For years, assistive listening systems (ALS) were often a compliance-driven afterthought for many AV integrators. Integrators would add basic RF or IR systems to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, but the user experience was frequently secondary. Today, that paradigm is shifting dramatically. A growing emphasis on inclusive design and user experience, coupled with technological advancements, has propelled assistive listening to the forefront of AV integration.
Venues are no longer just checking a box. They are actively seeking to create superior audio experiences for all guests, employees and students. This change is driven by a desire to provide genuine accessibility and the understanding that a positive experience leads to repeat business and a better reputation. Integrators are now pivotal in this evolution, guiding clients toward innovative solutions that offer convenience, high-quality audio and seamless integration.
New Focus on Assistive Listening Systems and User Experience
The modern approach to assistive listening prioritizes convenience and accessibility above all else. Instead of requiring users to request and check out a dedicated receiver, newer technologies empower them to use their own personal devices, such as smartphones and tablets. This small change has a massive impact on adoption and user satisfaction.
Kasey Kaumans, market development manager at Listen Technologies, has observed this shift firsthand. “We’re hearing stories first-hand from the field,” he says. “A performing arts center may have a small group of people who ask to borrow bodypack assistive listening receivers, but when guests can use their own devices, more people in the venue will access and benefit from the assistive listening system.”
This “bring your own device” (BYOD) model removes a significant barrier. Users no longer need to single themselves out by asking for special equipment. They can discreetly access the audio feed by scanning a QR code and using their own familiar devices and headphones or hearing aids. This proactive approach fosters a more inclusive and welcoming environment. The benefits extend across various vertical markets, from performance venues to university campuses and corporate spaces where smartphone use is ubiquitous.
“It offers a more proactive approach,” Kaumans explains. “The user can use their device instead of having to ask for a bodypack receiver. Again, it’s about convenience and making accessibility systems more accessible.”
The Rise of Wi-Fi and Auracast™ Systems
Driving this user-centric revolution are two key technologies: audio-over-Wi-Fi and Auracast broadcast audio. These systems offer significant advantages over traditional RF and IR solutions, not just in convenience but also in audio fidelity and scalability.
From an integrator’s perspective, these network-based systems simplify installation and management. “Many of the integrators we work with want Dante systems and will select assistive listening solutions with Dante (over analog) when that is an option,” notes Kaumans. “They want an ecosystem that’s built and to be able to put speakers, sound systems, mixers, and everything together and have assistive listening be a part of that.” This desire for a cohesive, interoperable tech stack makes audio-over-Wi-Fi a natural fit for modern AV designs.
When it comes to audio quality, newer technologies deliver a noticeably better experience. “Newer technologies such as Wi-Fi and Auracast™ present higher audio quality overall than typical RF or IR systems,” Kaumans states. This is especially crucial in acoustically challenging spaces with issues like reverberation or echo. A higher-fidelity audio stream can cut through these problems to deliver clear, intelligible sound directly to the user’s ear.
Kaumans particularly leans toward Auracast in these situations. “Our Auracast™ based solution transcends the space with audio quality at 48 kHz. That’s much higher than any assistive listening system has ever been able to broadcast, so in spaces where there might be acoustical challenges… I lean toward an Auracast™ based system because it will transcend that.”
From Afterthought to Forethought
Perhaps the most significant trend is the conceptual shift in the design process. For nearly two decades, Kaumans saw assistive listening treated as a final, compliance-related task. That has changed dramatically in the last year.
“I have seen more instances of customers and facilities leading with the design of the assistive listening system first, rather than as an afterthought, than I have at any other time throughout my 19 years here,” he reveals. “Typically, venues have considered assistive listening because they need to meet ADA compliance requirements. Now, they want to create positive hearing experiences for employees, students and guests first, and then they design speakers, mics and other equipment around that.”
According to Kaumans, this proactive stance is a game-changer. By prioritizing the hearing experience, venues are demonstrating a commitment to health, wellness and inclusivity. This focus yields tangible results. Kaumans shares an example of a performing arts center that was receiving complaints about its outdated RF system. After upgrading to an audio-over-Wi-Fi solution, the venue saw a direct impact. He remarks, “Guests say they can hear better and that the system is easy to use. That goes a long way, especially if it results in positive reviews for the venue.” The result was an increase in attendance from patrons who now felt properly supported.
The Opportunity for Integrators and Assistive Listening Systems
For AV integrators, this evolving landscape presents a significant opportunity to innovate and add value. By becoming experts in Wi-Fi and Auracast-based assistive listening, integrators can differentiate their services and position themselves as forward-thinking partners.
“There is an opportunity for integrators to be the first to showcase newer technology and explain what it is — whether that’s Auracast™ or Wi-Fi — and how it’s going to impact venues today and in the future,” Kaumans suggests. Those who embrace these technologies can guide their clients toward future-proof solutions that enhance the end user experience and deliver a strong return on investment.
For Kaumans, the market adoption of Auracast™, in particular, is accelerating faster than anyone anticipated. Major tech companies like Google and Samsung are already integrating it into their devices, from smartphones to TVs. This means consumer familiarity is growing rapidly.
“A year ago, I would have expected the proliferation of knowledge of the power of Auracast™ to be three to five years out. Now, people know Auracast™,” he says. “Market demand is already there and taking off faster than we anticipated. Auracast™ will become a household name. People will be more apt to use it for assistive listening if they’re in a space that offers it because they’ll already be familiar with it.”
Indeed, integrators who educate themselves and their clients on these advancements are not just selling equipment; they are designing truly inclusive experiences. By championing systems that are convenient, high-quality and integrated, they can help venues meet the growing demand for true accessibility, transforming spaces into environments where everyone can hear clearly.
