Auracast™ LOCATION PROFILE
Sædalen Church
About this location
Key stats
Location: Bergen, Norway
Venue type: House of Worship
Equipment installed: Auri™ system
Installation: DIY installation
Sædalen Church, located in a small valley outside Bergen on Norway’s western coast, is part of the Church of Norway. The church serves parishioners for regular worship services and hosts numerous cultural events, including concerts and community meetings. Its mission extends beyond spiritual care, aiming to be a cultural hub for the neighborhood, welcoming locals and visitors.
The problem statement
When the new building opened, the church faced a significant accessibility challenge: providing an assistive listening solution for parishioners with hearing impairments. Due to the building’s design, installing a traditional induction loop was impossible.
Although Norway’s new standard (NS8179:2023) for acoustic conditions in buildings, audio engineering solutions for universal design, defines Auracast™ broadcast audio as an approved solution, compatible equipment was not widely available at the time the new building was being constructed. This left the church without an assistive listening system during its initial months, creating a gap in inclusivity as the congregation grew to include more seniors with hearing loss or other assistive listening needs.
The Auracast™ solution
Deployment
The church learned about Auracast™ broadcast audio through its sound system consultant and the new national standard.
Today, Sædalen Church uses two Auri™ TX2N transmitters and four receivers. One transmitter is permanently connected to the main audio processor, serving the sanctuary and adjoining lobby/café area. The second transmitter supports a mobile audio system for the upstairs conference rooms. This setup provides flexibility for different spaces and events.
“Installation was straightforward, requiring minimal maintenance and virtually no extra time for user onboarding beyond informing visitors about the system,” said Tore Samset Mygland, volunteer head of audio, video, and lighting at Sædalen Church.
Benefits
The Auracast™ system transformed accessibility at Sædalen Church. For the first time, parishioners with hearing loss can fully participate in services and events. The system’s low latency and reliable coverage outperform Wi-Fi-based alternatives, while its ability to support multiple streams opens future possibilities for language interpretation. “Volunteers appreciate the simplicity; there’s no weekly setup or complex troubleshooting,” said Mygland.
Feedback has been scarce, which the team interprets as a sign of ease of use. The Church of Norway’s building manager, impressed by the system’s quality, has recommended Auracast™ solutions for other churches in Bergen.
A look ahead
Sædalen Church plans to expand its use of Auracast™ systems, potentially adding interpretation services for multilingual events. As more hearing aids and devices adopt Auracast™ broadcast audio, the system will become even more accessible.
“Auracast™ broadcast audio is a forward-facing technology that offers flexibility, scalability, and universal design compliance,” said Mygland. For churches considering an upgrade, Auracast™ broadcast audio represents a modern, cost-effective solution that enhances inclusivity and prepares facilities for the future.
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