One of the world’s most iconic architectural masterpieces and a global symbol of creativity and culture, the Sydney Opera House took a monumental step toward enhanced accessibility for people with hearing loss, becoming the world’s first cultural institution to implement Auracast™ broadcast audio.
This new Bluetooth® capability, rolled out in three of the Sydney Opera House’s seven venues, can deliver high-quality sound directly to Auracast™ hearing aids, cochlear implants, and/or any Auracast™ earbuds or headphones, ensuring an enriched and inclusive audio experience for all.
Revolutionizing assistive listening
Traditional assistive listening systems, such as induction loops and FM systems, have long been employed to support those with hearing loss. However, these systems often come with limitations, including sound distortion and restricted seating options. Auracast™ broadcast audio addresses these challenges by broadcasting crystal-clear audio directly to compatible audio devices (Auracast™ enabled earbuds, headphones, hearing aids, etc.), allowing visitors attending performances at venues, including the Sydney Opera House to enjoy an augmented or assisted listening experience from anywhere in the venue.
In a recent article in The Hearing Review, Marian Jones, a hearing aid wearer who attended the Auracast launch event at the Sydney Opera House, said live music is one of life’s great joys.
“But like many people with hearing loss, I’ve found my enjoyment has been dulled by poor sound quality or being restricted to certain seats. Hearing the beautiful music via an Auracast™ broadcast was the crispest and clearest experience I’ve had in years. It was quite emotional to see the reactions from others with hearing loss at the performance. This is so important to drive forward accessibility.”
Seamless integration
The Sydney Opera House recently integrated an Auracast™ broadcast audio solution into three of its venues, the Drama Theatre, Playhouse, and Studio. Attendees can access a broadcast by collecting provided Auracast™ receivers from the cloakroom before a performance. These receivers are provided with headphones or a personal induction loop, catering to individual preferences and ensuring a seamless listening experience. Visitors can also bring their own Auracast™ earbuds or hearing aids and access the same broadcast, creating a seamless bring-your-own-device experience.
This groundbreaking initiative is the result of a collaboration between the Sydney Opera House, GN Group, Hearing Australia, and the National Acoustic Laboratories. Together, they have worked to remove barriers and achieve greater inclusion for those who live with hearing loss.
“We are at the forefront of accessibility with Auracast streaming,” said Peter Karlstromer, CEO GN. “Now we bring this new technology to hearing aid wearers so they can easily connect and enjoy great sound quality during performances. In collaboration with National Acoustic Laboratories, Hearing Australia and the Sydney Opera House, GN can support the ongoing future of inclusive performances – we hope it will encourage more venues to follow suit.”
The technology is now being rolled out in venues globally to enhance assisted listening systems.
In collaboration with National Acoustic Laboratories, Hearing Australia and the Sydney Opera House, GN can support the ongoing future of inclusive performances – we hope it will encourage more venues to follow suit.
Peter Karlstromer, GN
The future of audio accessibility is here
From the Bluetooth SIG’s perspective, the introduction of Auracast™ broadcast audio at the Sydney Opera House represents a significant advancement in assistive listening technology. It demonstrates how Auracast™ broadcast audio can deliver an enhanced auditory experience for individuals with hearing loss, setting a new standard for audio accessibility in pubic venues.
The Bluetooth SIG views this successful deployment as a model for other cultural institutions worldwide. By adopting Auracast™ broadcast audio, venues can offer more inclusive experiences, ensuring that live performances are more accessible to all individuals, regardless of hearing health.
Learn more about Auracast™ broadcast audio.
