HLAA Auracast Update

I would like to provide an update on what I learned about Auracast™ at the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) convention in June. 

Auracast broadcast is an expanded Bluetooth® technology. Classic Bluetooth©, used broadly today, allows transmission from one-to-one. Auracast broadcast differs from Classic Bluetooth in that it allows transmission from one-to-many.

 Auracast broadcast can be used in two ways: 

• Auracast broadcasts for Audio Sharing with friends and family using compatible earbuds, smart phones and hearing devices. If the silent TV in the HOA bar or fitness center supported Auracast you would be able to listen to it with an Auracast compatible device without disturbing others. 

• Auracast broadcast used as an Assistive Listening System (ALS). ALS are systems (such as a hearing loop) that include transmitters and receivers, that send the audio directly to headphones or hearing aids without amplifying ambient noise.  Auracast broadcast has the potential to be used as an assistive listening system, but it is unknown when various products will be ADA-compliant. 

Any ALS installation employing Auracast broadcast should meet the requirements of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 60118-17 Standard. The standard, which is scheduled to be released in December 2027, will include latency limits, sound quality, connectivity requirements, and more. Until IEC 60118-17 is published, it cannot be known if Auracast broadcast ALS products will meet its requirements. 

At the HLAA convention I attended a presentation given by Thomas Kaufmann, who is the Founder of OTOJOY. OTOJOY has installed several of the hearing loops here in Saddlebrooke. Hearing loops are the oldest type of ALS and the easiest to use. 

Thomas called Auracast™ the Holy Grail of Hearing Technology because it can provide the same experience as a hearing loop without the complex infrastructure installation. But as I mentioned in a previous article, don’t get excited yet. To access an Auracast broadcast a user will likely need new hearing aids. Thomas estimated the replacement cycle to be 3-7 years.   Most people believe that Audio Sharing will have a shorter timeline for becoming widely available. However, it will still require upgrades for TVs, hearing aids, laptops and smartphones. 

Most hearing device manufacturers don’t offer Auracast in their current models. I would recommend that in purchasing a new hearing device to request one with a T-coil and Auracast compatibility, if it is compatible with your hearing loss needs. 

I believe that Auracast will replace hearing loops one day, but that is several years away. Auracast transmitters could be placed alongside existing loops in rooms such as the Sonoran Room. The loop in that room is affected by EMI, which produces an audible buzz and would be costly to solve. An Auracast transmitter would solve that issue. 

My purpose in writing about Auracast is to heighten awareness within our community. I believe that it is promising technology that will benefit everyone. If you have further questions or want more information, my contact email is tgaule@outlook.com.