For many years, hearing loops have been an established hearing augmentation technology. Today, a newer technology called Auracast™ broadcast audio provides another way to deliver audio wirelessly to compatible hearing aids, hearing implants, earbuds, headphones and other receiving devices.

So, what is the difference between a hearing loop and Auracast? And should schools and organisations consider one over the other?

The answer is not simply that one technology is better. Hearing loops and Auracast use different methods to deliver audio, have different infrastructure and device requirements, and may suit different users and environments.

What Is a Hearing Loop?

A hearing loop, also known as an audio frequency induction loop system, uses a loop of cable to create a magnetic field that transmits audio to compatible hearing devices.

Audio from a microphone, public address system or another audio source is sent to a loop amplifier. The amplifier drives an electrical signal through the loop cable, creating a magnetic field within the designed coverage area.

A compatible telecoil—often called a T-coil—inside a hearing aid, hearing implant processor or other suitable device can receive this signal and convert it into audio for the listener.

One of the key advantages of a hearing loop is that people with compatible hearing devices may be able to access the system using equipment they already wear. They generally switch their device to its telecoil or loop programme rather than requiring a separate wireless connection.

Hearing loops are therefore an established form of hearing augmentation in spaces such as theatres, halls, meeting rooms and other public venues.

How does a hearing loop work?

The basic signal path is:

Microphone or audio source → loop amplifier → loop cable → magnetic field → telecoil → hearing device

However, performance depends heavily on the design and installation.

The size and shape of the coverage area, building construction, metal within the structure and potential electromagnetic interference can all affect performance. A hearing loop therefore needs to be designed and installed for the particular space rather than simply having cable placed around a room.

What Is Auracast?

Auracast™ broadcast audio is a Bluetooth technology enabled by Bluetooth® LE Audio.

Rather than transmitting audio through a magnetic field, an Auracast transmitter broadcasts digital audio that compatible receivers within range can join.

Depending on the equipment, compatible receivers can include:

• Hearing aids
• Hearing implants
• Earbuds
• Headphones
• Dedicated assistive listening receivers
• Neckloop receivers used with compatible telecoil-equipped hearing devices

For example, an Auracast-enabled system in a school auditorium could take audio from the room’s microphones or AV system and broadcast it wirelessly. A person with a compatible receiving device could then select and join the relevant broadcast to receive the audio.

Auracast can also have applications beyond traditional hearing augmentation. Compatible consumer listening devices may be able to receive broadcasts, potentially allowing more people to access shared audio in suitable environments.

Hearing Loop vs Auracast: The Key Differences

Although both technologies can deliver audio directly to a listener, the way they do it is quite different.

The most suitable system depends on the users, the space, existing AV infrastructure and applicable accessibility requirements.

1. How Users Access the Audio

With a hearing loop, someone using a compatible telecoil-equipped hearing device can generally switch to its telecoil or loop programme.

Auracast uses a different process. A listener needs an Auracast-compatible receiving device and must select the broadcast they want to hear. Depending on the equipment, this may be done through a smartphone, hearing device application, dedicated receiver or another compatible assistant.

Auracast can potentially support a broader range of personal listening devices, but compatibility needs to be considered carefully.

Not every Bluetooth device supports Auracast. A product having a newer Bluetooth version does not necessarily mean it can receive Auracast broadcasts. The specific device and its enabled features should always be checked.

2. Installation and Building Considerations

Hearing loops require physical infrastructure within the space. Depending on the system design, loop cabling may be installed beneath flooring, within walls, above ceilings or in other suitable locations.

Building construction can also affect performance. Metal and other materials may influence the magnetic field, while electrical equipment can introduce interference.

Auracast does not require a loop cable around the listening area. Instead, audio is broadcast wirelessly from an Auracast transmitter.

This can provide greater flexibility when introducing broadcast audio into new spaces or integrating it with an existing AV system. However, the audio source, transmitter location, intended coverage area, user devices and method of accessing broadcasts still need to be considered.

3. Compatibility Matters

Compatibility is one of the most important factors when comparing hearing loops and Auracast.

A hearing loop can provide a straightforward option for people who already use a compatible and enabled telecoil.

Auracast requires compatible Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast receiving equipment. The range of compatible hearing aids, hearing implants, consumer listening devices and dedicated receivers is growing, but not every hearing device, earbud or Bluetooth product currently supports Auracast.

For schools and workplaces, technology selection should therefore begin with the people who are expected to use the space rather than simply choosing the newest technology available.

4. Hearing Loops Are Still Relevant

The growth of Auracast does not mean hearing loops have suddenly become obsolete.

Hearing loops remain an established hearing augmentation technology and are already used in many public venues. For people with compatible telecoil-equipped hearing devices, they can provide access without requiring an Auracast-compatible personal device.

Auracast is a newer technology that is continuing to develop and gain adoption. At present, both technologies can have different roles depending on the application and the people using the space.

For an organisation upgrading an existing venue, replacing a functioning hearing loop solely because Auracast is newer may not necessarily be the most practical decision.

Instead, organisations should consider who uses the space, what devices they are likely to have, how the existing system performs and what the space may require in the future.

