Auracast™ (Bluetooth® Low Energy Audio)
Auracast™ is a next‑generation assistive listening option that delivers private, multi‑channel audio to personal devices. Built on Bluetooth® Low Energy Audio, it allows venues to share high‑quality sound that listeners can access through compatible hearing aids, cochlear implants, earbuds, or
What Is Auracast™?
This new broadcast audio technology is designed to overcome the limitations of traditional Bluetooth®. Instead of pairing one device at a time, a venue can transmit one or more audio channels that any supported listener can join. This makes it ideal for classrooms, meeting rooms, fitness centers, and multilingual events where many people need reliable access to clear sound.
Users can switch between channels, move between rooms, or select interpretation feeds directly from their smartphones or hearing devices. This flexibility positions Auracast™ as a strong complement to hearing loops and audio‑over‑Wi‑Fi systems.
Why Choose This Technology?
- Multiple channels for interpretation or multi‑room use
- Private listening through personal devices
- Smartphone control and easy access
- Ideal for classrooms, meetings, and multilingual events
- Future‑ready assistive listening solution
- Supports modern hearing aids and Bluetooth® LE Audio devices
- Reduces the need for borrowed receivers
How It Works
A venue installs a Bluetooth® LE Audio transmitter connected to the sound system. The transmitter sends one or more audio streams that listeners can join using their smartphones or supported hearing devices. Selecting a broadcast works much like choosing a Wi‑Fi network.
Because the system uses Low Energy technology, it offers long battery life and compatibility with a growing range of devices. As manufacturers continue rolling out support, adoption will expand rapidly.
Many venues are planning hybrid systems that combine hearing loops for universal telecoil access with broadcast audio for private listening and multi‑channel flexibility.
Where This System Excels
Broadcast audio shines in environments where flexibility, privacy, and multiple channels are essential. It is especially useful in spaces where listeners already rely on smartphones or Bluetooth® earbuds. Because it does not require specialized receivers, it lowers barriers to access and simplifies management for venue staff.
Classrooms
Flexible listening options for students using smartphones or earbuds.
Meeting Rooms
Private listening for presentations, training, and collaboration.
Multilingual Events
Multiple channels allow simultaneous interpretation streams.
Fitness & Gyms
Broadcast audio for TVs or instructor microphones.
Comparison Chart
| Feature | Hearing Loops | Auracast™ | Audio Over Wi‑Fi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Device Support | Telecoil hearing aids & cochlear implants | Growing; depends on Bluetooth® LE Audio support | Smartphones, earbuds, headphones |
| Ease of Use | Switch to “T” — instant | Open app → select broadcast | Connect to Wi‑Fi → open app |
| Speech Clarity | Excellent | Good; device‑dependent | Excellent; network‑dependent |
| Privacy | Low | High | High |
| Multiple Channels | No | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Worship, theaters, civic spaces | Classrooms, meetings, interpretation | Overflow rooms, translation, lobbies |
| Adoption | Mature | Emerging | Widely supported today |
Learn more on our Assistive Listening Systems Comparison page.
For ADA accessibility guidelines, visit ADA.gov .