receiving, by one or more processors on the audio device, a characterization profile corresponding to a surrounding environment of a user, the characterization profile received from a host computing device wirelessly and communicatively coupled to the audio device;

receiving, by the one or more processors, user selection data corresponding to a user-selected mode of operation of the audio device, wherein the audio device is configured to be worn by a user such that a speaker of the audio device projects audio into the user's ear;

determining, by the one or more processors, a lighting profile for a plurality of light emitters on the audio device based on the characterization profile and the user selection data;

applying the lighting profile to the plurality of light emitters on the audio device; and

sending a synchronization signal that synchronizes the lighting profile with other local audio devices within a threshold area or common piconet, causing the other local audio devices to apply the lighting profile simultaneously and in synchronization with the audio device,

wherein the audio device is one of a wireless audio headset or a set of wireless audio earbuds.