Hearing technology is evolving rapidly, and for many people, that means a dramatically improved listening experience in everyday life. One of the most exciting advancements is Auracast™ hearing aid connectivity. This is a new type of Bluetooth® technology that’s designed to make shared listening experiences and audio in public spaces more accessible.
Auracast allows a single source to broadcast audio to an unlimited number of compatible devices like hearing aids, headphones, and more. This means you can stream audio from personal electronics like smartphones and tablets, as well as broadcasts in public venues like theaters, airports, houses of worship, and more.
In this guide, we explain what Auracast hearing aid connectivity is, how it works, and what it could mean for the future of hearing technology.
What is Auracast™?
Auracast is a new wireless audio technology that allows sound to be broadcast from one source to an unlimited number of nearby devices, including hearing aids, headphones, portable speakers, and more. Built on the latest generation of Bluetooth, known as Bluetooth LE Audio, it represents a major upgrade in wireless technology.
Instead of struggling to hear in noisy environments or relying on finicky assistive listening systems, Auracast lets you search, scan, or tap into a shared audio stream and begin listening instantly.
Not only does this technology connect faster and easier, but it also offers higher audio quality and a connectivity range of over 300 feet (~100 meters). This is 10 times larger than traditional Bluetooth pairing.
Plus, Auracast is built on Bluetooth LE, which means it uses significantly less battery power than previous wireless technology.
Whether at home or in public, Auracast enables you to connect to the sound you want, when you want, with far more ease and reliability than ever before.
How Auracast Works
Auracast works thanks to Bluetooth LE technology that enables a single source to broadcast audio to an unlimited number of nearby devices. Instead of creating a private, one-to-one connection like traditional Bluetooth, it uses a shared signal that multiple people can access at the same time.
There are three key components to how Auracast works:
- Transmitters: where the audio stream broadcasts from
- Assistants: how you search for and connect to an audio stream
- Receivers: how you listen to the audio stream
Below, we dive deeper into the specifics of each of these components and how Auracast works:
Auracast Transmitters (Where Audio Broadcasts From)
An Auracast transmitter is the device that sends out the audio broadcast.
Common examples include:
- TVs
- Computers
- Smartphones and Tablets
- Microphones (used in presentations or places of worship)
- Public PA Systems (like in airports, theaters, lecture halls, etc.)
Unlike traditional wireless pairing (one-to-one), a single Auracast transmitter can broadcast to an unlimited number of compatible devices, making it perfect for public spaces.
Auracast Assistants (How You Connect)
An Auracast assistant is how you find and connect to an audio broadcast. This is usually done through a smartphone app, smart watch interface, or built-in Bluetooth settings on a smartphone.
How it works:
- The assistant device scans for nearby Auracast audio streams
- Available streams will be displayed in a list (like Wi-Fi networks)
- Click on the audio stream you want to hear, enter a password if necessary, and connect instantly
Once you select the Auracast stream, your device connects, and you should be able to hear the audio instantly. Some venues may also have QR codes or tap systems that make joining a broadcast even faster.
Auracast Receivers (How You Hear the Sound)
The receiver is the device that you use to actually hear the Auracast audio stream.
Common examples include:
- Hearing Aids
- Headphones or Earbuds
- Portable Speakers
Whether you’re watching TV at home, attending a public speaking event, or at a movie theater, Auracast delivers a seamless listening experience straight to your ears.
How to Connect Hearing Aids to Auracast
Connecting your hearing aids to Auracast is designed to be easy and quick, similar to connecting to a Wi-Fi network. Before getting started, you first need to make sure your hearing aids are compatible with Auracast technology.
All Audibel AI hearing aids released after Auracast was launched in 2022 are compatible with the technology. To see if your devices are Auracast-ready, check your hearing aid manual or ask your hearing care provider.
