How Auracast™ Broadcast Audio Will
Shape the Landscape of Hearing Aids
and Assistive Listening Devices

What motivated GN to integrate Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast™ broadcast audio into your hearing aids, and how does it improve the user experience?

We are motivated by our desire to provide hearing technology that not only delivers the best and most natural sound experience but also addresses the barriers that can deter people from enjoying great hearing.

People with hearing loss have the same needs as those without, such as the ability to work in open offices or public spaces, easily take video calls, and connect to multiple multimedia devices at home and on the move. However, they face challenges when it comes to wearing headsets and hearing aids simultaneously.

Over the years, the biggest demand has been for a direct connection with PCs and the ability to connect seamlessly with multiple devices. This presents a unique challenge that requires innovative solutions to ensure that individuals with hearing loss can fully participate in the modern workplace.

The integration of Bluetooth® Low Energy Audio and Auracast™ broadcast audio has enabled us to address the specific needs of individuals with hearing loss and provide them with the tools and technology necessary to thrive.

How does Auracast™ broadcast audio enhance the connectivity and sound quality of your products compared to traditional Bluetooth enabled hearing aids?

When it comes to broadcast audio, latency plays a crucial role in delivering a seamless and high-quality listening experience. While Bluetooth Classic Audio may suffice for phone headsets, its high latency becomes a drawback when it comes to applications like hearing aids.

In contrast, Auracast™ broadcast audio offers a solution with significantly lower latency, meeting the demands of modern users. This makes it a more suitable choice for applications where mixing streamed and direct sound is essential, such as in hearing aids.

Moreover, Auracast™ broadcast audio is designed to be versatile, catering to a wide range of settings from smaller rooms to large venues like theaters and auditoriums. Despite the varying environments, Auracast™ maintains high sound quality and minimal latency, ensuring a consistent and exceptional listening experience.

One of the most notable aspects of Auracast™ broadcast audio is its impressive sound quality, surpassing even our own expectations. This further solidifies its position as a superior choice for broadcast audio applications.

What role did user feedback play in the design and refinement of Auracast™ enabled devices?

User feedback was incredibly important to us as we strive to meet the needs and wants of people with hearing loss every day. Technology holds no value if it does not work well for users.

The use cases have been predicted but the real-life test is where we understand what works well and what needs to be adjusted. And you discover use cases that have not been thought of yet. For example, using the entertainment system on flights has never been easy if you have hearing loss. Headsets are not an option and assistive listening systems are not available. However, by plugging in your own streamer, you get superior sound quality with the amplification level you need.

The potential impact on people’s lives is vast and varied, with different individuals finding different aspects of this technology to be particularly thrilling. For some, the ability to hear announcements in public places will be nothing short of life-changing. The removal of anxiety and stress from travel, for example, can significantly improve the quality of life for those who struggle with hearing in noisy or crowded environments.

The convenience of being able to seamlessly tune in to specific screens in sports bars or the gym is a game changer for those who rely on hearing aids for everyday communication and entertainment.

And then there are those who have experienced the frustration of trying to listen to music or watch a film on the go by sharing headphones with a sibling or friend. For them, the ability to share audio through Auracast™ broadcast audio will be revolutionary.

How has participating in The Auracast™ Experience at IFA helped showcase the potential of Auracast™ broadcast audio?

Participating in The Auracast™ Experience at IFA has helped us continue to raise awareness of the impact Auracast™ broadcast audio can have on hearing instrument users, as well as bring our innovations to a wider audience. Hearing loss can impact anyone, regardless of their background, age, or lifestyle. By showcasing our hearing technology alongside consumer technologies at events such as IFA, we are taking another significant step towards bringing the conversation about hearing loss into the mainstream.

What feedback or engagement did you receive from attendees at The Auracast™ Experience, and how does this shape your future approach?

The Auracast™ Experience at IFA was a valuable opportunity to showcase the capability of Auracast™ broadcast audio with real-world demonstrations. Attendees were enthusiastic and impressed with the listening experience, asking questions about the GN Multi Mic+ worn by the tour guides and the GN TV Streamer+ connected to the television at the airport bar.

Including these products at The Auracast™ Experience provided unique insights into the user benefits of streaming to multiple personal devices. Future directions can include similar demonstrations with Auracast™ enabled hearing aids in a variety of listening situations and environments.

How does GN Hearing see the future of Auracast™ technology shaping the broader landscape of hearing aids and assistive listening devices?

We are excited to see how Auracast™ technology will benefit hearing aid wearers in the near future. We believe it will make information more readily accessible in public spaces such as airports and railway stations, reducing the stress and anxiety associated with travel for individuals with hearing aids.

The many silent screens we all experience in public are a good example of a media that Auracast™ broadcast audio will change to a more valuable source, allowing you to access the sound as well – not just for people with hearing loss, but for everyone.

In addition, Auracast™ broadcast audio will greatly improve the experience for people attending conferences, theatres, and places of worship by eliminating the effort and frustration needed to hear the voice of the speaker. The possibility of streaming in multiple languages simultaneously opens up exciting opportunities and benefits for hearing aid wearers.

Furthermore, in private settings, Auracast™ broadcast audio will allow GN hearing aid wearers to share their audio with friends, regardless of the brand of hearing aid they are wearing. This is made possible by industry standards, showcasing the beauty of interoperability in the hearing aid industry.

Overall, Auracast™ broadcast audio has the potential to revolutionize the experience for hearing aid wearers in various settings, and we are excited about the positive impact it will have on the community.