Prepare your project team
As with all projects, having the right people involved at the right time is critical to the success of adopting Auracast in your venue.
Speak to local people with lived experience of hearing loss
The best way to create a great experience for people with hearing loss is to involve them from the start. Build a relationship with a small group of local people who can give open honest feedback.
You could start by talking to people who have previously shared feedback about your existing provision.
Try to include a range of perspectives. Some people are less confident than others asking for support or to put themselves forward, but it really helps to consult people who have not been involved in similar groups elsewhere.
If you want help finding the right people, RNID can support you. Read more about our research panel.
Be clear on who the stakeholders are
Within your organisation, different people will bring their own expertise, priorities and decision authority. While one person may lead the project, success often depends on inputs from colleagues across your organisation.
Involve key people early, including programming/events, marketing, website, ticketing, and front of house. They are all critically important to delivering a great customer experience and can help identify opportunities and challenges.
Beyond your organisation, establish who else could be involved to ensure the project’s success. Engaging with people with lived experience is crucial.
Try speaking with local audiologists, both in the private sector and local NHS providers. If they are aware of your venue’s Auracast system they can signpost people to come and try it. They may also be able to tell you what information about assistive listening is provided in clinic, helping you to tailor the support you offer when customers arrive at your venue.
Secure early buy in – get a demo
The best way to appreciate the benefits of an Auracast assistive listening system is to see the reaction of someone with hearing loss experiencing it for the first time. Trying it for yourself also helps.
His experience was life changing. You know, it brought a tear to his eye. He said it was like somebody whispering, sat on his shoulder whispering to him, and he could actually hear. And the clarity, it was just the most wonderful. And it was wonderful for us to experience that as well because we are so excited about what the future holds.”
– Groups and Access Sales Manager, Everyman Cheltenham
The emotional response of the participants and people who’ve used the system speaks volumes.”
– Head of Access, National Theatre
In fact, the more people in your project team who get to experience it, the better.
One approach is to arrange a site visit to somewhere that already has an Auracast system.
[Find an Auracast venue near me (link location: Auracast locations)]
Another is to invite a manufacturer (or a distributor/installer) to setup a demo at your venue. There are a range of products available, each with their own features and benefits. Discover more in the Technical design and delivery section.
Be ready to bust Auracast myths
Doing new things requires convincing other people that it’s a good idea. Being ready to counter common objections can help your project run smoothly. The most common challenges are listed below.
The cost of Auracast equipment can be substantially cheaper than other assistive listening systems. Auracast can often be added to existing audio systems with minimal disruption, making it a practical option for many theatres.
Auracast was developed precisely because existing technology does not meet people’s needs. People want a non-proprietary solution which can stream digital audio directly to their hearing device.
Auracast-enabled devices have been available since 2023. Some manufacturers are now shipping second- or third-generation products.
In the UK, decisions about NHS provision are made locally. Some areas are already providing Auracast-enabled devices and the rest are expected to follow suit.
In the meantime, people with telecoil-enabled hearing devices can benefit from Auracast using a standalone receiver with neck loop, so there is no need to wait.
Hundreds of Auracast transmitters have been installed in theatres, cinemas, universities and places of worship across the UK. The technology is ready. Are you?
Installing an Auracast transmitter can often be done simply by plugging it in to existing equipment. Transmitters are exceptionally compact and lightweight so can be mounted in even the most challenging of spaces. Crucially, there is no need to lift carpets or dig up floors.
Auracast transmitters are similar in size to a WiFi router. Some transmitters have detachable aerials so the body can be hidden away somewhere discreet with only the aerial itself visible.