Better sound in public spaces

Sep 1

3 min read

Good hearing and clear sound are essential for effective communication and quality of life. In this newsletter, we provide a simple overview of three important technologies for audio transmission that can be found and used in public and professional environments: the hearing loop, Roger On and Auracast.

Hearing loop – an established standard for accessibility

Hearing loops are currently the most widely used solution in public spaces for hearing aid users. This system can be found in large rooms such as auditoriums, churches and meeting rooms, as well as other locations where universal accessibility is required.

The system can transmit audio directly to hearing aids equipped with an active telecoil. It is widely available, well known among hearing aid users, and relatively stable and reliable.

Although the first patent for this technology dates back to as early as 1937, hearing loops will likely remain relevant for hearing aid users for many years to come.

If your hearing aids do not have a telecoil, or if the telecoil programme has not been activated by your audiologist, you will not be able to connect to a hearing loop. We can help you check whether your hearing aids have a built-in telecoil and, if applicable, activate the telecoil programme. This means you can use the telecoil the next time you visit a theatre or attend a meeting where a hearing loop is available.

Roger systems – extra support in noisy environments

The name Roger is familiar to many hearing aid users as an external microphone that can make it easier to hear in challenging listening environments. What is less well known is that Roger also offers systems similar to hearing loops.

Roger systems are often used in meeting rooms, training and teaching facilities, workplaces, as well as some hotels and cultural venues. The system consists of a base station that transmits audio wirelessly to hearing aids with RogerDirect activated, or to other Roger receivers.

Unfortunately, the system is somewhat limited by the hearing aids and accessories you have. It is also not as widely available as, for example, hearing loops.

If you use Phonak or Hansaton hearing aids, or have hearing aids from another provider with an active telecoil, we can help you add a Roger licence or obtain a Roger NeckLoop, allowing you to use both Roger systems and your personal Roger On microphone. Click the link for more information: Roger On Licence

Auracast – the new Bluetooth standard for accessible audio

Auracast is a new technology that allows you to connect to audio broadcasts using a smartphone, hearing aids or headphones, provided that the device supports Auracast. It can be compared to a wireless network: you select an available Auracast broadcast and connect to it, after which the audio is streamed directly to your device.

The benefits for users include very clear sound, no need for additional equipment and a relatively simple connection process.

Auracast is still in its early stages, but it is becoming increasingly available in modern buildings, reception areas, meeting rooms, waiting rooms, airports, trains and buses. The technology is also expected to become available in newer TVs, which may eventually reduce the need for dedicated TV boxes and other audio-streaming accessories.

Many hearing aid manufacturers are advertising Auracast-compatible devices, but the infrastructure is not yet widely developed in Norway. One of the advantages of this technology is that it is designed for everyone – both people with normal hearing who use headphones or earbuds and hearing aid users.

At present, GN ReSound and Starkey are among the manufacturers offering Auracast-ready hearing aids.

Click the link for more information about Auracast-ready hearing aids.