How to listen to an Auracast™ broadcast

Auracast™ broadcast is a new wireless audio technology based on Bluetooth® LE Audio that enables one-to-many audio streaming. Unlike traditional Bluetooth, which requires pairing between devices, Auracast audio streaming allows users to listen to shared audio streams — like public announcements, TV in airports or theatres, conference audio, or music with friends, without needing to pair devices.

This guide explains how to connect your device to an Auracast broadcast using either the Oticon Companion app or, for Android devices with Bluetooth LE Audio, through device's native settings.

Before you start

1

Compatibility

Oticon Companion hearing aids with Bluetooth® LE Audio support are compatible with Auracast technology.

2

Get the Oticon Companion app

Ensure you have the latest version of the Oticon Companion app.

The image features the Oticon logo with a white and beige background, showcasing stylized sound waveforms in gold and gray, and the word "oticon" in white text on a black strip.
3

Pair your hearing aids with your phone or device

Once you have downloaded the Oticon Companion app, you need to pair your hearing aids with your device.

How to connect to an Auracast broadcast using the Oticon Companion app

The in-app Auracast broadcast assistant supports Android™ devices (Android 10 and later) and iOS devices (iOS 15.2 and later).

There are two ways you can connect to an Auracast broadcast using the Oticon Companion:

Option 1: Scan a QR code using the app or your phone’s camera

Scanning an Auracast broadcast QR code with your phone’s camera opens the Auracast broadcast screen in step 7.

1

When scanning a QR code with the app, select the Sound option from the tab bar.

2

On the tab bar, tap the three dots (...) to show all available buttons.

3

Tap the Auracast broadcast button.

A smartphone displaying a hearing aid app interface shows sound settings, including options like "Mute surroundings," "Sound equalizer," "SpeechBooster," "Streaming equalizer," and "Remote microphone," under a section labeled "Sound playing: Broadcast name."
4

On the Auracast broadcast screen, near the top, tap the Scan QR Code.

A smartphone screen displays the "Auracast broadcast" interface. The action guides users to access broadcasts by tapping names or scanning a QR code. Nearby broadcast options include "Airport Gate 51" and "Broadcast Source 5".
5

Point your phone’s camera at the Auracast QR code displayed on, for example, a screen or printed sign.

Broadcasts may be public or private. Tap your chosen broadcast (presented by its name). If the broadcast is password-protected, enter the right password.

6

Once the broadcast is detected, tap Join to start streaming audio directly to your hearing aids.

7

Use the slider to adjust the volume.

Adjust frequency balance with the streaming equalizer button.

Mute the broadcast stream with the mute button.

A smartphone screen displays an "Auracast broadcast" interface with pink equalizer bars, volume adjustment slider, "Mute broadcast" and "Streaming equalizer" icons, and a "Disconnect" button, indicating audio settings.

Option 2: Manually select from available broadcasts

1

On the tab bar, tap Sound.

2

On the tab bar, tap the three dots (...) to show all available buttons.

3

Tap the Auracast broadcast button.

4

On the Auracast broadcast screen, under Nearby broadcasts, a list of available broadcasts will appear.

5

Tap the broadcast you want to join.

6

Tap Join to begin streaming.

7

Use the slider to adjust the volume.

Adjust frequency balance with the streaming equalizer button.

Mute the broadcast stream with the mute button.

Note: If the broadcast is password-protected, enter the right password.

How to connect to an Auracast broadcast using native settings on your Bluetooth LE Audio enabled device

Auracast broadcast works on select Android devices with Bluetooth LE Audio running Android OS 15 or above.  

Note: Phone manufacturers may refer to Auracast broadcasts by different names; this guide uses the term audio stream for the remaining guide, as it is used by Google. The screenshots included are taken from a Google Pixel 9, other phones may display Auracast menus differently.

To get started

  • Once your hearing aids are connected via Bluetooth, from the home screen, swipe down to find the Bluetooth settings tile 
  • Tap the Bluetooth settings tile with the name of your hearing aids > Tap the cog wheel to enter Device details
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Option 1: Scan a QR code

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1

Tap Find an audio stream.

2

In Find an audio stream > tap Scan QR code.

3

A QR code is provided by the broadcast host, that you can use and scan to join a broadcast. Broadcasts may be public or private. Tap your chosen broadcast (presented by its name). If the broadcast is password-protected, enter the right password.

4

After connecting, your phone will show Listening now when you have joined the audio stream, and Stream paused if the audio stream is not available.

Option 2: Audio streams nearby

1

Tap Find an audio stream to scan for nearby options.

2

Select your preferred stream and enter a password if prompted.

3

After connecting, your phone will show Listening now when you have joined the audio stream, and Stream paused if the audio stream is not available.

How to disconnect from a broadcast

To end your connection to a broadcast, simply swipe down and tap Disconnect in the Audio stream notification.

If you are unable to connect or find an Auracast broadcast, please go to the troubleshooting section in the last part of this guide.

Troubleshooting

Please note that Auracast broadcast audio is a new and emerging technology that is still developing and being rolled out globally across devices and manufacturers. As such, you may experience issues with the broadcast you are trying to connect to.  You can try solving common connectivity issues with your hearing aids or Android device by following these steps when connecting to a broadcast:

  • Unable to locate any audio stream or broadcast: Ensure that Location Services are on. Go to Settings > Location and ensure the location setting is toggled on. Audio sharing requires location access to detect nearby broadcasts. 
  • Unable to join or connect to a broadcast:If a broadcast is visible but you’re unable to connect, make sure to connect through the Oticon Companion App
  • Restart Bluetooth:Swipe down and tab the Bluetooth settings tile twice to turn Bluetooth off and on again, or try to reboot your hearing aids.

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