Auracast Bluetooth LE Audio update for windows?

Question

Hi,

I will have 2 cochlear implant processors upgraded mid feb 2024.

These will be auracast enabled and wishing to directly hear audio from a windows laptop.

Will there be an accessibility update for windows for current computers or is there a hardware limitation too?

Any information regarding this will be greatly appreciated as this will improve my audio connectivity experience that I already have with apple devices.

Answer 1

Reply edited in July 2025

Starting with Windows 11, version 24H2, Windows supports direct connection and streaming to assistive hearing devices like hearing aids and cochlear implants that support Bluetooth LE Audio. To use this functionality, you need to have a Windows 11 PC that supports Bluetooth LE Audio, as well as a compatible assistive hearing device.

 

Please note that not all Windows PCs with Bluetooth LE support also support LE Audio, and that older hearing aids that only support proprietary streaming technologies (such as MFi or ASHA) are not compatible with the Bluetooth LE Audio standards that are supported by Windows.

 

For more information about using assistive hearing devices with Windows 11 PCs, and information about how to check if your Windows 11 PC supports LE Audio, please see https://aka.ms/hearingdevices.

Answer 2

Summary - Give it at least a few more months for Auracast to get the support it needs in the world.

Since the Bluetooth official site has yet to really get organized for developers (I checked today not much developer stuff there, but plenty of glossy art) it's going to be a while. I saw the link in the thread, I suspect a case of writer not getting that BT LE availability is fully possible without Auracast.

I know why you want it. When there are many Auracast broadcast devices [phone, pc, tv, public venues] you (should)/will be able to select them, listen for what you need, then switch off or to another broadcast. As the in-home hearing instruments to everything support team for my wife, I 150% get the need. Right now, smooth end-end use is going to be difficult to find.

My Wife has BT LE/BT to hearing instrument support to iPad/iPhone and Windows Laptop. Some Hearing Instrument manufacturers have a bridging device to convert Bluetooth to the proprietary formats they use. Some support more standard BT LE connections now. Keep asking your provider, they should be able to help.

For now, try to look for support of the LC3 CODEC in any built-in or add-on BT device with your PC/Laptop/Phone. You will see that CODEC being adopted first in Bluetooth 5.3 You want LC3 for the lower power use and better clarity (they said, still need proof). Since Auracast is a brand for a set of codecs and protocols implemented in Bluetooth 5.3, being compatible requires a bunch of smaller items first.

Answer 3

I have got hearing aids with Bluetooth LE Audio that work with an Auracast TV streamer but when I try to connect to my Windows 11 HP Laptop I can only connect to one aid then because it can't connect to the other aid it kicks them both off. (I use an Auracast dongle)

Answer 4

I have got hearing aids with Bluetooth LE Audio that work with an Auracast TV streamer but when I try to connect to my Windows 11 HP Laptop I can only connect to one aid then because it can't connect to the other aid it kicks them both off. (I use an Auracast dongle)

I have Jabra 20's and have the same problem using the Moor Labs Auracast Dongle. I don't know if it is the dongle or the aids.

Answer 5

Hi Joakim, Mitchell

Thanks for your replies.

Currently recovering from surgery now, 1 more week till turn on and new processors. I'm sure Cochlear will have the firmware available for upgrade once is available.

I checked my computer bluetooth drivers and they are the latest 5.2 or newer. I use a company laptop without using a microsoft login so I only get the offical microsoft release updates, currently OS Build 22631.3085.

I saw somewhere on linkedin that Preview Build 25977 is needed atlest for the windows software capability to transmit Auracast?

So currently I'm thinking that it is the OS currently the limiting factor? Is there a date that microsoft will push an offical update for this accessibility?

Do you know of a usb that has their own drivers and software to implement this while microsoft catchup?

Thanks any information is much appreciated.

Edit: link im referring to regarding preview build https://www.hearingtracker.com/news/windows-11-to-directly-pair-with-hearing-aids-with-bluetooth-le-audio