In an increasingly connected world, modern hearing technology is transforming how we experience sound in both public spaces and our personal lives. From the frustration of straining to hear announcements in noisy airports to the simple desire to stream phone calls directly to your ears, today’s hearing solutions go far beyond basic amplification. Auracast™ and Bluetooth are two technologies which are revolutionizing the hearing aid experience by turning these devices into sophisticated personal audio receivers that seamlessly connect you to the sounds that matter most, whether that’s a gate announcement at the airport, your favorite TV show at home, or a phone conversation with a loved one.
Bluetooth Technology
Developers of hearing aids are always looking for new and improved ways of making hearing aids better and more useful in people’s lives. Wireless connectivity, such as Bluetooth, allows individuals to connect their hearing aids to various devices for improved sound quality directly from the sound source.
Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids can be wirelessly connected via wireless streaming accessory to devices such as televisions, cell phones, tablets and FM systems. Bluetooth technology works similarly to wireless internet, where sounds are sent through an invisible electronic signal.
The Bluetooth feature is compatible in most styles of hearing aids, including behind-the-ear (BTE), mini BTE, in-the-ear (ITE) and in-the-canal (ITC) styles, though each manufacturer provides a different array of products and accessories that are Bluetooth-enabled.
Benefits of Bluetooth hearing aids
As with any hearing aid, Bluetooth-compatible devices have some benefits and downsides. One benefit is that using wireless technology allows you to obtain a better sound quality when using your hearing aids with your favorite electronic devices. Think of them as a wireless pair of headphones: they are convenient and cordless for high-quality sound.
Wireless connectivity makes it easier for hearing aid users to utilize the various technologies in their everyday lives. Making phone calls, using a tablet or computer, listening to music and even watching TV at home can be an enjoyable experience for the tech-savvy user. Bluetooth allows for more custom control when it comes to volumes of different technologies and can be adjusted through hearing aids or an app.
Transform How You Hear with Auracast Bluetooth
Auracast™ expands what your Bluetooth devices can do by letting them receive audio broadcasts from various sources around you. This means you can connect to public audio systems without any special equipment or complicated setup. For hearing aid wearers, this adds a new depth to your devices, now serving as personal audio receivers for shared broadcasts. Whether you’re attending a conference, catching a flight or cheering on your favorite sports team, Auracast creates a more personalized listening experience wherever you go.
What is Auracast?
Auracast is essentially a new way for Bluetooth to work in community places. Unlike traditional Bluetooth that connects one device to another privately, Auracast allows a single audio source to broadcast to multiple listeners at the same time.
This technology turns everyday locations into smart listening environments. A restaurant could broadcast TV audio you tune into with your hearing aids or earbuds. An airport could send gate announcements directly to your devices. Movie theaters could provide audio in multiple languages you select based on your preference.
How Does This Technology Work?
Auracast builds on standard Bluetooth technology but adds broadcasting capability. When a venue sets up an Auracast transmitter, it creates an audio hotspot that your devices can pair with. Your Auracast-compatible hearing aids or earbuds scan for these available broadcasts, showing you a list of options, similar to searching nearby Wi-Fi networks. You simply select the broadcast you want and control the volume through your device.
The system uses Bluetooth LE (Low Energy) Audio technology optimized for public spaces, providing improved sound quality compared to older Bluetooth connections. It typically works within a range just over 300 feet from the transmitter, making it practical for most indoor venues and smaller outdoor settings. Multiple listeners can connect simultaneously without reducing sound quality, whether you’re with a small group or a crowd.
What Are the Benefits of Auracast?
Auracast offers several advantages for hearing aid wearers in public areas. In addition to a more private listening experience, this technology offers numerous benefits, including:
- Direct audio reception: Receive announcements, TV audio and presentations directly with your hearing aids.
- Personalized volume control: Adjust sound levels to your specific hearing needs regardless of the projected volume.
- Battery efficiency: Uses less power than continuously streaming from a personal device.
- Accessibility: Works across various environments.
- No extras required: Connects using Auracast-compatible hearing aids or earbuds.
- Multiple language options: Select your preferred language for broadcasts where available.
Auracast makes it easier to hear clearly in shared spaces by sending the audio straight to your devices, giving you more sound control in those everyday environments.
Deciding if Auracast Technology is Right for You
Connecting to Auracast can be a beneficial feature for many individuals, but whether it makes sense for you depends on your hearing needs, where you spend your time and how comfortable you are with technology. Your hearing professional can walk you through what it does and talk with you about whether it fits into your day-to-day life. At your next visit, consider asking if Auracast-ready hearing aids would suit your needs and how they might improve your listening experience.
The Auracast™ word mark and logos are trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
