EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of Ray-Ban, has launched an innovative new product that combines glasses with hearing aid technology to assist individuals with hearing loss. The OTC Nuance Audio Glasses, which received FDA approval on February 3, are set to hit the US market in the first quarter of 2025, marking a significant advancement in the world of assistive devices.
These cutting-edge glasses feature small, discreet speakers located near the ears, amplifying sound from the direction the wearer is facing. This technology makes it easier for users to engage in conversations, particularly in noisy environments like social gatherings or crowded areas. The glasses can focus on the voice of a speaker when the wearer looks in their direction, offering a natural and seamless listening experience.
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EssilorLuxottica saw a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between vision and hearing, recognizing that many individuals with hearing loss avoid seeking help due to the stigma associated with traditional hearing aids. Davide D’Alena, global head of marketing for super audio at EssilorLuxottica, highlighted the company’s goal to provide a stylish, multifunctional solution that addresses the needs of the millions who suffer from hearing loss but shy away from conventional devices.
With approximately 30 million people in the US experiencing hearing loss in both ears, but only a small fraction using hearing aids, the Nuance Audio Glasses aim to remove barriers related to comfort, cost, and social perception. Designed to be aesthetically pleasing, the glasses can be paired with prescription lenses or worn as regular eyewear, ensuring they blend functionality with style.
EssilorLuxottica’s acquisition of the Tel Aviv-based startup Nuance in 2023 enabled the integration of their advanced directional voice detection technology. This allows the glasses to intelligently focus on the speaker’s voice based on the wearer’s gaze, further enhancing the product’s appeal.
The OTC Nuance Audio Glasses will be available across the US in 2025, with EssilorLuxottica focusing on educating consumers and partners about this new category of assistive eyewear.
