What is Auracast? New possibilities for inclusive spaces

Being able to follow a meeting, presentation or performance may seem like a given. Yet for people with hearing loss, this is not always the case. Traditionally, spaces are often equipped with a hearing loop to provide hearing assistance.

Auracast offers a new approach to assistive listening. This Bluetooth technology allows audio to be broadcast wirelessly to multiple compatible receivers, such as hearing aids, headphones, earbuds or dedicated receivers. This allows users to receive the audio directly on their own device.

What is Auracast?

Auracast is based on Bluetooth LE Audio and makes it possible to broadcast a single audio stream to multiple compatible devices. You can think of it as broadcasting a radio signal: users can choose which available audio stream they want to receive.

Depending on the application, access can be provided by selecting an available stream or, for example, by scanning a QR code. This allows audio from a meeting room, auditorium or other environment to be delivered directly to the user.

Auracast is therefore particularly interesting for assistive listening: technology designed to make audio more accessible to people with hearing loss.

A modern alternative to the hearing loop

Hearing loops, also known as induction loops, have traditionally been widely used for assistive listening. They are a proven solution but require specific infrastructure in or around a space.

Auracast takes a different approach. The audio signal is broadcast digitally via Bluetooth to compatible personal devices or receivers. This creates new possibilities for designing accessible audiovisual environments.

Potential benefits of Auracast include:

• personal audio delivered directly to a compatible device;
• high-quality audio using Bluetooth LE Audio;
• flexible applications across different types of spaces;
• simpler infrastructure compared with some traditional systems;
• support for multiple audio streams within the same environment;
• more options for privacy in applications where this is required.

Where can Auracast be used?

Auracast can be particularly useful in spaces where speech intelligibility, accessibility and personal audio are important. Examples include:

• meeting and training rooms;
• auditoriums and theatres;
• education environments;
• council chambers;
• conference rooms;
• museums and visitor centres;
• receptions and waiting areas;
• other public spaces where assistive listening is required.

The possibilities extend beyond hearing assistance. Personal audio can also be useful in locations with multiple audio sources or environments where sound cannot or should not always be played through loudspeakers.

Why is Auracast relevant now?

Auracast is not a standalone Pro AV technology. It is part of the broader development of Bluetooth LE Audio. As more personal devices and professional AV solutions support the technology, there are increasing opportunities to make Auracast part of a space’s audiovisual infrastructure.

This makes the development particularly relevant for organisations considering new meeting rooms, auditoriums or other public spaces. Assistive listening can increasingly become part of the overall AV design rather than a separate provision added afterwards.

Is Auracast a replacement for hearing loops?

Not automatically. The best solution depends on the space and the people who use it.

When considering Auracast, several factors need to be taken into account:

• users and their needs;
• coverage within the space;
• privacy and access to audio streams;
• compatibility with personal devices;
• availability of compatible receivers;
• the existing audiovisual infrastructure.

Particularly during the transition towards wider adoption, not every visitor will automatically have a compatible device.

For AVEX, the question is therefore not simply whether Auracast can be implemented, but when Auracast is the right solution for making a space more accessible.

Experience Auracast for yourself

The best way to understand what Auracast can mean for a meeting room, auditorium or public environment is to experience it in practice.

Curious whether Auracast could be right for your space? AVEX can advise on the application, integration with your audiovisual system and the possibilities for a demonstration.