SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – A collaboration between GN, Hearing Australia, and the National Acoustic Laboratories is introducing advanced accessibility technology to the Sydney Opera House, enhancing the listening experience for individuals with hearing loss.
Starting today, the Opera House becomes the first cultural institution worldwide to implement Auracast™ broadcast audio, an innovation designed for live performances, into its venues for hearing aid users. This advanced assistive listening technology delivers a high-quality sound experience through Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE) Audio and Auracast broadcast audio, marking a significant step toward greater accessibility for the estimated one in five people globally living with hearing loss.
TV presenter Osher Günsberg, a hearing aid user, welcomed representatives from the audiology sector, the deaf and hearing loss community, and the media to experience the new technology firsthand. A live performance was broadcast directly to hearing aids and earbuds, demonstrating the impact of Auracast-enabled audio.
Representatives from Samsung Electronics, Google, and the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) attended the event, highlighting broad industry support for Auracast and its potential to enhance accessibility across various devices and platforms. These industry leaders showcased Auracast-enabled products, illustrating how the technology can improve listening experiences in public venues.
Hearing aid users often encounter barriers at live performances, as existing assistive listening systems, such as induction hearing loops, are optimized for speech but can distort music and restrict seating to designated areas. Auracast technology allows hearing devices to receive high-quality audio broadcasts from nearby transmitters, expanding accessibility to live events. GN has collaborated with technology companies for several years to ensure early access to this innovation for hearing aid users.
“We are at the forefront of bringing Auracast to hearing aid wearers so they can easily connect to and enjoy great sound no matter where they are. We are very proud to collaborate with the Sydney Opera House, National Acoustic Laboratories, and Hearing Australia to enable Auracast and inclusive performances at this iconic venue – we hope it will encourage more to follow suit and enter the next era of connectivity.”
–Peter Karlstromer, CEO of GN
Hearing aid wearer Marian Jones shared her experience: “Live music is one of life’s great joys. But like many people with hearing loss, I’ve found my enjoyment has been dulled by poor sound quality or being restricted to certain seats. Hearing the beautiful music via Auracast was the crispest and clearest experience I’ve had in years. It was quite emotional to see the reactions from others with hearing loss at the performance. This is so important to drive forward accessibility.”
Janelle Ryan, Senior Manager Impact Access & Operations at the Sydney Opera House, stated: “During our Decade of Renewal, we set out to improve accessibility at the Opera House and transform the live performance experience, inside and out. This exciting new technology builds on that momentum, helping us to remove barriers to the arts and engage more meaningfully with the audiences around us. It also moves us closer to our ambition of becoming Everyone’s House as we open up our venues to more of the community than ever before.”
The Sydney Opera House has permanently installed Auracast transmitters in its Western Foyer venues, including the Drama Theatre, Playhouse, and Studio.
GN was the first hearing aid manufacturer to introduce hearing aids compatible with Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast in 2023. The company has since integrated this technology across its entire ReSound and Beltone portfolio and introduced an app-based Auracast assistant. At the event, attendees who do not wear hearing aids were able to experience Auracast using the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro.
The launch event featured a keynote address by Ingrid Dahl-Madsen, Danish Ambassador to Australia and New Zealand and Ambassador-designate to Fiji. Dahl-Madsen emphasized the significance of the occasion, celebrating the connection between Denmark, a global leader in hearing technology innovation, and Australia, home to the Sydney Opera House, designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon.
Find out more about GN and Auracast™ broadcast audio here.
© 2025 GN Hearing A/S. All rights reserved. ReSound and Beltone are trademarks of GN Hearing A/S. The Bluetooth word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. The Auracast word mark and logos are trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
Source: GN
