Auracast™ and Hearing Accessibility
Statement on Auracast™ Technology and the Future of Hearing Accessibility
Version: v1.0
Date Created: 2/05/2025
Next Review Due: 2/05/2026
Approval Status: Approved
Background
The introduction of Auracast™, a new broadcast audio feature enabled by Bluetooth LE Audio, has sparked widespread interest in its potential to transform hearing accessibility. Promising wireless, direct-to-hearing-aid audio from public announcements, venues, and devices, Auracast is marketed as a modern alternative to traditional assistive listening systems such as hearing loops.
As a consumer-driven hearing health organisation, Better Hearing Australia (Brisbane) welcomes innovation that improves access and inclusion for people with hearing loss. However, we urge careful consideration of the real-world implementation and potential unintended consequences of relying solely on emerging technologies like Auracast.
Our Position
Auracast™ offers exciting possibilities for accessible audio transmission. However, its potential is limited in the near term by cost, device compatibility, digital literacy, and public infrastructure challenges. We advocate for a dual-technology approach, maintaining and upgrading existing hearing augmentation systems while planning for a staged and equitable rollout of Auracast where appropriate.
For a deeper discussion on Auracast technology, see our article Auracast and the Future of Hearing Accessibility: Hope, Hype, and Hurdles
Key Considerations
- Accessibility: Most hearing aid users currently do not have Auracast-compatible devices. Widespread adoption will take years. Hearing loops, by contrast, are already compatible with many hearing aids via the built-in telecoil.
- Equity: Without safeguards, Auracast risks excluding those who cannot afford newer devices or lack the digital literacy to manage app-based user interfaces.
- Public Infrastructure: Venues will require new hardware, software, and staff training to implement Auracast successfully. In contrast, hearing loops are a proven, reliable technology, already embedded in public infrastructure..
- Coexistence: Rather than replacing existing hearing systems, Auracast should be viewed as an additional option, or as an alternative where installing loops is impractical.
Recommendations
- Preserve and maintain existing hearing augmentation systems in all public spaces where they are already installed.
- Pilot Auracast installations in select, high-traffic venues with accompanying evaluation and user training, alongside existing hearing augmentation systems where already fitted.
- Mandate inclusive design principles when considering any assistive technology, ensuring no user is left behind.
- Invest in education and support for consumers to understand and use new technology alongside familiar systems.
- Advocate for industry standards and regulation, ensuring device manufacturers, venues, and governments prioritise accessibility over market hype.
Conclusion
Auracast represents a promising addition to the hearing accessibility landscape, but it is not yet ready to replace the reliability, functionality and accessibility of existing systems. A thoughtful, inclusive approach that values both innovation and proven solutions is essential to building a future where everyone with hearing loss can participate fully in public life.
