The new LC3 codec is the new standard for the wireless transmission of audio from transmitter systems to receiver systems.

A codec compresses data to transmit it with minimal energy consumption and computational effort. Formerly, these codecs have not been optimized for the specific requirements of hearing aids, and as a result, hearing aid manufacturers have developed and added their own proprietary protocols.

This has led to recurring connection issues across different manufacturers, as consistent compatibility between hearing system firmware, smartphone operating systems, and Bluetooth protocols could not be guaranteed.

Additionally, LC3 is the new standard codec for audio transmission in all products using Bluetooth LE Audio. This will result in significantly fewer compatibility limitations in the future.

The new LC3 codec and Bluetooth LE Audio were developed in collaboration with the consumer electronics industry and hearing aid manufacturers. Bluetooth LE Audio is optimised for low power consumption, high audio quality, and very low latency.

With Bluetooth LE Audio, it will be possible to establish direct connections from the television, laptop, or other Bluetooth 5.3-compatible devices to hearing aids. 

Auracast is the next-generation Assistive Listening System (ALS). It can coexist with other technologies, like telecoil. It has a broader transmission range, is easy to install, and enables people to sit wherever they want to hear.

Auracast opens up entirely new possibilities for streaming audio in public places.

Listening is simple: users select the Auracast stream they want to listen to on their mobile device, and the hearing aid or an Auracast-enabled device receives the signal, just like selecting a Wi‑Fi hotspot.

It can also be done by pressing a physical button at the location or by scanning a QR code. Hearing aid wearers get a high-quality signal in several places, as the installation of an Auracast streamer is cost-effective and straightforward.

Not only can lectures at a conference, university, school or museum be streamed to hearing aids, but also the sound from silent or quiet TVs at bars, on buses or in stores.

In public places such as a train station or airport, announcements about trains or flights will be transmitted directly to hearing aids, so everyone gets the information they need.

Even at the cinema, Auracast is a great improvement for hearing aid wearers. The audio signal of the movie is streamed directly to their hearing aids, no matter where they’re seated. So, follow the action, and don’t miss out. 

Only hearing aids compatible with Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast can receive the broadcast.

Yes, Auracast can be broadcast to an unlimited number of receiving devices, allowing multiple people to connect simultaneously. 

Broadcasts can be configured to be private by setting a password to limit access when necessary. 

A hearing aid is considered Auracast-ready if it supports Bluetooth LE Audio and can connect to Auracast broadcast audio streams. However, this does not mean it has Auracast functionality ‘out of the box’, as some models still require a firmware update before the feature is fully functional. As a result, users who try to connect their Auracast-ready hearing aids may be disappointed to find that the necessary software update has not yet been released by the manufacturer.