06 Oct Accessibility for the hear and now

Auracast^TM broadcast audio is a new technology that is bringing high quality audio streams to venues, and not just for visitors with hearing loss.  Systems are being installed in ‘one to many’ situations such as airports, theatres and train stations for entertainment, information and assistive listening.

But venues should be wary of removing current assistive listening technology such as hearing loops as it could mean they fall short of equality legislation and accessibility guidelines.

The sound of the future

Auracast^TM offers a high quality, low latency listening experience for people with hearing loss.  Installations have been welcomed and well-reviewed by users with the right technology to access the sound source.

However, while the market is rapidly expanding, the availability of Auracast^TM enabled hearing aids and assistant devices such as smartphones remains limited.  So, while the technology delivers benefits to those with hearing loss, there is a significant proportion of the community who can’t access the sound it offers.

This isn’t such an issue in contained environments like theatres where customers can be provided with compatible receivers and headphones or neckloops.  Transport, for example, is a different situation as people are on the move and reliant on their own technology.

Meeting equality legislation

In the UK, the Equality Act requires service providers to “make changes, where needed, to improve services for disabled customers or potential customers… and to provide auxiliary aids and services (such as information in an accessible format, an induction loop for customers with hearing aids).”

70% of hearing aids are issued by the NHS, and these are not currently compatible with Auracast^TM. They are more likely to contain a telecoil and/or Bluetooth, hence the need to maintain access to hearing loop technology.

How long it will take for NHS to begin prescribing hearing aids with Bluetooth LE is uncertain, with some estimates as little as 12 months and others five years.   But even 12 months is a long time for people to be excluded from daily events because they can’t access clear sound.

The challenge is the chicken and egg situation – transition to this new technology needs to be encourage with more installations of Auracast^TM transmitters but these may be delayed by there not being sufficient numbers of compatible devices being used by customers.

Two is better than one

Auracast^TM is undoubtedly the assistive listening system of the future for one-to-many situations but its application isn’t yet optimised for 1-2-1 interactions between a staff member and a customer so here, hearing loops remain the gold standard.

Auracast^TM use will grow because of its improved sound quality and inclusive use – everyone can access announcements, music and more whether they have hearing loss or not.  But while that happens, people with hearing loss need to hear well now.  Dual technology is the ideal solution.

It’s an issue that’s been highlighted by the European Federation of Hard of Hearing People (EFHOH).  While it welcomes this new technology, EFHOH also stresses the need to maintain current systems while the transition takes place.

Similarly, the German Hearing Association, the German Cochlear Implant Society and the German Association for the Hard of Hearing published a joint position paper in August 2026.  The paper calls for the rapid development of and free supply of Auracast-enabled hearing systems but stresses the need to maintain “communicative accessibility means that Auracast^TM and inductive hearing systems are offered in parallel or suitable transitional solutions are provided during the transitional period”.

If you would like more information about available assistive listening solutions, maintenance of current systems or what’s right for your venue for the future, talk to our sales team on 01732 223900 or email us sales@contacta.co.uk