Is LE Audio the Same as Auracast for Hearing Aid Users?

Many hearing aid users are confused about what LE Audio and Auracast really mean. Here’s a clear breakdown:

LE Audio includes two types of connections:

1. Auracast (Broadcast Mode) – Sends audio from one device to multiple hearing aids or headphones at once. Great for watching TV or listening in public places.

• As of May 2025, some hearing aids are Auracast-ready (the hardware supports it), but still require software/app updates to enable full functionality.
• Currently enabled or partially enabled brands include:
  ReSound, Jabra, GN, Beltone, Starkey*
• Auracast-ready but not yet enabled (as of May 2025):
  Phonak, Oticon, Signia, Rexton, Widex, Philips*
  We believe these brands will enable Auracast soon through app or firmware updates.
• Auracast transmitters like FlooGoo and Avantree, and devices like Samsung phones, already support broadcasting.
• iPhones still require apps that can detect and tune into Auracast broadcasts.

2. One-to-One Connection (CIS) – A direct private audio stream between a single source and device.

• Mainly used for talking on the phone or using computers, where low latency and clarity are important.
• For example, the Avantree ProLink transmitter and receiver use LE Audio CIS to deliver ultra-low latency and stable sound, even when using a microphone channel.
• However, Avantree LE Audio adapters are not yet fully compatible with LE Audio hearing aids. One-to-one connections across different brands are still limited and often only work within the same ecosystem.

We hope this helps you better understand your options and choose the right devices for your hearing needs.

FAQs

What is LE Audio and how does it relate to Auracast?
LE Audio is the latest Bluetooth audio standard featuring low power consumption and improved sound quality. Auracast is a broadcast mode within LE Audio that allows one device to stream audio simultaneously to multiple hearing aids or headphones, ideal for TV watching or public listening.

Which hearing aids currently support Auracast?
As of May 2025, brands like ReSound, Jabra, GN, Beltone, and Starkey have Auracast-ready hardware with software updates pending or partially enabled. Other brands such as Phonak, Oticon, Signia, and Widex are Auracast-ready but not yet enabled, expected to activate Auracast via firmware or app updates soon.

What is the difference between Auracast and one-to-one LE Audio connections?
Auracast broadcasts audio from one source to many devices simultaneously (broadcast mode). One-to-one connections, called CIS, provide private, low-latency audio streams between a single source and device, mainly used for phone calls or computer audio where clarity and minimal delay are crucial.

Are Avantree LE Audio adapters compatible with all hearing aids?
Avantree LE Audio adapters support CIS connections with ultra-low latency and stable sound but are not yet fully compatible with all LE Audio hearing aids. One-to-one connections often work best within the same brand ecosystem, limiting cross-brand compatibility for now.

How do Auracast transmitters and devices work?
Auracast transmitters like FlooGoo and Avantree, and devices such as Samsung phones, already support Auracast broadcasting. iPhones require specific apps to detect and tune into Auracast streams. This technology enables easy connection to public or private broadcasts with improved audio quality and battery efficiency.