American audiologist Dr Juliette Sterkens says Auracast must overcome adoption barriers and be integrated into most hearing aids for widespread effectiveness.
“Auracast offers great promise as an alternative to current assistive listening systems (ALS), like hearing loops, FM, and infrared systems,” she said.
“However, for widespread effectiveness, Auracast must be integrated into most hearing aids, wireless earbuds, and public facilities, alongside traditional systems.
“In short, while Auracast is an exciting step forward, its full impact will depend on overcoming adoption barriers, simplifying the user experience, and ensuring widespread integration with existing assistive technologies.”
Dr Sterkens was speaking at a presentation on what consumers and hearing care professionals should know about Auracast and Telecoils at the Australian Hearing Hub on 7 April 2025.
The Dutch born American-based audiologist has more than 40 years’ experience in audiology, hearing rehabilitation, and assistive listening.
She is now a consumer and assistive listening advocate with the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), and lectures around the world to consumers and audiology professionals. Dr Sterkens has received several awards for her advocacy work, including the American Academy of Audiology Presidential Award.
Auracast is a new Bluetooth technology which allows direct streaming of audio to hearing aids and audio devices from television, cinema, public announcement systems and auditoriums.
“For consumers to fully benefit from both current and future ALS, hearing devices should include both Auracast and telecoils,” Dr Sterkens said. “This is recommended by major hearing organisations, and the development of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-Access-Ready” hearing aids is crucial for this integration.”
“To ensure users can easily connect to Auracast streams, the hearing industry must simplify the process, similar to the straightforward use of Telecoils. This includes a push-button feature to connect easily to ALS systems.”
Barriers
“There are several barriers to quick adoption of Auracast, such as the lack of universal connectivity features in hearing devices, device adoption timelines, and the need for consumer education,” she said.
“Furthermore, not all users are tech-savvy, and there may be issues with latency and the lack of standardised international regulations.”
Auracast installations must meet ADA standards, meaning facilities must provide receivers, signage, and staff training, Dr Sterkens said. Additionally, until the technology becomes more widely adopted, users may still rely on traditional ALS systems, she said.
“Auracast adoption may occur fastest in areas with existing hearing loops, where infrastructure and consumer education are already in place. Advocacy and consumer demand will be key to expanding its use in other facilities,” she said.
‘While Auracast has the potential to enhance accessibility, its success will depend on the collaboration of hearing professionals, hearing aid manufacturers, and consumer advocacy groups.
“The technology must coexist with existing ALS systems to create a more inclusive environment for people with hearing loss.”
