Learn about Auracast™ broadcast audio and how Hearing Services of Kentucky is helping your hearing stay future-ready.
At Hearing Services of Kentucky, we’re committed to helping you hear your best—not just today, but well into the future. That’s why we stay at the forefront of hearing technology to support your health, wellness, and connections to the people and moments you cherish.
For years, hearing loop systems have been—and will continue to be—an important resource for improving hearing in public spaces such as theaters, places of worship, airports, conference halls, and auditoriums. These systems send sound directly to hearing devices equipped with a telecoil (T-coil), helping countless people enjoy clearer listening experiences. Hearing loops remain an important part of accessible hearing technology and will continue to serve many users for years to come.
A new innovation is expanding access to better hearing: Auracast™ broadcast audio. Part of the next generation of Bluetooth® technology, Auracast lets compatible hearing aids, cochlear implant processors, earbuds, and headphones receive audio broadcasts directly from a venue’s sound system for clearer listening. It’s designed to make public and personal listening more flexible, easier to deploy, and more accessible for everyone. Connecting is simple—just follow the instructions below based on whether your device supports Auracast.
If your device supports Auracast
- Open your hearing aid manufacturer’s app on your smartphone.
- Look for an available Auracast broadcast or scan the venue’s QR code, if provided.
- Select the venue’s broadcast.
- If prompted, enter the password or confirm the connection.
- Adjust the volume as needed.
- Enjoy the performance with clearer sound.
If your device doesn’t support Auracast
- Ask a staff member whether a compatible receiver or another assistive listening option is available.
- Connect your headphones or hearing device to the receiver, if provided.
- Adjust the volume to a comfortable level.
- Enjoy the performance with enhanced sound.
We have Auracast available in our office. Ask your audiologist for a live demonstration.
How do Auracast and hearing loops compare?
| Feature | Hearing Loops (T-Coil Systems) | Auracast (Next-Generation Bluetooth) |
|---|---|---|
| How It Works | A wire loop installed in a venue sends sound through an electromagnetic signal that can be received by the telecoil (T-coil) in compatible hearing aids, cochlear implant processors, or personal loop listeners. | An Auracast transmitter wirelessly broadcasts audio using Bluetooth® LE Audio. People with compatible hearing devices, earbuds, or headphones can connect using a compatible smartphone or other supported device. |
| Who Can Use It | Anyone with a hearing aid or cochlear implant processor equipped with a telecoil, as well as anyone using a personal loop listener. | Anyone with Bluetooth LE Audio-compatible hearing aids, cochlear implant processors, earbuds, or headphones, along with a compatible smartphone or other supported device. |
| Where It’s Found | Public spaces such as theaters, conference halls, airports, and places of worship where hearing loops have been installed. | Newer smartphones, Auracast-enabled TVs, public venues, and personal listening devices, with adoption expected to expand over the coming years. |
| Sound Quality | Typically very clear but depends on proper loop installation, compliance with international standards, and microphone placement. | Typically very clear but depends on proper installation and implementation. Industry standards for performance and deployment continue to evolve. |
| How to Connect | Users simply activate the telecoil or “loop” program on their hearing aid or cochlear implant processor. | Users connect to an available Auracast broadcast through a compatible smartphone or other supported device. |
| Setup Needed | Requires a professionally installed hearing loop system within a building or room. | Requires an Auracast transmitter instead of physical wiring. Users also need compatible receiving devices, typically connected through a smartphone or other supported device. Some public venues may require users to select or enter the correct broadcast. |
| Future-Ready? | Hearing loops remain an effective accessibility solution, particularly in established venues. As Auracast adoption grows, some new venues may choose Bluetooth-based systems instead of installing traditional hearing loops. | A newer technology expected to become increasingly common over the next several years, offering a flexible and cost-effective solution for accessible audio in both public and personal environments. |
We strive to offer hearing aids introduced since January 2025 that are compatible with both Auracast and hearing loop technology whenever possible. We also recommend that individuals considering cochlear implants choose processors capable of receiving both Auracast and T-coil signals for the greatest accessibility.
For a deeper understanding of Auracast and its role in hearing technology, explore this article from Hearing Tracker and this article from the Hearing Loss Association of America.
Hearing technology continues to evolve, and we’re committed to keeping you informed about the latest advancements. Check back often for updates, and if you have questions about Auracast, hearing loops, or which technology is right for you, contact our dedicated team today!
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. The Auracast™ word mark and logos are trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Any use of such marks by Hearing Services of Kentucky is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.