Hear this! Bolton Clarke in world-first audio technology rollout
Bolton Clarke rolls out next-gen hearing tech across villages
- World-first rollout: Auracast hearing technology launching across 43 villages
- Better connection: Residents can stream audio directly to hearing devices
- Big issue: Nearly half of residents affected by hearing loss
- Positive ageing: Initiative designed to boost participation and reduce isolation
The initiative was launched at Bolton Clarke’s Carrington retirement village in Parkinson on Brisbane’s southern boundary on Thursday, 7 May.
Delivered in partnership with Audeara, the rollout in Bolton Clarke retirement villages will see Auracast-enabled listening solutions installed across village community centres, making it easier for residents affected with hearing loss to engage in community activities and events.
The next generation of Bluetooth audio technology is changing how people experience shared sound, allowing multiple users within range to tune into the same audio stream at their own preferred volume.
Anyone with an Auracast-enabled device – including hearing aids, earbuds or headphones – can connect to the broadcast.
Bolton Clarke Research Institute Research Fellow Dr Carly Meyer said the Institute’s biannual Health and Wellbeing in Retirement Living survey showed 45% of village residents were affected by hearing loss, impacting their ability to stay connected with their community.
“In our retirement villages a lot of social activities are centred on the community centre – whether it’s special events, watching a football game or taking an exercise class,” she said.
“Supporting residents to stay engaged with those activities is so important for positive ageing because social isolation is linked to increased risk of chronic conditions and frailty.”
Bolton Clarke Chief Operating Officer Retirement Living Brett Rice said the world-first implementation was part of a broader focus on positive ageing across Bolton Clarke’s 43 retirement villages nationally.
“The Institute has been working with village residents, frontline teams, and researchers from The University of Queensland Centre for Hearing Research to implement a range of hearing projects, including enabling hearing checks onsite and incorporating hearing and vision friendly design principles into village infrastructure,” he said.
Audeara Chief Executive Officer James Fielding said the rollout aligns with the company’s focus on helping people feel more connected through better listening.
“Hearing plays a vital role in how we connect with the world around us,” Dr Fielding said. “Auracast allows more people to listen better, engage more fully, and feel connected to the moments around them.”
Hearing Australia Principal Audiologist Emma Scanlan said the program was an exciting initiative to improve access to hearing technology.
“In aged care and retirement living settings, technologies that support clear communication can make a real difference,” she said.
“Auracast provides a practical approach to improving hearing accessibility, helping residents more fully participate in activities they enjoy.”
She said a range of Auracast-enabled devices was now available through the Australian Government Hearing Services Program.
