A UK-first trial could make tours and performances more accessible by delivering live audio straight to hearing aids and earbuds
Samsung is trialling a new wireless audio technology at St Paul’s Cathedral that promises to transform the experience for visitors with hearing loss.
The system, called Auracast, allows people to receive high-quality, real-time audio directly to their Bluetooth hearing aids or earbuds, cutting out the need for traditional headsets or loop systems.
What is Auracast?
Developed in the US as part of the Bluetooth Low Energy Audio standard, Auracast works like a radio broadcast. Instead of pairing individually, users simply “tune in” to an available feed using their compatible device. At St Paul’s, this means live tour commentary or music can be streamed directly to personal hearing tech, even in the echoing nave of St Paul’s Cathedral where the acoustics are especially challenging.
Samsung demonstrated the system with guided tours and choir performances, using its Galaxy Buds3 Pro earbuds. The company says support will expand further in its upcoming software updates and is already working with GN, a major hearing aid manufacturer, to ensure compatibility with clinical-grade devices.
Why it matters
More than 12 million people in the UK live with hearing loss. While hearing aids can help in everyday situations, public venues often pose difficulties, either because of poor acoustics or because existing assistive technology requires specific devices.
This system could remove those barriers. “What’s exciting is how Auracast combines accessibility and convenience,” said Kenny Hau, a Clinical Audiologist at Hearology®. “For many patients, the hardest environments are large, echoey spaces or group settings.
A direct audio feed to your own hearing tech – whether that’s hearing aids or earbuds – can make all the difference. It’s simple, private and effective.”
The trial coincided with Global Accessibility Awareness Day and follows a Samsung-commissioned survey which found that 68% of UK adults with disabilities feel excluded by poor design.
What’s next?
Samsung hopes the technology could soon be rolled out to other UK locations such as lecture theatres, sports stadiums, airports and cafés – anywhere people might benefit from shared but private audio streams.
The system can also be password-protected for exclusive tours or events, removing the need to hand out shared devices and offering a more seamless experience for users.
References
- Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast explainer – An official introduction to the underlying technology
- Action on Hearing Loss: Facts and figures – Provides an overview of hearing loss prevalence in the UK
- Global Accessibility Awareness Day – Information on this annual event promoting inclusive design
- GN Hearing: ReSound aids and Auracast integration – Some background on one of Samsung’s tech partners
