Auracast was an emerging trend. Now, it’s the hottest tech in installers’ hands. Daniel Williamson and Sean Carroll explore some of the ways integrators can benefit from this new technology.

For decades, hearing loop or hearing augmentation systems have been about meeting compliance requirements. They serve a vital role in public spaces, helping those with hearing difficulties cut through the noise and go about their work or commutes, or enjoy an event.

While hearing loops and T-coil technology are here to stay, Bluetooth Auracast is the latest evolution of hearing augmentation technology, and it has found a way to bring everyone to the table. It can help those with hearing difficulties, but it can also enhance the listening experience for all those who want to.

Bluetooth Auracast is a new Bluetooth low energy (LE) audio technology that allows a single audio source to broadcast to an unlimited number of nearby devices, such as headphones or hearing aids. It enables one-to-many audio sharing, creating possibilities like sharing music with friends or accessing public audio streams directly on devices or even a silent disco. This functionality can come through hearing aids or earbuds with several consumer-facing headphone manufacturers, including JBL and Denon, already adopting the technology.

Auracast works with dedicated receivers, but it can also broadcast to Auracast-compliant wearables, something that could easily fit in your pocket. The possibilities of this technology are endless and new applications are constantly being discovered.

Jands distributes a range of Auracast solutions, including Auri by Listen Technologies, and Ampetronic, which was used in one of the first Auracast stadium installations in Australasia, Stadium Taranaki in Plymouth, New Zealand. The project saw two Dante-enabled Auri transmitters installed (two covering the East Stand with more than 1,200m² of coverage, one serving the causeway and another dedicated to the event space).

Jands business development manager Andrew Attard says he has seen some world-class venues already making use of the technology: “Places like the Sydney Opera House, ICC Sydney and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) have all made use of Auracast technology. I’ve actually enjoyed the experience more on my headphones than on the PA system, even though I’m not hearing impaired.

“It’s not because the traditional systems in these places are bad, but because the acoustic barrier between myself and the artist is gone, and I can hear them like they’re rehearsing right in front of me. I can hear certain subtleties, like someone breathing in between songs, and it’s a very personal and immersive experience.”

Amber Technology distributes the Williams AV range of solutions, which make use of Auracast technology.

“The demand for this technology is mostly being driven by venues and integrators, rather than just a compliance and regulatory push,” Amber Technology business category manager Mikael Sandstrom explains.

“One key advantage is true stereo audio, which opens up completely new opportunities. Imagine a rugby match or a Taylor Swift concert where thousands of people are wearing headphones and listening to the mix directly in stereo. It’s not just for the hearing impaired; it’s for the audiophile too.”

If you’re at a concert and have always been a bass guitar guy, you can tune in to just the bass player’s audio stream and enjoy the concert as a whole, while also having your favourite parts amplified in your earphones.

If you love concerts but hate hearing the person next to you belting out the chorus, your noise-cancelling headphones can receive direct audio from the stage.

With all great technological innovations, there’s an ever-greater advertising opportunity. With increasing adoption and more ways to connect to attendees, the advertising potential associated with [Auracast] is huge for business owners.

There’s a tongue-in-cheek joke that a lot of the AV integration industry started off as musos, realised that they needed to find some form of income and found themselves working around acoustics in the AV world. So it’s no wonder that integrators are quickly adopting this technology that enhances the listening experience for all.

“The uptake has been really strong because it’s no longer an investment for a couple of people, it’s for everybody. I’d say within the next three years, adoption will continue to ramp up significantly,” Andrew says.

“It’s key to point out that Bluetooth Auracast doesn’t compete directly with existing hearing loop technologies; it complements them. The Bluetooth technology doesn’t interfere, so we encourage the use of both if you can. It does compete with other receiver-based technologies, though, because those are more similar,” Andy outlines.

It’s clear that Auracast is here, but its rapid growth does pose an important question: What happens when the technology races ahead of regulation? At present, Auracast isn’t explicitly referenced in any Australian Standard. AS 1428.5:2021 Design for access and mobility, communication for people who are deaf or hearing-impaired covers hearing augmentation and was updated in 2021, but it still focuses on systems like loops and infrared.

Andrew adds that: “When it comes to AS 1428.5, which is a bit more of a technical standard, Auracast will fall under ‘modulated FM’, which is essentially radio broadcast. So, although it isn’t stated word-for-word, it still falls under a category.”

The National Construction Code (NCC), which was last revised in 2022, states that where you need hearing assistance, and if you’re using a hearing loop, it must cover 80% of a space as a minimum. When using receiver-based technology, like Auracast, it outlined the number of receivers that are required.

By the next NCC (expected to be released in 2025), there may be some further regulation, but there is nothing as of yet.

“Auracast won’t face the same challenges as hearing loops. Similar to Williams AV’s infrared systems, Infinium Auracast solutions are easy to retrofit and require minimal pre-engineering,” Mikael explains.

“Gone are the days of coordinating with builders about when the flooring goes down to lay copper loops. The Infinium system can be installed right at the end of a project with ease. That said, the same principles still apply; ensuring sufficient receiver coverage, clear signage and accessibility to hearing-impaired users is essential.”

Mikael urges integrators to start working in this space before mass adoption accelerates: “Even though Auracast isn’t yet explicitly referenced in Australian standards, systems like Williams AV’s Infinium are already helping future-proof venues and businesses.

“The faster end users adopt Auracast, the faster standards will evolve. Integrators will be guided largely by specifications and tender requirements, so as projects start calling for Auracast, the industry will naturally adapt.”