Next, using your smartphone, you can connect your hearing aids to Auracast with a simple Search, Scan, or Tap:
Search:
Open your hearing aid app or smartphone Bluetooth settings and look for an Auracast Broadcast option to scan for nearby audio streams. Click on the Auracast stream you want to connect to, and your hearing aids should automatically start streaming the audio.
Scan:
Use your smartphone camera to scan a QR code to instantly connect and start listening to the audio broadcast.
Tap:
Hold your smartphone against the Auracast tap-to-hear sign to immediately connect, much like how you can tap to pay on a credit card terminal when checking out at a store.
While many broadcasts are open to the public, some Auracast streams can be encrypted to ensure privacy or controlled access. In these cases, you simply enter the password provided by the venue or the person broadcasting the audio to join the stream.
Auracast Availability
Auracast is slated to become the new, global standard for wireless Bluetooth audio connectivity. It’s available in select public venues and is being integrated into many personal devices, with widespread adoption expected over the next few years.
Auracast use cases include:
- Public Venues: Places of worship, lecture halls, conference centers, TVs in gyms, waiting rooms, and sports bars.
- Entertainment: Movie theaters, Broadway shows, and audio tours at museums, galleries, monuments, and landmarks.
- Travel and Transportation Hubs: Airports, train stations, and bus stations.
- Personal/Home Audio: TVs, computers, smartphones, tablets, portable speakers, headphones, earbuds, and hearing aids.
While adoption is still rolling out, you can expect Auracast to become much more widespread in the coming years.
Benefits of Auracast for Hearing Aids
Auracast is a major step forward for hearing aid technology. It introduces an easier and more efficient way to experience sound in everyday situations. Below are some of the most impactful benefits Auracast offers for hearing aid users:
Direct-to-Hearing Aid Streaming
With Auracast, you can stream audio directly to your hearing aids without the need for intermediary devices like neck loops, streamers, or external receivers. This simplifies the entire listening experience by reducing the number of accessories or gadgets you need. Connecting is faster, easier, and more discreet.
Easy to Use
Auracast eliminates the need for repeated Bluetooth pairing, making it faster and easier to connect to audio sources. Using a simple “search, scan, or tap” process, you can join broadcasts in seconds. It’s as easy as searching for an audio broadcast, scanning a QR code, or tapping your phone to pay for something.
Better Battery Efficiency
Auracast was built on Bluetooth LE Audio, which means it uses significantly less power than traditional Bluetooth streaming. This improved efficiency helps extend the battery life of your hearing aids, so you can enjoy longer listening sessions without worrying about draining your devices.
Enhanced Sound Clarity
Auracast streams audio directly from the source to your hearing aids, reducing the impact of background noise and distance entirely. Instead of relying on microphones to pick up sound in a crowded space, you receive a clean signal delivered straight to your ears. This makes conversations, presentations, and media easier to follow, even in environments that would normally be challenging.
Easier Access to Public Audio
Auracast opens the door to better hearing in public spaces like airports, theaters, gyms, and places of worship. Instead of struggling to understand announcements or relying on outdated assistive listening systems, Auracast allows more people to fully participate and engage in these spaces. This levels the playing field, giving hearing aid users equal access to information and experiences.
Seamless Multi-User Connectivity
With Auracast, an unlimited number of people can connect to the same audio broadcast at the same time. It works just as well in a crowded stadium as it does in a family living room, making shared audio experiences accessible in ways that were never possible before.
Everyone who tunes in can control their own listening experience, making it more flexible and accommodating for groups with different hearing needs.
Try the Latest Hearing Aid Technology for Free at a Clinic Near You
Auracast is changing the world of hearing technology for the better, turning environments that once felt overwhelming into spaces for connecting and engaging like never before. With cleaner sound, better battery efficiency, and seamless connectivity, Auracast eliminates common technical difficulties so you can focus on enjoying the sounds around you.
The best way to realize the difference is to try it for yourself. At Audibel, our hearing specialists can help you learn more about Auracast and find the best technology for your needs, lifestyle, and budget. Find a clinic near you to demo the latest tech for FREE.
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