EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of Ray-Ban, has introduced a new product that combines glasses with hearing aid technology, designed to help people with hearing loss.
The OTC Nuance Audio Glasses, which received FDA approval on February 3, are expected to hit the US market in the first quarter of 2025.
These innovative glasses feature small speakers located near the ears, which elevate the sound from the direction the wearer is facing. This makes it easier for users to hear conversations, especially in crowded settings like parties or social gatherings.
The glasses are capable of focusing on the voice of a speaker when the wearer looks at them, providing a more natural listening experience.
The idea behind these glasses stems from EssilorLuxottica’s recognition of the strong connection between vision and hearing.
According to Davide D’Alena, global head of marketing for super audio at EssilorLuxottica, the company saw an opportunity to improve hearing support for the millions of people with hearing loss, many of whom do not seek help due to the stigma surrounding traditional hearing aids.
In the US, about 30 million people aged 12 and older experience hearing loss in both ears.
Despite this, only a small percentage of them use hearing aids, often due to issues of comfort, cost, and the social stigma associated with wearing traditional devices. EssilorLuxottica aims to tackle this challenge by creating a product that integrates hearing support with the everyday functionality and style of glasses.
The glasses can be made with prescription lenses but are not required to be. They were designed with aesthetics in mind, ensuring that they are not only functional but also stylish.
EssilorLuxottica acquired Tel Aviv-based startup Nuance in 2023 to integrate their directional voice detection technology, which allows the glasses to focus on the voice of a speaker when the wearer looks in their direction.
This product aims to help improve the quality of life for those with hearing loss, addressing not only the technical aspects of hearing aid solutions but also the emotional aspect of feeling confident while wearing them.
The OTC Nuance Audio Glasses will be available in the US starting in 2025, and the company is focusing on educating both consumers and partners to help introduce this new category to the market.
