Enhancing Lives Through Innovation:
Auracast™ Broadcast Audio and
Its Impact on Audio Accessibilityイノベーションで生活の質を向上: Auracast™ ブロードキャスト オーディオがオーディオアクセシビリティにもたらす好影響

Why did you choose Bluetooth technology over other wireless technologies?

Existing Bluetooth^® hearing aids from GN offer an incredible sound experience for people with mild-to-profound hearing loss. They also support audio streaming and hands-free calls from iOS and select Android devices. However one of the biggest demands over the years has been for a direct connection with PCs and the ability to connect seamlessly on multiple devices. 

The needs of people with hearing loss are the same as those of people without: 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. The challenge they face comes from the complication of wearing headsets and hearing aids simultaneously.

When you start mixing streamed and direct sound, as happens with hearing aids, then latency really matters. Bluetooth Classic in this situation can be a challenging experience, whereas Bluetooth LE Audio has much lower latency to meet modern user expectations. 

It also allows for multiple simultaneous connections and hands-free calls with Bluetooth LE Audio compatible devices, as well as higher sound quality with significantly lower battery consumption.  

What do you think people will be most excited about when they use the Auracast™ broadcast audio feature in their hearing aids?

It will be different for different people. Some will find the ability to hear announcements in public places life changing; it will remove anxiety and stress from travel, for example. For others, it will be the ability to tune in to specific screens in sports bars or the gym. And for everyone who has tried to listen to music or watch a film on the go by sharing headphones with a sibling or friend, the ability to share audio will be revolutionary. 

How do you think Auracast™ broadcast audio will impact the hearing aid market?

With the introduction of Auracast™ broadcast audio, it will become possible to hear public announcements in public places such as railway stations, buses, and airports. At the same time, the use of Auracast™ broadcast audio in private spaces, such as listening to audio from a TV, will also increase. Consequently, the use of Auracast™ broadcast audio will grow in both public places and private spaces.

By creating a level connectivity playing field between hearing technology and consumer electronics, we hope the implementation of Bluetooth^® LE Audio and Auracast™ broadcast audio will remove some of the barriers experienced by individuals with hearing loss and bring hearing technology into the mainstream. This will ultimately lead to a more inclusive and connected society where individuals with hearing loss can fully participate in all aspects of life.