Nuance Audio: The glasses that can help you hear better

Photo: EssilorLuxottica

EssilorLuxottica, the global leader in eyewear and lenses, has unveiled a pair of glasses that can assist people with mild to moderate hearing loss. These glasses, named Nuance Audio, combine stylish design with cutting-edge hearing technology. The glasses are available in two fashionable styles with frames that conceal the hearing devices. It makes sense for EssilorLuxottica to showcase this product following its acquisition of Nuance Hearing, an Israeli start-up that developed the innovative technology.

The glasses allow users to adjust the sound volume through the frames, an app, or a small remote. You can customize the sound for different situations (such as large crowds or quiet conversations.) Nuance Audio will not include a self-administered hearing test. Instead, the amplification is aurally tuned via an app setup. You'll hear pink noise for about 30 seconds to gauge your general ear physiology. The app will then ask you to speak for 30 seconds to gauge your volume needs.

The main advantage of Nuance Audio is that this pair offers a discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional hearing aids. By hiding the hearing technology in the frames, the glasses eliminate the stigma and discomfort associated with hearing loss.

The Nuance Audio takes around 2.5 hours to charge fully. They come with a wireless charging pad for easy recharging. The estimated battery life is around eight to 10 hours, but the company hopes to lengthen this by the time the glasses come to market.

The glasses are expected to launch in the United States later this year and in Europe in 2025.

EssilorLuxottica plans to add more features to the glasses, such as sensors for blood pressure, body temperature, and posture. The goal is to make the glasses more like a smartwatch that can monitor the health and well-being of the users. But it isn't like the smart glasses EssilorLuxottica offers through the Ray-Ban Meta.

Of course, some of these features are subject to regulatory approval. The glasses themselves are currently waiting to get FDA OTC hearing aid certification.

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