Smart phone apps have been a game changer for many of our daily activities. And now hearing augmentation in public buildings is taking the same route. There is a lot of hype about Auracast and how it will solve problems hearing in different situations. But it will take time for market uptake to make it mainstream. However, it will eventually replace hearing loops, infrared and FM systems.
Sydney Opera House has installed Auracast in the Drama Theatre, Playhouse and Studio. Currently, patrons collect a receiver and headphones from the cloakroom. The FM and hearing loop systems remain in all other areas.
Auracast claims to help people hear in just about any situation using a smartphone app and either earbuds, headsets or hearing aids. It works with Bluetooth LE and theoretically it is possible on any device that supports Bluetooth 5.2. But not all hearing aids can link with this technology – yet. That’s why the Sydney Opera House has receivers and headphones for people who wear hearing aids.
Specialist in hearing augmentation services, Andrew Stewart, provided the assistive technology sector with a newsletter on this topic. He advises:
“A minimal number of smartphones and some new versions of hearing aids released this year (but not all) currently have Bluetooth LE working. Some manufacturers say their devices have Auracast or are Auracast-ready, which is not entirely true. They need an update via the audiologist’s computer, which is not yet available.”
Uptake will take time and money
Not every model of hearing aid and cochlear processor will immediately have Bluetooth LE. It will take some years for every model of hearing aid and cochlear processor to have it. Plus the high cost of hearing aids means it will take years for people to purchase updated models, and of course the cost of the smartphone.
Hearing loops and FM augmentation systems are here to stay for a while yet. Not all venues with this technology will replace it with Auracast. However, for new and extensively refurbished public buildings it will be much cheaper and easier to install.
The title of Andrew Stewart’s newsletter post is, Auracast – the new buzz word for people with hearing loss.
More on hearing augmentation
How do hearing loops work? this post from 2020 remains relevant.
Just what is a hearing loop? includes an item on how much it improves theatre patronage.
Cities for people with hearing loss is an article expressing frustration that accessibility is not just about wheelchair users. 1 in 6 people have hearing loss.