When EFHOH launched the Hands Off Our Telecoil campaign, our message was clear: innovation should expand accessibility, not replace it.
We are encouraged to see that a growing number of manufacturers now offer hearing devices that combine telecoil and Auracast technology, demonstrating that users do not have to choose between established hearing access solutions and future innovations.
This progress can already be seen across much of the hearing aid market, where recent launches of new models from manufacturers including Oticon, GN ReSound, Starkey, Signia, Widex, Bernafon, Beltone, support both technologies within the same device.
Check the list here: https://centerforhearingaccess.org/uploads/ada-access-ready-hearing-instruments-list/
This is exactly what EFHOH has been calling for. Telecoils continue to provide access to hearing loops, and other assistive listening systems relied upon by millions of hearing aid users worldwide. At the same time, Auracast offers exciting new opportunities for accessible communication and audio access in public and private settings.
It is important to distinguish between devices that are Auracast-ready and those that are already Auracast-enabled. Some products are marketed as Auracast-ready, meaning they require a future firmware update before users can access Auracast broadcasts.
When it comes to cochlear implants, only Cochlear currently offers processors designed to support both technologies. However, these devices are Auracast-ready, meaning users are still awaiting the software update that will activate Auracast functionality.
MED-EL has not yet integrated Auracast into its cochlear implant systems. Instead, users can connect through intermediary accessories such as the AudioLink, which also provides access to telecoil (t-coil) connectivity.
While progress is being made, not all manufacturers have yet embraced the dual-technology approach. For example, Phonak has a strong track record of supporting hearing accessibility through its Roger system, which remains widely valued by users in educational, professional, and group communication settings. However, its current hearing aid range does not offer the combination of telecoil and Auracast support that EFHOH has been advocating for. We hope future product developments will ensure users can benefit from both technologies without compromise.
The message is clear: if many manufacturers can successfully support both telecoil and Auracast, all hearing aid and cochlear implant users should be able to enjoy the same level of choice and accessibility. Accessibility should not require users to give up proven hearing access solutions to benefit from new innovations.
We welcome the manufacturers that are demonstrating both technologies that can coexist and encourage the rest of the industry to follow their example. Giving users a genuine choice between existing and emerging technologies is not only possible, but also already happening.
Special thanks to the Center for Hearing Access for compiling and maintaining information on hearing devices with telecoil and Auracast capabilities, helping consumers and advocates stay informed.
