FAQ: Auracast on Phonak EON hearing aids: Technology review
- Koorosh Nejad
- 20 hours ago
- 4 min read
This is the first time that Phonak has released a product with Auracast. Since the Auracast technology will be more and more available in the public domain, I decided to share this FAQ about the Phonak EON Sphere and how the Auracast technology works with this model of hearing aids for your reference.
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What is the maximum distance a wearer can stay connected to an Auracast broadcast?
This can vary based on the environment, the power of the transmitter, the presence of interfering signals, and other factors. Internal tests show Phonak EON hearing aids can stream up to 211m/692ft, the largest distance compared to three other hearing aid brands oįering Auracast solutions.
Does the wearer need to use the myPhonak app to access Auracast streams?
Clients who have a smart device with native Bluetooth® LE Audio support may be able to use the built-in Auracast Broadcast Assistant functionality of the smart device to direct the hearing aids to an Auracast stream. If a client’s smart device does not have this functionality, they can use myPhonak to connect to an Auracast broadcast.
How do I know which clients can use a native Auracast Broadcast Assistant in their smartphone?
Samsung phones and Samsung tablets running Android 15 or later can use the native Auracast Assistant, while iPhone and other smart devices can access Auracast broadcasts via myPhonak.
How can a wearer start an Auracast stream?
The wearer can use the Auracast QR code scanner in myPhonak or browse and connect to an Auracast stream via the native “Listen to Auracast broadcast” in their compatible Samsung smart device.
How can a wearer stop an Auracast stream?
The wearer can stop the stream using Tap Control, pressing the Pause or Stop button on their connected smartphone (will depend on the source of the Auracast broadcast and brand of phone), changing the program in myPhonak or long-pressing the top
button of the multi-function button on either hearing aid. Please note Auracast broadcasts will continue to broadcast in the background, but the hearing aids will not be playing it.
Can environmental balance be used during an Auracast stream?
Yes, environmental balance can be used to change the ratio of streamed sound vs environmental sound. This can be done using the multi-function buttons on either hearing aid or by using the Environmental balance slider in myPhonak.
Does Auracast override hearing performance features like directionality and noise reduction?
The behaviour of Phonak EON hearing aids during an Auracast stream is the same as when streaming from a phone via Bluetooth® Classic. By default, only minimal noise reduction is applied while streaming, and environmental sound is using Real Ear Sound.
Can my audiologist adjust the hearing aid settings for Auracast streams?
Auracast streams can be adjusted by your audiologist in Phonak fitting software, e.g. for it to sound more bass or sound overall louder if you want the streaming to sound louder. Please consult with your audiologist.
How will a wearer know there is an Auracast signal for them to stream?
Best practice standards published by Bluetooth® SIG recommend that any venue with an available Auracast broadcast should post easily scannable QR codes to connect to the stream(s), in addition to having a broadcast channel selectable within Auracast Assistants. Streams can be joined by scanning the QR code in myPhonak or by selecting the broadcast from the available streams list in a native Auracast Assistant within a compatible smart device.
Why does Phonak not create an Auracast Assistant like other brands?
We want to ensure your clients have the best experience possible with Auracast, while recognising that adoption of Auracast has been slow. We have started with the QR code scanner so that clients have faster access to Auracast in Phonak hearing aids and will explore how to streamline the experience for later app updates.
What happens if the stream is interrupted? Will the hearing aids try to reconnect to the stream?
If reception of a broadcast is interrupted in both hearing aids, the hearing aids will attempt to reconnect for 10 seconds. If the signal cannot be located again, the hearing aids will return to the startup program. If the broadcast is only interrupted in one hearing aid, the disconnected hearing aids will attempt to reconnect until successful or until the broadcast ends.
What happens if the wearer gets a phone call during an Auracast stream?
When receiving a call during an Auracast stream, the wearer will be notiĪed of the call as normal. They will hear the ringtone of the call in their hearing aids and see they are receiving a call on their phone. If the call is answered, the hearing aids will no longer stream Auracast and will instead stream the call. If the call is declined, the Auracast stream will continue.
After a call, will the hearing aids resume streaming Auracast?
When the call has ended, the hearing aids will return to the default program. The wearer can easily re-join the Auracast stream using the multi-function button or re-scanning the appropriate QR code.
Why do I need to re-pair my Bluetooth® devices when enabling or disabling Auracast?
When disabling or re-enabling Auracast, the hearing aids will present themselves differently to pre-paired devices. As a result, pairings need to be re-established to ensure seamless use.
Question?
Please get in touch if you have any questions about Phonak EON Sphere hearing aids.
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