Seoul, South Korea, May 25, 2026: New international data released by GN, a global leader in hearing, audio, video and gaming solutions, highlights the scale of misunderstanding that continues to shape the hearing loss experience globally and contribute to social exclusion.
Research conducted by YouGov, across Australia, the UK and the US, reveals that over a third of people with hearing loss report being perceived as rude or disengaged, and up to 40% say they are seen as less intelligent or less capable. Additionally, more than a third say others believe they should be able to “try harder” to hear.
Inclusive hearing innovation took centre stage in Seoul as GN, in collaboration with Ampetronic, world leader in the design and manufacture of audio induction loop systems, presented “Seoul Session: A Live Auracast™ Event”. Hosted at an intimate Seoul jazz club, the immersive live music experience marked the first live Auracast broadcast audio installation in South Korea, enabling high-quality, shared sound across the entire venue.
Andreas Anderhov, GN APAC President said “These misconceptions don’t just affect perception, they influence how environments are designed, often overlooking the complexity of hearing in dynamic, noisy settings. That’s why our focus at the World Congress of Audiology is to create an experience that everyone can participate in fully and equally.”
The event featured a special performance by Big Ocean, the first K-pop group whose members all live with profound to milder forms of hearing loss, followed by a live jazz performance and a panel discussion exploring accessibility and representation in music and entertainment.
Haley Cha, CEO of Parastar Entertainment, which created and manages Big Ocean, commented: “Music has always been a way for us to connect, even when others assumed it might not be possible. As artists with hearing loss, the members of Big Ocean know what it feels like to be left out of shared experiences, and how powerful it is when those barriers are removed.”
Angela Barnes, a famous British comedian also joined the event: “When you’re on stage, the connection with the audience is something you feel as much as you hear. Having hearing loss has shaped how I experience those moments, it makes you very aware of connection in all its forms. That’s why this idea of technology bringing more people into the same live moment is so meaningful. It opens up what shared experience can be.”
Auracast is a Bluetooth® capability that turns public sound into a direct audio stream people can access using their own compatible devices, including hearing aids, earbuds and smartphones via compatible apps (Google Pixel and Samsung®). It removes the need for designated seating areas or venue-issued equipment, enabling a more flexible and accessible listening experience.
In a live setting, Auracast is delivered via an Auri Transmitter, which broadcasts audio from the venue system, and Auri Receivers, which allow individuals to tune in directly and hear the performance with clarity and consistency.
Sam Burkinshaw from Ampetronic added: “Live performances can be challenging for people with hearing loss, often limiting how they experience the moment. Auracast helps address this by delivering “front-row” sound directly to personal devices, so audiences can enjoy events together. Through our partnership with GN, we aim to accelerate adoption globally and inspire venues to rethink how they deliver accessible audio.”
GN is showcasing the company’s latest innovations at its exhibition booth during the World Congress of Audiology. Through interactive experiences such as a live demonstration of GN’s deep neural network (DNN) technology and how it delivers superior hearing‑in‑noise performance, visitors will have an opportunity to experience how advanced hearing solutions combine compact design, durability and everyday reliability in real‑world conditions.
For further information, please contact:
Press and the media
Gabriela Czwarnos
HAVAS Red Agency
Email: gabriela.czwarnos@gmail.com
Tel: +61 0450 396 290
About GN:
GN brings people closer through our leading intelligent hearing, audio, video, and gaming solutions. Inspired by people and driven by innovation, we deliver technologies that enhance the senses of hearing and sight. We help people with hearing loss overcome real-life challenges, improve communication and collaboration for businesses, and provide great experiences for audio and gaming enthusiasts.
GN was founded more than 150 years ago with a vision to connect the world. Today, inspired by our strong heritage, GN touches more lives than ever with our unique expertise and the broadest portfolio of products and services in our history – bringing people closer to what is important to them.
GN market our solutions with the brands Jabra, ReSound, SteelSeries, Beltone, Interton, BlueParrott, Danavox, and FalCom in 100 countries. Founded in 1869, GN Group employs more than 7,000 people and is listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen (GN.CO).
Visit our homepage GN.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.
About Ampetronic:
Ampetronic and Listen Technologies, part of the Allvida family, are global leaders in assistive listening and audio accessibility. Together, they design and manufacture solutions that ensure clear, intelligible sound so everyone can participate fully, regardless of environment or listening needs.
Their combined portfolio includes hearing loop systems, Wi‑Fi, infrared, RF, and Auracast™ broadcast audio, supporting sectors such as corporate, education, entertainment, transportation, government, and public venues. With more than 60 years of shared expertise and a commitment to Inclusive Audio by design, Ampetronic and Listen Technologies continue to shape the future of assistive listening through innovation, standards development, and education.
The joint portfolio now includes Auri™, an installed Auracast™ broadcast‑based assistive listening solution designed to support the next generation of accessible audio alongside established technologies. Through a global partner network and dedicated support teams in the UK, the Americas, and beyond, Ampetronic | Listen Technologies works closely with consultants, installers, and venue operators to deliver reliable, high‑performance systems that improve access to sound for everyone.
About the YouGov research:
Nationally representative online surveys conducted 30 Jan–4 Feb 2026 in Australia (n=1,014, including n=312 with hearing loss), UK (n=1,023, including n=324), and US (n=1,016, including n=319). Data weighted to population estimates. Conducted under ISO 20252:2019. YouGov “Data on file.”