Wireless Assistive Listening Solution - Bluetooth LE Audio

For the 1 in 6 people with significant hearing loss, inability to properly engage with audio communications in public environments is often the most disabling experience. Installed public 'hearing assistance' systems make a big difference to quality of life, however current technologies come with major limitations. Most require the user to borrow a receiver and headphones, which is impractical, unpleasant, discriminatory, and does not use the power of the user's hearing aids. Induction loops transmit audio direct to hearing aids which is better for the end user, but can be complex and costly to install, and are limited to hearing aids that are telcoil equipped. This project will develop the fundamental technologies, devices, and infrastructure for a new audio distribution system for public hearing assistance. It will use new technologies for direct-to-hearing aid communication, also allowing simultaneous participation on future smart-devices. The new hearing assistance platform will dramatically improve adoption of hearing assistance and widen access to its benefits.