There’s a new word in the audiology world that’s hitting the streets. That new word is “Auracast.” This new technology is designed to change the world for people with hearing loss. It’s a simple to implement technology to decrease listening effort and maximize understanding using a cell phone and a set of hearing devices (earphones*, headphones*, and almost any newer hearing aid*).
But, how does it work? What does it do? And is it right for you or your company? Auracast is an updated streaming technology which allows unlimited access to audio streaming from a source. Examples include streaming TV shows, movies, lectures at a public venue, or even sound for a local play. This allows a TV to work with no audible sound for those who prefer quiet, while giving others the option to “tap in” with their phone or scan a QR code in order to listen to the sound. Airports are among the first adopters of this technology as many are implementing the technology to give people a clearer signal for audio announcements of flight and gate information.
This technology may be the best thing for people with hearing loss to reach the public since the loop system (also known as telecoil) and FM systems. However, loop systems are expensive to install and required specific wiring, often necessitating an expert for proper installation. Loop systems also often have “dead” spots where the signal is not as strong. Auracast offers an installation with just a few wire connections, a small transmitter device, and a quick connection via cell phone to the signal by the listener, anyone can have access to high quality sound through direct connection to the signal source. With a direct connection, background noise is reduced and signal clarity improves, giving better access to the sound and better enjoyment.
Publicly, there are many use cases. Schools can set these up for students who are hard-of-hearing or children who have auditory processing disorder to provide better access to their teacher’s voices and to presentations. Conference halls can use them to give attendees better ability to hear through the din of the background noise or reverberant halls. Churches can give easy access to sound for those who struggle to hear the music or the preacher. And, places which make public announcements (such as airports) can ensure passengers are able to hear announcements clearly, enabling them to hear clearly when there is a flight or gate change so that there are fewer missed flights.
Privately, there are many use cases as well. Even without hearing aids, Auracast will allow people to directly connect to their TV or sound system (with proper adapter) for improved access to sound. This can also provide individual access to the sound so others in the house do not need to hear the TV or movie. For hearing aid users, the standard for these types of connections in the past have required a specific adapter for each manufacturer. In many cases, a new streaming device is needed every time a new hearing aid is purchased which increases the already high cost of hearing aid use. With Auracast, one device can work for multiple brands, and can even work for more than one person in a family who each use a different brand hearing aid. This makes assistive listening devices more convenient and universal than ever!
Many people who have recently purchased hearing aids already have aids which can be used with this new system. Most will need a firmware update to make this accessible. If you have purchased your aids in the past 2 years, contact our office and speak to an audiologist to determine if this technology is available to you. Your audiologist can complete the firmware update, if needed, and instruct you on how to use this new techonology. If your aids are more than a couple of years old, you would likely need to purchase new aids to access Auracast technology. When it is time for your next hearing aid upgrade, ask your audiologist if Auracast is available with the recommended aids. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Oro Valley Audiology to schedule an appointment so we can discuss this new technology with you.
*Auracast access requires devices which are “Auracast ready.” The packaging may state they are “Auracast Ready” or that they have “Auracast Support.” They may also have the Auracast label indicating compatibility.
