EssilorLuxottica Expands Hearing Tech With Nuance Audio Plus Glasses

The company aims to bridge the gap for the estimated 1.25 billion people worldwide who live with mild to moderate hearing loss but often avoid traditional aids due to stigma or design. By housing hearing technology within standard eyewear frames, EssilorLuxottica seeks to normalize the use of assistive devices. The new generation features directional microphones for improved speech clarity in noisy environments and on-frame controls, allowing users to adjust volume and power without relying solely on a smartphone.

Stefano Genco, Global Head of Nuance Audio, noted that the product has successfully attracted customers who are on average five years younger than those purchasing traditional hearing aids. Two out of three users of the original glasses had never previously explored hearing assistance. The new collection, starting at $829 in the U.S., offers three frame styles and five colors, with compatibility for various optical and Transitions lenses. The devices provide approximately 10 hours of battery life and support hands-free calling for iPhone users.