If you have met me before, you probably know that I detest the Loop (telecoil, T Loop, T Setting) system. I won't go into why, lest I get distracted...
Anyway, Auracast* is on its way! Auracast is a method of sending the signal from a microphone (e.g. a performer on stage) or broadcaster to multiple Bluetooth hearing aids, all at the same time. A bit like Loop, but I suspect this will actually work for us deaf folk.
Here's a video from GN Resound of it in practice.
I have been following this since it's inception. First we had one-to-one connections via Bluetooth, and I recall the first time I was able to use a mobile phone with my hearing aids. Then we had remote microphones, which got me through university. Now. finally, we are getting the 'one-to-many' connection, which will allow one microphone to transmit to a whole audience.
This will transform how we hear in theatres, public meetings, train stations etc. I cannot tell you how delighted I am to see this being implemented. We have always been on the periphery of society when it comes to these sorts of locations. Hearing aids work great in their set range, but beyond that any audiologist would be lying if they told you it was a perfect solution for moderate-severe-profund loss at distance.
Hearing aids are already being manufactured to be 'Auracast Ready', and I will keep up with those developments as they come.
Here's to the future!
*Auracast is a Bluetooth technology, and you can read more here
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