Listen Technologies Corporation and Ampetronic have co-developed an installed assistive listening system utilizing the Bluetooth Auracast broadcast audio technology. The companies say this will be the first new product Listen Technologies and Ampetronic bring to market since announcing the partnership and creating a single source for accessible audio solutions. The companies will both show the solution at the ISE 2024 show in February.

The companies say Auracast uses Bluetooth Low Energy audio, and it can broadcast audio to unlimited numbers of receivers and hearing aids simultaneously without always needing to pair to a transmitter first. This enables the use of Bluetooth as a wide-area assistive listening technology. Auracast is expected to be available in many new hearing aids, earbuds and headphones.

The companies say the new solution includes networked installation transmitters for multi-channel broadcasts for any size space, with open or secure transmission options. The solution will also include dedicated receivers and charging bases. Most venues will use dedicated receivers so end users without Auracast-certified devices can access the audio and fulfill local accessibility requirements.

The companies say Auracast will be built into many hearing aids, smartphones, earbuds and headphones, enabling these devices to receive an Auracast broadcast stream. End users will choose how to listen to the audio for a personalized experience, selecting announcement channels or language channels. That means the assistive listening system will be available to anyone with their device, providing broader inclusion. In the future, the companies say an end user with an Auracast-certified device can select an audio stream without needing to install a special app or borrow a receiving device.

Here’s all you need to know about Bluetooth Auracast: