Tag Archives: assisitive listening

Finding Auracast™ Assistive Listening?

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Auracast™ is the latest hot topic in audio & hearing research and technology. Articles are written about it. It is debated and discussed in hearing loss and accessibility meetings. Hearing aids and cochlear implants are sold as Auracast-ready. But what does this all mean? What is Auracast™ and where can we find it to experience it?

New technology in a worldwide market.

Commonly referred to as Auracast™ Broadcast Audio, this is a new and evolving Bluetooth® trademark Assistive Listening System (ALS) for public and personal use. The technology is added to the list of already existing access options, such as FM, IR, hearing loops and WiFi. That said, all currently available technologies remain relevant and Auracast™ will coexist with them into the future.

In this emerging and competitive worldwide market, it takes time for manufacturers, installers and venues to catch up with Auracast™ broadcasting and for audiences to become ready for Auracast™ receiving. Right now, we still need it all. Note that those with telecoils in their hearing aids or CIs will also be able to connect to Auracast™ Broadcasting by plugging a neckloop into the provided Auracast™ receivers.

Broadcasting and receiving

Auracast™ uses L.E. (Low Energy) Bluetooth Audio to broadcast (transmit) sound wirelessly from one Auracast™ transmitter to many Auracast-ready receivers (listening devices). Bluetooth compatibility between Auracast™ transmitters and Auracast™ receivers enables people to share their audio with others. The technology promises improved sound quality. But those who are hard-of-hearing may wonder how well Auracast™ will perform in background noise, their archenemy?

Transmitters can be anything from integrated commercial Auracast™ broadcasting units to Auracast-enabled TVs, laptops, pads, computers and smartphones. Receivers are Auracast-compatible listening devices and instruments, such as earbuds, headsets, hearing aids, cochlear and bone-anchored implants and smartphones.

So, where can one listen to Auracast™?

This is a bit of an issue. In the State of Minnesota, no Auracast-broadcasting venues are currently known to Loop Minnesota nor to the people who contact us because they want to listen to the advertised clearer sound with their Auracast-ready hearing aids or cochlear implants.

As of this writing, one could say that public broadcasting installations lag behind advertising & sales efforts, media attention and people’s expectations. Of course, practical issues like pricing and the availability of reliably trained local installers may also contribute to delays.  

That said, Auracast-listening opportunities might already be out there. But where?  If anybody knows of an Auracast-equipped broadcasting venue in our State, please let Loop Minnesota know. Contact us through this website. We want to establish an Auracast™ location list for our website – as we have done for Hearing Loops.

Getting ready

Eventually, Auracast™ will come to venues near us. Meanwhile, consumers are advised to check on the Auracast™ status of new purchases, such as hearing & listening technologies, home entertainment equipment, smartphones etc.  Although Auracast™ access in public places will happen gradually over time, we want to get ready. But for now – we watch and wait.

COVID Homebound? Learn About Neckloops

Loop Minnesota Posted on by

Learn About Neckloops

Got telecoils in the hearing aids but no loop at home with which to use them? Learn about the induction neckloop, which could be a very helpful tool for those who do not have Bluetooth hearing aid connectivity for streaming over short distances.

What is a neckloop?

A basic, non-amplified neckloop is a miniature version of a large loop, such as a room loop. It is an electrical wire that is worn unobtrusively around the neck, under a shirt maybe. It has a plug that connects to different sound sources, such as personal FM amplifiers, phones, MP3 players, laptops, TV etc.

The sound source energizes the loop wire. Users activate the telecoils by switching the hearing aids or cochlear implants into T-mode or T/M mode. The telecoils tap into the magnetic field generated around the wire and pick up the refined audio signal for much clearer listening.

Of course, there are all sorts of assistive devices on the market. However, at a cost of less than $50, I find that my neckloop (pictured above) was a good investment. When I do Zoom presentations, the loop is plugged into the laptop headphone jack. It is invisible to the audience and so is the wireless communication between the neckloop and the hearing aid Telecoil. Discussions that all too often take place in low-quality sound environments become a lot easier to follow.

Complexity and compatibility

More advanced neckloop versions incorporate a microphone and amplifier button or wheel. These are often referred to amplified or powered neckloops. They cost more than the basic version and the larger mic/amplifier portion is visible. But they do have their advantages.

People who use such loops regularly for easier communication, especially at work, share that they are great for one-on-one communication, while being socially distanced. An amplified/powered neckloop could be quite helpful at the doctor’s or lawyer’s office or when visiting with a friend. They also facilitate hands-free telephone conversations that will be heard in both ears if the user has two hearing aids with telecoils.

Amplified/power neckloops must be matched to the devices and phones to which they will connect. Compatibility is key and so it is important that the correct connector cables are provided or purchased. Read the fine print!

Making the most of the devices that we have

People with hearing loss know that change is constant, especially when it comes to changes in hearing technology. Yet, it does not always have to terribly expensive and over-the-top complicated. For the price, neckloops can help us make the best of all sorts of hearing gadgets that we have already stashed around the house.

Do some research. Look at the websites of the many companies that deal with this technology, such as these local providers:

harriscomm.com

williamsav.com

Also, talk to the audiologist about neckloop options and assistive listening devices (ALDs).

However, for any loops to work, we must remind audiologists that we need telecoils in our hearing aids and cochlear implants – tuned to our hearing loss and activated.

And so, spend a few moments googling the topic because in the World of Hearing Loss learning never stops. Contact us at loopminnesota.org to learn more.

Disclaimer: Any web addresses or links are provided for information and illustration only. The author and Loop Minnesota do not favor one manufacturer, supplier or company over another