Bluetooth Technology Is Pioneering the
Hearing Aid Innovations of the FutureBluetooth技術が切りひらく補聴器イノベーションの未来

What has been the reaction of people who have experienced Bluetooth LE Audio?

Some of the feedback we have received includes:

• • TVs can be heard clearly. When output is being received simultaneously with the TV’s built-in speakers, family members can enjoy listening at just the right volume, reducing complaints about loudness.
  • Spouses, for example, are looking forward to being able to watch TV together via a single transmitter, each at their own preferred volume.
  • Battery life lasts longer, allowing for uninterrupted use throughout the day, even while watching TV.
  • Users anticipate feeling safer when Auracast™ is implemented in transportation and public facilities.
  • There is a desire for future expansion of supported models and widespread adoption of Auracast™ compatible equipment.

Why did you choose to adopt Bluetooth LE Audio?

The main reason is the high versatility that enables low power consumption and low latency for audio transmission, making it widely integrated into everyday devices like smartphones and wireless earphones. Hearing aids are required to be small and useable for over ten hours a day with many seniors spending extended periods of time watching TV. Given these conditions, hearing aid batteries typically have capacities of 20-30mAh, requiring a consumption current of around 2mA during wireless use.

Among Bluetooth^® technologies, traditional Bluetooth Classic Audio is nearly ubiquitous in smartphones and cell phones, but its high power consumption (resulting in approximately half the operating time) makes it less suitable for hearing aids operating on small batteries. Conversely, while Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) offers lower power consumption, the lack of standardized audio transmission methods led to interoperability challenges due to various OS and hearing aid manufacturers using proprietary standards. With the standardization of Bluetooth LE Audio, we have the ideal opportunity to provide a more comfortable living experience for hearing aid users by improving interoperability.

What role do you think Bluetooth technology will play in the future of audio technology as a whole?

In the field of hearing compensation for hearing aids and cochlear implants, priorities have shifted from the standalone benefit of compensating for hearing loss via the device itself to enhanced comfort and peace of mind through network-enabled functionality, emphasizing the value of connectivity. For example, features such as phone call functionality via smartphones, location notification in case of device loss through applications, and alerting family members in case of falls are becoming increasingly important. These new customer demands, including the provision of a comfortable living space through Auracast™ broadcast audio adoption, make Bluetooth technology essential.

Beyond audio, we believe that Bluetooth^® technology will be indispensable in the future for providing value through connectivity, such as home appliance integration and in-car connectivity via smartphones, as well as for health monitoring and care. Within this context, we anticipate further technological advancements in Bluetooth technology, such as reduced power consumption, improved location estimation, and additional power transmission capabilities.