Configurable hearing device for use with an assistive listening system

A hearing device adapted for use by a wearer, the hearing device comprising:

• a decryption circuit;
• an audio streaming circuit configured to establish wireless connectivity with an electromagnetic audio streaming source via a first communication link, the audio streaming circuit configured to receive an encrypted audio stream from the electromagnetic audio streaming source via the first communication link;
• a configuration circuit configured to receive a key via a second out of band communication link different from the first communication link, the key usable by the decryption circuit to enable decryption of the encrypted audio stream;
• and
• control circuitry that configures the hearing device to decrypt the encrypted audio stream using the key and to play back the decrypted audio stream to the wearer's ear.

A method of communications for a hearing device configured for use by a wearer, comprising:

• establishing wireless connectivity between an electromagnetic audio streaming source and the hearing device via a first communication link;
• receiving, by the hearing device, an encrypted audio stream from the electromagnetic audio streaming source via the first communication link;
• receiving, by the hearing device, a key via a second out of band communication link different from the first communication link, the key usable by the hearing device to enable decryption of the encrypted audio stream;
• decrypting the encrypted audio stream using the key;
• and
• playing back the decrypted audio stream to the wearer's ear.