Auracast is transforming assistive listening in workplaces, learn why induction loops and infrared still matter for accessibility and compliance. The post The future of assistive listening is already here: is your workplace ready? first appeared on MVS Audio Visual.
For millions of people in the UK living with hearing loss, assistive listening technology isn’t a nice-to-have; it’s the difference between full participation and effectively being excluded, whether it be a meeting environment, a lecture theatre, or training space.
The technology underpinning assistive listening is shifting significantly. For organisations designing or reviewing their AV provision, understanding that shift is essential, both for regulatory compliance and for delivering spaces that genuinely work for everyone who uses them.
Meet Auracast: Wireless audio for hearing aids, implants, earbuds and more
Auracast is a new Bluetooth LE Audio broadcast standard that allows compatible hearing aids, cochlear implants, and earbuds to receive audio directly from a room’s AV system, with no receiver, no loop, no extra hardware. Think of it like connecting to a Wi-Fi network, but for sound.
This isn’t just a concept. Sydney Opera House went live with Auracast systems in early 2025, while Frankfurt Airport has begun initial trials. The momentum is real.
What this means right now
Auracast is coming — but it’s not yet the full answer. The international compliance standard (IEC 60118‑17), which will specify how hearing loop and wireless broadcast systems are measured and verified for Auracast compatibility, isn’t expected to be fully published until late 2027, and most hearing aids in use today aren’t Auracast-compatible yet. That means organisations still need compliant provision in place: induction loops and infrared systems remain the backbone of any legally sound setup.
Three things worth knowing:
- Legacy induction loops often underperform. Many installed systems have never been tested against IEC 60118-4, the performance standard — meaning they may not actually be fit for purpose.
- Infrared is the right choice where confidentiality matters. Unlike loop systems, infrared audio can’t pass through walls — making it ideal for boardrooms and legal or executive spaces.
- For spaces currently in design or fit-out, it is worth factoring in Auracast compatibility at this stage.
What are the legal requirements and recommendations?
Assistive listening provision in the UK falls under the Equality Act 2010 and Building Regulations Part M. These laws don’t mandate any specific technology, but they do require organisations to provide effective audio support for people with hearing loss — so everyone can participate fully in meetings, lectures, or training. That means existing systems must be fit for purpose, tested, and maintained; just having a loop or infrared system installed isn’t enough if it doesn’t actually deliver intelligible sound.
Organisations designing new spaces or refurbishing old ones should ensure any assistive listening solutions meet these standards, while also considering future-proofing for emerging technologies like Auracast.
Want to learn more about assistive listening?
We’ve written a comprehensive guide covering all three core technologies (loops, infrared, Auracast), the full compliance framework, common problems with legacy installations, and how to think about decisions being made today. Read our full breakdown here for more details.
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The post The future of assistive listening is already here: is your workplace ready? first appeared on MVS Audio Visual.
