Oticon Launches ‘Auracast’ to Deliver Inclusive Music Experience with ‘Oticon Mimitomo Concert 2026’

Oticon Hearing Aids (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Tetsu Saito), a flagship hearing aid brand under Demant with over 120 years of history, will host the 'Oticon Mimitomo Concert 2026' on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Hamarikyu Asahi Hall in Chuo-ku, Tokyo. This concert, now in its 13th year, welcomes both those who experience hearing difficulties and those who do not, allowing everyone to enjoy music together in the same space. Under the theme 'From children to adults, hearing-impaired and hearing individuals enjoying the finest music together,' Oticon, as a hearing aid manufacturer, has hosted this barrier-free, inclusive concert annually since 2014 as part of its CSR activities (online during the pandemic).

This year’s performers are the 'Wiener Hugo Wolf Trio,' led by Daniel Gaisbacher, former concertmaster of the Vienna Philharmonic. Additionally, guest performer Harald Krumpöck, a member of both the Vienna State Opera Orchestra and the Vienna Philharmonic, and an active conductor, will appear. For more details about the performers, please visit the dedicated website (https://oticon.satori.site/concert). Applications for the concert are accepted via the application form on the dedicated website from today until August 31, 2026 (Monday).

In recent years, hearing aids have evolved significantly through advancements such as miniaturization, improved sound quality, and feedback suppression technology. However, individuals with hearing concerns still face various barriers when participating in cultural and social activities such as concerts and lectures.

This concert is designed to create an environment where everyone, regardless of their hearing ability, can enjoy music with confidence. To ensure comfortable participation for hearing aid users and others with hearing concerns, this year’s event features an information support system combining the latest auditory assistance technologies with human support.

As in previous years, there will be no pre-concert announcements warning about hearing aid feedback. Instead, attendees are kindly asked to warmly overlook any feedback that may occur and gently inform the affected person if necessary.

On the day, the following information support measures will be implemented:

Information Support Measures for the 'Oticon Mimitomo Concert 2026'

● Installation of the next-generation wireless communication system 'Auracast™ (Aura Cast)' within the venue

※ Auracast™ is a new audio transmission system utilizing Bluetooth® technology to broadcast sound simultaneously across public spaces with low latency and high sound quality. It can be received via compatible hearing aids or earphones. For users with telecoil-compatible hearing aids, neck-loop hearing loops (using a relay device, reservation required) will be available for loan.

● Implementation of a real-time transcription system (subtitles displayed on front monitors)

● Staff available for written communication (pen-and-paper conversation)

Concurrent Event: 'Oticon Fan Meeting 2026'

In addition to promoting awareness and understanding of hearing care and hearing aids, this year marks the third time 'Oticon Fan Meeting 2026' will be held on the same day. The event welcomes not only hearing aid users but also their families, individuals considering hearing care, and caregivers such as ENT doctors, speech-language-hearing therapists, and hearing aid sales professionals, aiming to foster interaction among all individuals involved in hearing care.

For details, please visit the Oticon Fan Meeting 2026 announcement site (https://oticon.satori.site/fanmeeting2026).

Comment from Tetsu Saito, President of Oticon Hearing Aids

'I am truly delighted that we can once again host the 'Oticon Mimitomo Concert 2026' this year. This concert is not only a place to enjoy music but also an initiative aimed at realizing an inclusive society where everyone, regardless of hearing differences, can share感动 together. This year, we have significantly advanced our information support methods.

By utilizing the latest audio transmission technologies such as Auracast™ and visual display systems, we are striving to create an environment where more people can comfortably enjoy music and communication. While incorporating new technologies, the essence of information support—leaving no one behind—remains unchanged.

We sincerely hope you will experience firsthand at the venue the progress of hearing aid and assistive technologies. Through the experience of enjoying music beyond hearing differences, we hope you will feel the importance of a society that embraces diversity.

We sincerely hope the 'Oticon Mimitomo Concert 2026' will be a day filled with new discoveries and感动 for everyone.'

Oticon is committed daily to research and product development under its corporate philosophy of 'Life-Changing Technology'—transforming the lives of those struggling with hearing and continuously providing cutting-edge technology—with the goal of realizing 'a world where hearing loss is no limitation.' Moving forward, we will continue to deliver excellent products while conducting activities that promote understanding of hearing loss and hearing care.

Event Overview: 'Oticon Mimitomo Concert 2026'

【Date】

October 11, 2026 (Sunday), performance starts at 15:00 (doors open at 14:15), approximately 2 hours (planned)

【Purpose】

A concert where children and adults, hearing-impaired and hearing individuals, can all enjoy the finest music together.

※ Pre-school children, hearing aid users, and wheelchair users are all welcome.

【Venue】

Hamarikyu Asahi Hall (Chuo-ku, Tokyo)

【Performers】

Wiener Hugo Wolf Trio & Harald Krumpöck (guest performer)

Violin: Daniel Gaisbacher (former concertmaster of the Vienna Philharmonic)

Piano: Oliver Triendl (soloist, Opus Klassik Award 2025 winner)

Cello: Gustav Rivinius (1st prize winner at the 1990 Tchaikovsky International Competition)

Violin: Harald Krumpöck (guest performer)

(Member of the Vienna State Opera Orchestra and Vienna Philharmonic, conductor)

* For details, please refer to the dedicated website.

【Organizer】

Oticon Hearing Aids

【Cooperation】

NPO Corporation Friendship Concert

【Dedicated Website】

https://oticon.satori.site/concert

【Accessibility Support】

● Audio support via Auracast™ (Aura Cast)

● Real-time transcription system (subtitles displayed on front monitors)

● Staff available for written communication

* For users with hearing aids or cochlear implants not compatible with Auracast™, neck-loop hearing loops (using a relay device, reservation required) will be available for loan if they have telecoil-compatible devices.

【Eligibility】

All individuals who support the above 'purpose of the event' ※ Invitation-only ※ Selected by lottery from applicants

【Application Method and Deadline】

Please apply via the application form URL by August 31, 2026 (Monday)

Application Form URL: https://forms.off