Listen Technologies, provider of advanced wireless listening solutions, and Ampetronic, provider of hearing loop systems, are helping houses of worship increase audio accessibility in their facilities with the Auracast-based assistive listening system, Auri.
What is Auri Assistive Listening System?
Per the company, Auri is an assistive listening system that leverages Auracast broadcast audio, a new Bluetooth capability, to deliver high-quality, low-latency audio directly to listeners’ compatible hearing aids, earbuds, headphones, cochlear devices or dedicated receivers. The Auri system includes transmitters, receivers, docking stations, Auri Neck Loops, Auri Manager software as well as a line of accessories.
When offered with dedicated receivers, signage and neck loops, Auri remains compliant with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and global requirements for assistive listening.
According to the company, Auri can function as a stand-alone solution or complement and extend coverage of an existing assistive listening system.
Additionally, as the number of Auracast-enabled devices and wearables increase, listeners can use their devices for assistive listening in the venues they frequent, including houses of worship.
Auri does not require any retrofitting or remodeling, making it usable in historic and listed buildings, says the manufacturer. Additionally, Auri transmitters are small units, about the size of a Wi-Fi access point, that can be mounted on ceilings or walls. They are available in black or white to blend seamlessly into the design aesthetic of a venue.
The two-channel Auri transmitter connects to the facility’s sound system and broadcasts audio to unlimited Auracast-enabled devices within range. Multiple transmitters can also increase channel counts and range. Facility managers can easily manage the system with the intuitive Auri Manager software, says the company.
How Can Houses of Worship Use Auri?
In houses of worship featuring the Auri system, listeners with Auracast-enabled hearing aids, earbuds, headphones, or other wearables can access the broadcast stream and hear the church audio directly in their ears. Audio is clear and intelligible, and listeners can adjust volume levels to their preference.
If listeners do not have an Auracast-enabled listening device, they can borrow an Auri receiver and listen to venue audio with connected headphones or earbuds. Auri Neck Loops are available for listeners with telecoil-equipped hearing aids and Cochlear devices to hear the broadcast.
According to Ampetronic | Listen Technologies, Auri is not just for individuals with hearing loss or who wear hearing aids or cochlear devices — it benefits everyone. For instance, it can help in situations where noise, distance, unfamiliar accents or acoustics make hearing clearly difficult. Auri can can also help listeners focus or to hear audio outside the sanctuary (e.g., in a cry room).
Additionally, multiple channels mean transmitters can broadcast audio for more than just assistive listening. For example, they can broadcast audio from silent screens or even deliver audio description and language interpretation.
Examples of Auri in Houses of Worship
According to the manufacturer, examples of houses of worship with Auri include the following:
- A case study on Bluetooth’s Auracast Location Profiles webpage reveals that Christ Presbyterian Church in Edina, Minn., replaced an older FM-based assistive listening system with Auri. With the help of the Auracast-enabled devices, Auri helps remove barriers to access and any stigma congregants might feel about borrowing equipment.
- The Catholic Church in Unterbach, Switzerland selected Auri because it could integrate discreetly into the existing building while delivering consistent coverage throughout the seating area. Auri is reliable, easy to use, and fully compliant with recognized accessibility standards, which is important because the church attracts both local residents and international visitors.
- Another Bluetooth Auracast Location Profiles case study highlights Gilbert Catholic Church in Grayslake, Ill. The church supplemented an existing hearing loop system with Auri so that it is future ready as adoption of Auracast-enabled devices grows.
“When houses of worship install assistive listening technology, they demonstrate to congregants that all are welcome and belong and they foster community by helping everyone feel included,” says Stephen Robinson, Eastern U.S. regional sales manager, Ampetronic | Listen Technologies.
Ampetronic | Listen Technologies demonstrated and highlighted the Auri assistive listening system in worship facilities at the Church Facilities Expo (CFX) 2026, which took place from Sept. 14 to 16.