5. Auracast Opens Up New Possibilities

Auracast is designed for one-to-many audio broadcasting.

A single broadcast can be joined by multiple compatible receivers within range. Depending on the system and devices supported, listeners may use compatible hearing aids, hearing implants, earbuds, headphones or dedicated assistive listening receivers.

Auracast can also support more than one broadcast in the same location, allowing users to select between different audio streams where the system has been designed and configured to provide them.

Potential applications could include:

In schools

• Assembly halls
• Lecture theatres
• Performing arts spaces
• Multipurpose rooms
• Sports facilities
• Classrooms

In workplaces

• Meeting rooms
• Training rooms
• Conference spaces
• Large presentation areas
• Employee town halls

This gives Auracast potential applications beyond traditional hearing augmentation, particularly where shared audio may need to be accessed using a range of compatible personal devices.

Which Is Better: Hearing Loop or Auracast?

There is no universal answer.

A better question is:

Which hearing augmentation solution is most appropriate for this particular space and the people who use it?

A hearing loop may be appropriate where:

• Users are likely to have telecoil-compatible hearing devices
• A familiar and straightforward method of access is important
• Existing loop infrastructure is already in place
• The system can provide the required coverage and performance

Auracast may be worth considering where:

• Compatible receiving devices are already being used or planned for
• Multiple types of compatible personal listening devices may need to access shared audio
• A new AV or hearing augmentation system is being designed
• The organisation is considering emerging Bluetooth LE Audio technology as part of its longer-term AV strategy

In some projects, supporting more than one approach may also be appropriate.

What Should Schools Consider?

For schools, the decision can be more nuanced than simply choosing between two technologies.

Students may use different brands and types of personal hearing devices, and those devices can use different transmission platforms and connectivity methods.

The Victorian School Building Authority’s Building Quality Standards Handbook recognises hearing augmentation as the process of collecting audio from amplification systems, such as public address or audio-visual systems, for transmission to receivers built into personal hearing devices. It also notes that different brands and types of personal hearing devices use different transmission platforms and methods.

This highlights the importance of considering hearing augmentation as part of the wider AV environment.

In larger spaces such as school halls, auditoriums and multipurpose facilities, the hearing augmentation system may need to integrate with microphones, public address systems, digital signal processors and other presentation or AV equipment.

Understanding the students and staff who will use the space is equally important. A system is only effective if its intended users can access it appropriately.

What About Australian Compliance?

Hearing augmentation may also be required in certain Australian buildings and spaces.

Under the National Construction Code 2022, a hearing augmentation system must be provided where an inbuilt amplification system—other than one used only for emergency warning—is installed in specified locations, including rooms in Class 9b buildings, auditoriums, conference rooms, meeting rooms and certain public service areas where the public is screened from the service provider.

The NCC distinguishes between:

• Induction loop systems, which must cover at least 80% of the relevant floor area, and
• Systems requiring receivers or similar devices, which must be available across at least 95% of the relevant floor area and meet requirements for the number of receivers provided.

This means an organisation should not assume that installing a particular technology automatically makes a space compliant.

Whether a hearing loop, Auracast-based system or another hearing augmentation solution satisfies applicable requirements depends on the particular project, system design and relevant regulations and standards.

Hearing augmentation should therefore be considered as part of the overall building and AV design process.

Hearing Loops and Auracast Can Both Have a Place in Modern AV

Auracast represents an important development in accessible and shared audio, but it does not make established technologies irrelevant overnight.

Hearing loops continue to provide an established solution for people with compatible telecoil-equipped devices. Auracast introduces a newer Bluetooth-based approach that can support a growing range of compatible hearing devices and consumer listening products.

For schools, offices and other organisations, the most effective approach is to look beyond the technology itself.

Consider:

Who will use the system?
What hearing devices or receivers are they likely to use?

Where will it be installed?
Is the space a classroom, meeting room, auditorium, sports hall or reception area?

What AV equipment is already in place?
Can the hearing augmentation system integrate appropriately with microphones, amplification and other audio equipment?

What accessibility and building requirements apply?
Does the project need to meet requirements under the National Construction Code, relevant Australian Standards or other project requirements?

What will the space need in the future?
Would it be beneficial to consider newer technologies while continuing to support established user requirements?

Rather than asking whether Auracast will simply replace hearing loops, it may be more useful to consider which technologies provide the most practical and accessible solution for the people using a particular space.

Planning Hearing Augmentation for Your School or Workplace?

Choosing a hearing augmentation system involves more than selecting a transmitter or receiver.

The users of the space, existing AV infrastructure, room construction, system integration and applicable accessibility requirements should all be considered.

For schools and organisations planning a new space or upgrading an existing AV system, hearing augmentation should form part of the broader AV and accessibility discussion from the early design stage.

D.I.B. Audio Visual can help schools and organisations assess how hearing augmentation can integrate with their wider AV system and the needs of the spaces they are planning.

To discuss your school’s or organisation’s hearing augmentation or AV requirements, contact D.I.B. Audio Visual on 03 9457 4800 or email info@dibaustralia.com.au.

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