New products from Williams Sound and LG join the list of Auracast-enabled devices.
A Push for ‘ADA-Access-Ready’ Hearing Devices
In the United States, assistive listening systems are mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to give people with hearing loss the clarity that is impossible to receive with hearing instruments alone.
Auracast Is Expanding Audio Sharing—for Everyone
Auracast is poised to significantly enhance audio accessibility for both those with hearing loss and the general public. As more manufacturers adopt this technology, we can expect to see its application in a diverse range of devices and settings.
Hearing When You Can’t Hear
A survey of more than 1,500 respondents with hearing loss found that while many look for and request accommodations, they are often not available—62 percent answered “seldom or never” when asked how often they can find accommodations.
Hear Well for the Holidays
Statistically speaking, half of grandparents and great-grandparents have significant hearing loss. So do about one in 10 of the aunts, uncles, or adult friends ages 55 to 64. Plus, we know that among adults exposed to loud noise—at work or in everyday life—about one in five has a hard time hearing speech. This can be a real hindrance to enjoying the holidays when all we want to do is connect with one another and share life’s joys.
Bluetooth Assistive Listening Gets Closer
Auracast, formerly known as Bluetooth LE Audio Sharing, will allow multiple users to connect to a Bluetooth signal. This will make Bluetooth a competitor with FM, infrared, hearing loop, and WiFi audio assistive listening systems.
Americans With Hearing Loss Can Receive Free Telephone Captioning Services
Phone conversations can be exhausting and frustrating for individuals with hearing loss. Telephones render the communicators unable to see each other when talking, so they can’t take advantage of important visual cues, including knowing when it’s their turn to talk.