Auracast is a new Bluetooth audio capability that lets multiple Bluetooth enabled devices connect to one device to stream audio. For example, when attending a restaurant to watch a sports game with friends, individuals with hearing loss may have difficulty hearing the commentary of the game because of the noisy environment and their level of hearing loss. This new technology allows the user to connect to the television to hear the commentary directly in their hearing aids.
Once this technology is more widely available in devices as well as hearing aids, it will improve accessibility for individuals with hearing loss in public settings as well as privately at home with being able to connect directly to an Auracast capable television.
Other useful situations this may be helpful is in airports to hear announcement pertinent to their flight, listening to the TV’s at the gym when working out, sound systems at theatres and classrooms.
Auracast capable hearing aids are starting to be released at this time but the general public is still relying on loop systems that rely on T-coil enabled hearing aids to connect. It will take a few years for it to become more mainstream and accessible but the future for hearing aid technology is bright.