SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA — GN is using the 2026 World Congress of Audiology (WCA) in Seoul to spotlight the role of accessibility and inclusive audio experiences in hearing healthcare, while also releasing new survey data examining social perceptions surrounding hearing loss.
As part of the event, GN partnered with Ampetronic to host “Seoul Session: A Live Auracast™ Event,” described as South Korea’s first live Auracast broadcast audio installation. The event combined live music, accessibility technology demonstrations, and discussions around representation and inclusion for people with hearing loss.
The event featured a performance by Big Ocean, a K-pop group whose members live with varying degrees of hearing loss, followed by a jazz performance and panel discussion focused on accessibility in music and entertainment.
GN also released findings from new YouGov research conducted across the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, which explored public perceptions surrounding hearing loss and communication challenges. According to the survey, more than one-third of respondents with hearing loss reported being perceived as rude or disengaged, while up to 40% said they were viewed as less intelligent or less capable because of their hearing difficulties.
The research additionally found that more than one-third of respondents believed others expected them to “try harder” to hear in difficult listening situations. GN said the findings highlight the continuing social and communication barriers experienced by many people with hearing loss.
“These misconceptions don’t just affect perception, they influence how environments are designed, often overlooking the complexity of hearing in dynamic, noisy settings,” said Andreas Anderhov, GN APAC President.
“That’s why our focus at the World Congress of Audiology is to create an experience that everyone can participate in fully and equally.”
Auracast Demonstration Focuses on Shared Listening Experiences
The Seoul Session event centered around Auracast broadcast audio technology, a Bluetooth LE Audio capability that allows venues to transmit audio directly to compatible personal devices such as hearing aids, earbuds, smartphones, and dedicated receivers.
According to GN and Ampetronic, the setup was designed to demonstrate how broadcast audio technologies may support more flexible listening experiences in live entertainment venues without requiring designated seating areas or specialized venue-issued devices.
The installation utilized an Auri transmitter system to broadcast venue audio, along with compatible receivers and personal devices capable of tuning into the live stream.
“Music has always been a way for us to connect, even when others assumed it might not be possible,” said Haley Cha, CEO of Parastar Entertainment, which created and manages Big Ocean. “As artists with hearing loss, the members of Big Ocean know what it feels like to be left out of shared experiences, and how powerful it is when those barriers are removed.”
British comedian Angela Barnes also participated in the event and discussed how hearing loss has shaped her experiences performing live.
“When you’re on stage, the connection with the audience is something you feel as much as you hear. Having hearing loss has shaped how I experience those moments, it makes you very aware of connection in all its forms. That’s why this idea of technology bringing more people into the same live moment is so meaningful. It opens up what shared experience can be.”
–Angela Barnes
Sam Burkinshaw from Ampetronic added that live performances can often remain challenging listening environments for people with hearing loss.
“Live performances can be challenging for people with hearing loss, often limiting how they experience the moment,” Burkinshaw said. “Auracast helps address this by delivering ‘front-row’ sound directly to personal devices, so audiences can enjoy events together. Through our partnership with GN, we aim to accelerate adoption globally and inspire venues to rethink how they deliver accessible audio.”
GN Demonstrating Hearing Technology at WCA 2026
Alongside the accessibility-focused event, GN said it is also showcasing several hearing technology demonstrations during the World Congress of Audiology exhibition, including demonstrations of the company’s deep neural network (DNN) hearing technology and hearing-in-noise performance capabilities.
The company stated that the demonstrations are intended to highlight how compact hearing aid designs, AI-driven processing, durability, and connectivity features are increasingly being applied to real-world listening environments.
About GN
GN brings people closer through our leading intelligent hearing, audio, video, and gaming solutions. Inspired by people and driven by innovation, we deliver technologies that enhance the senses of hearing and sight. We help people with hearing loss overcome real-life challenges, improve communication and collaboration for businesses, and provide great experiences for audio and gaming enthusiasts.
GN was founded more than 150 years ago with a vision to connect the world. Today, inspired by our strong heritage, GN touches more lives than ever with our unique expertise and the broadest portfolio of products and services in our history – bringing people closer to what is important to them.
GN market our solutions with the brands Jabra, ReSound, SteelSeries, Beltone, Interton, BlueParrott, Danavox, and FalCom in 100 countries. Founded in 1869, GN Group employs more than 7,000 people and is listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen (GN.CO).
Visit our homepage GN.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.
About Ampetronic
Ampetronic and Listen Technologies, part of the Allvida family, are global leaders in assistive listening and audio accessibility. Together, they design and manufacture solutions that ensure clear, intelligible sound so everyone can participate fully, regardless of environment or listening needs.
Their combined portfolio includes hearing loop systems, Wi-Fi, infrared, RF, and Auracast™ broadcast audio, supporting sectors such as corporate, education, entertainment, transportation, government, and public venues. With more than 60 years of shared expertise and a commitment to Inclusive Audio by design, Ampetronic and Listen Technologies continue to shape the future of assistive listening through innovation, standards development, and education.
The joint portfolio now includes Auri™, an installed Auracast™ broadcast-based assistive listening solution designed to support the next generation of accessible audio alongside established technologies. Through a global partner network and dedicated support teams in the UK, the Americas, and beyond, Ampetronic | Listen Technologies works closely with consultants, installers, and venue operators to deliver reliable, high-performance systems that improve access to sound for everyone.
About the YouGov research
Nationally representative online surveys conducted 30 Jan–4 Feb 2026 in Australia (n=1,014, including n=312 with hearing loss), UK (n=1,023, including n=324), and US (n=1,016, including n=319). Data weighted to population estimates. Conducted under ISO 20252:2019. YouGov “Data on file.”
Source: GN
