One of the hearing community’s most prominent voices, Dr Cliff AuD, has made a rallying cry for Aurcast.
Released as a YouTube Short, the video highlights one of the biggest needs for Bluetooth LE Audio to become a global standard: we need to talk about it.
Raising awareness will be a critical turning point for assistive listening technology.
As we document, consumer electronic devices are beginning to incorporate Auracast as standard, but a significant bottleneck remains: the adoption of transmitters in public venues.
Dr Cliff’s message is clear: it is time for the industry and the public to start talking. By raising awareness now, we can drive this transformative technology into the mainstream and ensure no listener is left behind.
The affordability of public accessibility
One of Dr Cliff’s most compelling arguments is the hardware’s accessibility.
For many years, the high cost of complex induction loop systems has been a barrier for smaller venues. However, Auracast transmitters represent a major shift in economics. These devices are remarkably affordable, with professional-grade units costing considerably less than traditional Telecoil installations … and they can be up and running in under an hour.
It is also possible to purchase lower-cost units, reducing the entry barrier.
Despite this low entry price, the number of public venues, from local community centres to major transport hubs, equipped with Auracast remains low.
Dr Cliff identifies a hurdle as a simple lack of awareness.
Many venue managers and business owners are simply unaware that such a cost-effective solution for hearing accessibility exists.
Bridging the installation gap
A common misconception is that Auracast requires a massive infrastructure overhaul.
On the contrary, the physical installation of an Auracast transmitter is a straightforward process, and Dr Cliff has successfully completed one himself to demonstrate its simplicity.
He expects that traditional audio-visual companies and established hearing loop installers will soon pivot to include Auracast in their standard offerings.
However, for this transition to occur at the required pace to meet the needs of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, there must be a visible and vocal public demand.
Unlike traditional hearing loops, which are designed exclusively for telecoil-equipped hearing aids, Auracast is a “universal” technology. It can be accessed by anyone with compatible earbuds, a smartphone, or a smartwatch. This means the technology benefits every patron in the venue, whether they use hearing aids or simply want to hear the commentary at a sports bar.
It is this that Dr Cliff believes will accelerate adoption once the general public understands what is possible.
Take the Auracast 2030 challenge
At Aurahear, we fully endorse Dr Cliff’s rallying cry.
We believe that accessible audio should be a fundamental right, not a luxury. It is no longer enough for the technology to sit on the shelves of electronics retailers; we must actively advocate for its implementation in the theatres, airports, and hospitals we visit every day.
To turn this vision into reality, we have launched a dedicated mission: Auracast 2030.
This initiative is a shared commitment to see Auracast become a standard feature of everyday life by the end of the decade.
We are calling on arts venues, transport hubs, and healthcare providers to commit to being Auracast-enabled by 2030.
When is Auracast coming to your local venue, and how can you help?
You can start by becoming an advocate. Ask your local cinema or gym if they are planning to install Auracast transmitters.
For more details on how you can join the movement and help make equal participation the standard in every space, read our full guide: Auracast 2030: The challenge is on.
And for help and advice on how to start conversations with venues, Bluetooth SIG has published some helpful guides. These can be found at: https://www.bluetooth.com/auracast/advocates/
Dr Cliff’s website is: https://drcliffaud.com/ and his brilliant YouTube channel is: https://www.youtube.com/@DrCliffAuD
Aurahear in your inbox!
Leave a comment