Auracast and Hearing Aids: The Future of Clearer Listening in 2025

Replacing Loops with Smarter, Simpler Connectivity

If you follow hearing care news, you may have seen Matthew Allsop’s recent video on HearingTracker, where he visited Bristol Temple Meads Station to test Auracast in action. His demonstration showed just how transformative this new broadcast technology can be for people with hearing aids, watche here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZvjFPYdbGI

Auracast is one of the most exciting developments in hearing care for years. As professionals, we see it as the natural evolution of induction loop (telecoil) systems—only more flexible, more reliable, and much more inclusive.

What Exactly Is Auracast?

Auracast is part of the new Bluetooth LE Audio standard. It allows venues, TVs, and other devices to broadcast audio to an unlimited number of receivers at once—hearing aids, earbuds, or smartphones.

Unlike traditional Bluetooth, there’s no pairing required. You simply “tune in” to a broadcast, much like connecting to Wi-Fi.

For hearing aid users, this means:

• No need to rely on loop systems or borrow special receivers.

• Crisp, direct sound streamed into your hearing aids.

• Access in busy, noisy, or echoey environments where speech clarity is often the hardest.

Replacing Telecoil Loop Systems

For decades, telecoil (T-coil) loop systems have been the go-to solution in public spaces. They’ve helped millions of people hear announcements, sermons, or theatre performances more clearly.

But loops have their challenges:

• They’re expensive to install and maintain.

• Audio quality can vary depending on where you sit.

• They only work with hearing aids that have a telecoil program fitted and switched on.

Auracast offers a modern alternative:

• Simpler to install in venues.

• Consistent, high-quality digital sound.

• Accessible to anyone with Auracast-enabled hearing aids, earbuds, or phones.

We believe Auracast won’t just replace loops—it will expand accessibility far beyond what loops could achieve.

Everyday Benefits of Auracast

• Travel: Hear flight or train announcements directly through your hearing aids.

• Public spaces: Enjoy theatre performances, lectures, or church services with direct audio.

• At home: Stream TV sound to your hearing aids and your partner’s headphones at the same time.

• Tours and events: A guide can broadcast to everyone—no more bulky receivers.

The Bristol Temple Meads Auracast trial is the first UK example of this future, but many more will follow.

Which Hearing Aids Are Auracast-Ready in 2025?

Many of the newest hearing aids are already designed with Auracast in mind:

• Unitron – Moxi V-R range

• Phonak – Lumity Sphere products

• Oticon – Oticon Intent line

Other manufacturers such as ReSound, Starkey, and Signia also have Auracast-enabled or Auracast-ready models. This means if you’re upgrading your hearing aids in 2025, you can be future-proofed for the next generation of connectivity.

Our Point of View

At Somerset Hearing, we’re genuinely excited about Auracast. We don’t expect every venue to switch overnight, but the trend is clear: just as loops became standard, Auracast will be the next universal accessibility feature.

If you’re considering new hearing aids, choosing an Auracast-ready device from Unitron, Phonak, or Oticon means you’ll be ready to benefit as the technology rolls out across the UK.

Final Thoughts: What Might Auracast Make Possible?

Auracast isn’t just a new feature—it could reshape how we think about hearing technology altogether.

Looking ahead, here are some possibilities we’re most excited about:

• Fewer accessories to manage – Instead of every manufacturer making their own proprietary TV connectors, Auracast could mean one universal solution. Imagine walking into your living room and your hearing aids simply connecting to the TV’s Auracast stream.

• Universal microphones – Instead of brand-specific remote mics, an Auracast-enabled microphone could work across all hearing aid brands. That means schools, workplaces, and families could use one simple tool to help everyone hear better.

• A more open, inclusive market – By moving away from closed, brand-specific ecosystems, Auracast could open up a wide range of consumer-friendly accessories and public services that benefit all hearing aid wearers, not just those tied to one manufacturer.

• Everyday devices speaking your language – Phones, TVs, laptops, airports, even museums could all broadcast Auracast audio. For the first time, the hearing care world and the consumer electronics world are moving in the same direction.

Our View

At Somerset Hearing, we see Auracast as the natural successor to loop systems and a step toward simpler, more universal listening for everyone. It won’t replace the value of expert fitting and ongoing care—but it will make life with hearing aids more seamless, connected, and inclusive.

If you’d like to know whether your hearing aids are Auracast-ready—or you’re curious about upgrading to the latest Unitron, Phonak, or Oticon technology—get in touch. We’d be happy to guide you through your options and help you stay ahead of the curve.

Hearing Tracker Youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZvjFPYdbGI