The Future of Hearing Aids with Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast

Hearing aid technology continues to advance at an impressive pace, with connectivity options becoming more sophisticated each year. At Applied Hearing Solutions in Phoenix, we're excited to share information about two game-changing technologies transforming how hearing aids connect with the world around you: Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast.

What is Bluetooth LE Audio?

Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio is the next generation of Bluetooth audio technology. Included in Bluetooth 5.2, this improved standard offers significant advantages over traditional Bluetooth.

LE Audio improves upon existing classic Bluetooth by offering higher audio quality while using less battery power and providing a more reliable wireless connection. This matters tremendously for our patients who need their hearing aids to last throughout their busy days.

The technology uses a new LC3 Codec, which efficiently processes audio for transfer and playback. LE Audio allows for a wider range of bit rates and unlimited channels while significantly reducing power consumption, enabling more features without negatively affecting battery life.

What is Auracast?

Auracast is the most exciting feature enabled by Bluetooth LE Audio technology. Auracast broadcast audio is a groundbreaking Bluetooth connectivity technology that allows people to receive audio streaming from many sources, such as TVs or public announcement systems, directly to their hearing aids.

Imagine an invisible audio network in public spaces that you can connect to with your hearing aids. This new capability delivers life-changing audio experiences, letting you share audio, unmute your world, and hear your best.

How Auracast Works

Using Auracast is surprisingly simple:

1. An Auracast transmitter (like a TV, PA system, or microphone) broadcasts audio
2. You scan for available Auracast broadcasts using your smartphone or hearing aid app
3. You select the broadcast you want to hear
4. The audio streams directly to your Auracast-enabled hearing aids

Accessing an Auracast broadcast works similarly to connecting to Wi-Fi - you simply select the Auracast stream you want on your mobile device, click a physical button at the location, or scan a QR code.

Real-World Benefits for Our Patients

The practical applications of this technology can truly change how you experience the world:

Better Public Venue Experiences

Auracast enables you to connect your hearing aids to various audio sources in public spaces, making it easier to enjoy movies, announcements and music, improving accessibility and participation in social settings.

Think about going to the airport and hearing gate announcements clearly through your hearing aids, or attending a lecture and receiving crystal-clear audio directly to your devices. No more straining to hear in these challenging environments!

Connecting to Silent TVs

We've all experienced the frustration of muted televisions in waiting rooms, gyms, airports, or sports bars. With Auracast, you'll connect directly to these TVs and hear the audio at your preferred volume level. No more wondering what's happening on the screen!

Personalized Listening

Auracast provides a personalized experience where you can choose the audio stream you're interested in—whether it's a TV channel at a gym, a lecturer's microphone, or an airport gate PA system—from a smartphone menu.

Longer Battery Life with Better Sound

Auracast's low-energy consumption helps prolong battery life, ensuring extended usage without interruption while supporting hearing personalization. This means you get clearer sound without constantly worrying about your hearing aids dying mid-day.

Hearing Aids We Offer with Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast

At Applied Hearing Solutions, we fit several hearing aid models that either have Auracast capability or are Auracast-ready (requiring only a firmware update). Some of the latest models include:

1. ReSound Vivia - ReSound Vivia connects to LE Audio Bluetooth and Auracast. This innovative hearing aid offers exceptional connectivity options along with AI-driven sound processing to enhance speech clarity.
2. Oticon Intent - The Oticon Intent with its 4D user-intent sensors is Bluetooth LE Audio compatible for efficient streaming and works with the Oticon Companion app.
3. Starkey Edge AI - Starkey Edge AI hearing aids feature Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio streaming protocol, making them Auracast-ready with robust connection capabilities.
4. Widex Allure - This platform offers compatibility with Android and iOS devices while delivering crystal-clear speech with the W1 chip and Speech Enhancer Pro.
5. Signia IX - A premium option that supports Bluetooth streaming and hands-free calling for iPhones and devices equipped with Bluetooth LE Audio.

The Adoption of LE Audio and Auracast

Google recently announced that Android phones will soon support Auracast, with the feature coming to Samsung Galaxy phones with One UI 7 and Google Pixel 9 phones running Android 16 beta. This shows that the technology is gaining momentum and will soon be mainstream.

Adoption has gained enough momentum to reach consumers with various products—smartphones, speakers, headphones and hearing aids, with some companies offering firmware upgrades to existing products.

While the technology is still rolling out, LE Audio Bluetooth and Auracast are expected to be widely used in concerts, festivals, meetings, public places, and even small-scale broadcasting like TV sound to several listeners simultaneously.

Beyond Hearing Aids: An Inclusive Technology

What makes Auracast special is that it benefits everyone, not just hearing aid users. The technology is being built into consumer devices from hearing aids to speakers and phones, allowing users to share or broadcast audio to multiple receivers.

This inclusive approach means venues will be more likely to adopt the technology since it helps all listeners, creating a more accessible world for everyone.

Our Approach to Fitting These Advanced Devices

At Applied Hearing Solutions, we don't just sell hearing aids – we provide comprehensive hearing care using Best Practice protocols. When fitting these advanced devices, we always perform Real Ear Measurements to verify that your hearing aids are programmed correctly for your specific hearing loss.

This verification process ensures you receive maximum benefit from all features, including these new connectivity options. Without proper programming and verification, you might not experience the full advantages of technologies like Auracast.

Experience Better Connectivity with Us

Are you interested in how these new connectivity options can improve your hearing experience? We'd love to help you explore the possibilities. Our audiologists will take the time to understand your specific needs and lifestyle to recommend the best solution for you.

Call us at 602-877-0000 to schedule a consultation at our Phoenix office. We'll help you understand your options and find the perfect hearing solution that keeps you connected to the world around you.

The future of hearing aid connectivity is here, and we're excited to help you experience it. With Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast, you'll not only hear better but stay more connected to the people and world around you than ever before.