Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House wanted visitors to receive high-quality live audio directly to their hearing aids, earbuds, or headphones for a more flexible and accessible audio experience. It wanted to implement an Auracast broadcast audio solution in three of its venues – Drama Theatre, Playhouse, and Studio. Auracast, a Bluetooth capability, broadcasts clear audio from a single transmitter to unlimited compatible devices. Sydney Opera House enlisted Jands’ help. Jands suggested Auri, the world’s first Auracast broadcast audio-based assistive listening system from Ampetronic and Listen Technologies. Auri delivers wireless, low-latency audio broadcasts to compatible hearing aids, earbuds, headphones, and dedicated Auri receivers.

In each of the three Sydney Opera House venues Jands installed an Auri TX2N transmitter. This is a sleek, low-profile transmitter that resembles a Wi-Fi access point. It features multicolor status indicator and side-mounted balanced analog mic/line inputs that support mono, stereo, or dual mono configurations. A single ethernet connection manages PoE, network/PC control, and Audio over IP, with an option for Dante® network audio. It also includes a balanced line output and USB-C for optional power.

The Auri transmitter connects to the audio source and broadcasts the audio. Guests in the venue who have Auracast compatible devices, including hearing aids, Cochlear implants, headphones, or earbuds, can select the broadcast and receive that audio directly in their devices. The high-quality, low-latency audio from a performer’s mic is clear and intelligible and delivered to their ears via the Auracast broadcast.

A limited number of dedicated Auracast receivers (Auri RX1) are available for guests to borrow if they do not have Auracast-compatible devices. The receivers are compact and meet global accessibility standards. The Auri RX1 delivers high-quality, low-latency audio. It includes two 3.5 mm output jacks for connecting earbuds, headphones, or neck loops for telecoil-equipped hearing aids, allowing two users to share one receiver. A front-panel OLED screen displays channel name, battery status, and charging indicators, with easy buttons for channel selection. Powered by the LA-367 Lithium Polymer battery, it offers quick charging and extended run time via USB or docking contacts.

Installing a next-generation assistive listening solution at the Sydney Opera House presented a unique combination of technical, operational, and user-experience challenges.

As one of the world’s most iconic cultural venues, the Opera House already had a strong commitment to accessibility when it enlisted Jands’ help to review and enhance its assistive listening provision. However, evolving audience expectations and advances in hearing technology meant that traditional FM- and loop-based systems were no longer sufficient on their own.

As Janelle Ryan, Senior Manager, Impact Programs & Operations at SydneyOpera House, explains, “We are everyone’s house.” Her team actively listens to guest feedback, and patrons were increasingly looking for an experience that offered greater audio clarity, flexibility, and personal control than legacy systems could provide. The challenge was to introduce a modern solution that expanded accessibility without disrupting an already complex, high-profile venue.

The scale and architectural sensitivity of the Opera House added further complexity. Multiple performance spaces, varied seating layouts, and a constant program of live events meant any installation had to be discreet, reliable, and easy to manage. Minimizing disruption to daily operations was essential, as rehearsals and performances continued throughout the project.

They overcame these challenges by deploying Auri, the Auracast broadcast audio-based assistive listening solution from Ampetronic and Listen Technologies, with strong alignment to the wider hearing-aid ecosystem, including manufacturers such as GN and ReSound.

Auri’s professional-grade transmitters provided robust, high-quality audio distribution across large spaces, while its scalable system design allowed coverage to be tailored to different environments within the venue.

Equally important was ease of deployment and long-term management. Auri’s intuitive management software simplified commissioning, monitoring, and ongoing operation, reducing the burden on technical staff in a busy, live environment. The system also supports both dedicated receivers and emerging Auracast-enabled personal devices, ensuring immediate accessibility compliance while preparing the Opera House for the future of hearing technology.

The result is an assistive listening installation that builds on Sydney Opera House’s existing accessibility leadership, responds directly to guest needs, and delivers a future-ready solution that aligns with its inclusive ethos: a venue truly designed for everyone.

The Sydney Opera House project has played a seminal role in advancing audio accessibility and bringing clear audio to everyone.

Sydney Opera House is one of the world’s most iconic cultural institutions, renowned for its stunning architecture and exceptional live performances, as well as its focus on inclusion. On March 18, 2025, GN, in collaboration with Hearing Australia and National Acoustic Laboratories, debuted Auracast to audiologists, the deaf and hearing loss community, and media at the Opera House. Representatives from Samsung, Google and the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) were also there, showing support for Auracast and its potential to enhance accessibility.

By installing Auracast broadcast audio in three of its venues, the Opera House has helped raise awareness of this technology and inspire other performance venues around the world to install Auracast based assistive listening systems.

As more Auracast-compatible consumer devices, including headphones, hearing aids, and earbuds, come to market and adoption grows, venues that have Auracast broadcast audio systems will be ready to meet guests’ needs. In venues featuring Auracast broadcast audio, guests don’t have to take extra steps (i.e., borrow and return equipment) or limit themselves to certain sections or seats to hear. They can simply access a broadcast via their own device – from anywhere within range – and enjoy the experience, focusing on the performance and magic of live entertainment.

Each installation of Auracast broadcast audio in a venue advances audio accessibility for everyone and helps all guests experience live performances. Auracast technology supports guests who have hearing loss and those who may experience situational hearing loss due to noise or distance. Auracast also benefits individuals who are blind, low vision, neurodivergent, or who do not understand the language of the performers. With Auri, venues can broadcast multiple audio streams simultaneously, facilitating multilingual access, audio description, and personalized listening experiences.

The Sydney Opera House project exemplifies excellence in fixed installation by combining innovation, inclusivity, and influence. It sets a new benchmark for how live entertainment venues can deliver accessible audio at scale, making it a deserving winner of a MONDO DR Award.