If you are not into connectivity and streaming through your hearing aids, this article is not for you. But if you stream music, podcasts, radio, and TV sound to your hearing aids and wish to use them in public events and concerts soon, you better read this article.
(Image credit: Bluetooth SIG)
What is LE Audio Bluetooth?
The LE Audio Bluetooth (LE: Low Energy) is the next generation of Bluetooth protocol for personal use and group listening. Compared to classic Bluetooth, the sound streamed through LE Audio Bluetooth:
Has a better sound quality
Your hearing aids headphones or earbuds use less battery for streaming
Several audiences can receive the signal at the same time (versus the classic Bluetooth which is one-to-one communication)
What is Auracast?
Auracast is a communication technology that broadcasts a soundtrack to many audiences at the same time. This technology will be widely used in concerts and festivals where the program (music, movie soundtrack,...) will be broadcast and thousands can listen to it through their Auracast-compatible hearing aids, headphones or earbuds.
Are LE Audio Bluetooth and Auracast protocols only for hearing aids?
No. The Low Energy Audio Bluetooth and Auracast are developed as the next level one to many communication protocols. They can be used to broadcast sound and music in concert halls, meetings, public places, pubs, and even small-scale broadcasting such as the soundtrack of your TV to several audiences using hearing aids headphones and earbuds at the same time.
Are LE Audio Bluetooth and Auracast hearing aids and their accessories already in the market (in 2024)?
Yes, hearing aid manufacturers have already started developing hearing aid accessories that work based on LE Audio Bluetooth and Auracast. Resound TV Streamer Plus used LE Audio Bluetooth. That means that when installed and connected to your TV you can hear the TV soundtrack in your Nexia hearing aids, but anyone with LE Audio Bluetooth compatible hearing aids or headphones can also hear the sound from the TV. This is a great money saving while having fun for the whole family.
Which hearing aids are equipped with LE Audio Bluetooth and Auracst?
This is what the hearing aids market offers in mid-2024 in terms of advanced connectivity:
Resound Nexia - LE Audio Bluetooth and Auracst
Oticon Intent - LE Audio Bluetooth and Auracst
Starkey Genesis Ai 24 - Only LE Audio Bluetooth
Signia Pure Charge & Go IX - Only LE Audio Bluetooth
Rexton Reach R-Li - Only LE Audio Bluetooth
Widex Moment and WIdex SmartRIC - Only LE Audio Bluetooth
Phonak Paradise and Phonak Lumity - None
How do I know if my hearing aids support LE Audio Bluetooth and Auracast?
If you are unsure if your hearing aids support Auracast or LE Audio Bluetooth the best is to refer to the brochure of your hearing aids, check with your hearing care professional or search it online.
Why should I care about LE Audio Bluetooth and Auracast?
Most premium hearing aids come with a 5-year warranty and aftercare. Often, they last longer. I have patients who still have hearing aids in good working condition after 7 or 9 years. Soon, televisions and other group entertainment systems will use Auracast and LE Audio Bluetooth. If your hearing aids do not support the latest technology, you may have paid a price that doesn't cover future communication technology.
Updates
Summer 2024 - Resound Nexia is the first and the only hearing aid that can connect to LE Audio Bluetooth and Auracast. At this stage only the latest models of Samsung TVs and Samsung mobile phones have Auracast but it impresses me to see a hearing aid manufacturer leading the way to include LE Audio Bluetooth and Auracatst in their new generation of hearing aids.
November 2024 - Newly released Starkey Edge hearing aids are officially able to connect to LE Audio Bluetooth and Auracast. Starkey also introduced a new Starkey TV Streamer that works based on LE Audio BT and Auracast which is the one to consider if you have Starkey Edge hearing aids. This TV streamer allows the rest of the audience at home with headphones or other models of hearing aids to connect to Starkey TV streamer through Auracast.
References
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