to any available Auracast transmission within range.

Other manufacturers are following suit with "Auracast-ready" devices that will receive activation through future software updates. The technology is rapidly becoming standard across premium hearing aid lines, with expansion expected across all performance levels.

Apple devices and Windows 11 PCs can pair directly with Bluetooth LE Audio hearing aids, while newer Android phones with LE Audio support allow users to adjust hearing aid presets directly through the phone's native settings. This integration streamlines the user experience and reduces dependence on separate hearing aid apps for basic adjustments.

Auracast in Public Venues

The implementation of Auracast in public spaces promises to transform accessibility across numerous environments. Movie theaters can broadcast film audio directly to hearing aids, eliminating the need for special headphones or amplification devices. Places of worship can ensure every congregant receives clear audio regardless of their seating location or hearing ability.

Airports and transportation hubs can use Auracast for boarding announcements, gate changes, and emergency communications, ensuring critical information reaches all travelers. Restaurants and bars can offer menu readings, specials announcements, or even table-to-table communication in noisy environments.

Conference centers and meeting venues can provide multi-language translation services through Auracast, with attendees selecting their preferred language stream. This eliminates the traditional limitations of available translation equipment and allows unlimited participants to access translated content.

The ReSound Smart 3D App and Auracast Assistant

ReSound has introduced what they call the world's first Auracast Assistant integrated into a hearing aid app. The ReSound Smart 3D app simplifies the process of finding and connecting to Auracast streams with a single tap, even when using smartphones that don't yet have built-in Auracast assistants.

The Auracast Assistant scans for available broadcasts in the user's vicinity and displays both public and private stream options. Users can select their preferred audio source and immediately begin receiving the broadcast through their hearing aids. This seamless integration removes technical barriers that might otherwise prevent users from accessing available audio assistance.

The app also manages multiple stream connections, allowing users to switch between different audio sources or maintain connections to multiple broadcasts simultaneously. This functionality proves particularly valuable in complex environments like airports or large venues with multiple audio options.

Advantages Over Traditional Assistive Listening Systems

Traditional assistive listening systems, including FM and infrared technologies, require dedicated equipment that must be distributed, maintained, and sanitized by venue staff. These systems often have limited availability and may not provide optimal audio quality due to interference or equipment age.

Auracast eliminates these logistical challenges by utilizing personal devices that users already own and maintain. The technology provides superior audio quality through direct digital transmission without the signal degradation common in analog assistive listening systems.

Privacy concerns associated with traditional systems also disappear with Auracast. Users no longer need to identify themselves as having hearing difficulties or return potentially unsanitary equipment after use. The technology provides discrete access to audio assistance while maintaining user anonymity and dignity.

Technical Implementation and Battery Life

One significant advantage of Bluetooth LE Audio technology is its energy efficiency compared to traditional Bluetooth connections. Auracast streaming consumes minimal battery power, allowing hearing aids to maintain their standard all-day performance even when actively receiving broadcasts.

The protocol supports high-quality audio transmission with low latency, ensuring synchronized audio-visual experiences in venues like theaters or conference centers. Advanced compression algorithms maintain audio clarity while minimizing data transmission requirements, making the technology viable even in crowded environments with multiple simultaneous streams.

Modern hearing aids with Auracast capability can maintain their full feature set while receiving broadcasts, including noise reduction, directional microphones, and real ear measurements optimization. This ensures users receive the full benefit of their individualized hearing aid programming even when accessing public audio streams.

Future Applications and Possibilities

The potential applications for Auracast technology continue to expand as more venues and device manufacturers adopt the protocol. Educational institutions can provide audio assistance for students with hearing difficulties without requiring special accommodations or equipment distribution.

Fitness facilities can broadcast instructor audio during classes, while retail environments can offer product information or promotional content directly to shoppers' devices. The technology's versatility makes it suitable for virtually any environment where audio communication occurs.

Healthcare facilities can use Auracast for patient communications, appointment notifications, or educational content delivery. This application proves particularly valuable in environments where clear communication is essential for patient safety and treatment effectiveness.

Getting Started with Auracast Technology

If you're interested in accessing Auracast capabilities, the first step involves ensuring your hearing aids support the technology. At Southwest Balance, Dizziness & Ear Institute, we can help you understand which current hearing aid models offer Auracast compatibility and how this technology might benefit your specific listening needs.

Our audiologists stay current with the latest connectivity advances and can demonstrate how Auracast integration works with your smartphone and other personal devices. We also provide comprehensive training on using hearing aid apps that include Auracast Assistant functionality, ensuring you can confidently access available audio streams in public venues.

During your consultation, we can discuss how Auracast technology complements your existing hearing aid features and programming. Real ear measurements help optimize your hearing aids for both traditional listening situations and streamed audio content, ensuring consistent performance across all listening environments.

Schedule Your Auracast Consultation Today

Ready to explore how Auracast technology can improve your listening experience in public venues? Contact Southwest Balance, Dizziness & Ear Institute at (602) 265-9000 to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced audiologists. We're located at 4004 N 7th St. in Phoenix, with office hours Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm.

Our team can help you understand the compatibility between current hearing aid models and Auracast technology, demonstrate the features in person, and ensure your devices are properly configured for optimal performance. Let us help you stay connected to the audio experiences that matter most to you through the latest advances in hearing aid connectivity.