The next-generation hearing glasses add improved amplification, a broader frame selection, and hands-free phone call capability for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss.
EssilorLuxottica has announced the launch of Nuance Audio Plus, the next generation of its FDA-cleared, open-ear hearing glasses designed for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. Available now in the US through authorized optical and hearing-care professionals, the product builds on the original Nuance Audio Glasses with enhanced amplification performance, extended battery life, on-frame controls, and the ability to answer phone calls directly from the frames — a category first.
Hearing loss affects an estimated 1.6 billion people worldwide, approximately 1.25 billion of whom live with mild to moderate hearing loss, yet close to 90% of this population has not adopted a hearing solution. Nuance Audio Plus is positioned to address that gap by embedding hearing support into an everyday eyewear form factor that is, according to the company, virtually indistinguishable from a conventional pair of glasses.
“The response to Nuance Audio Glasses has been extremely positive, confirming that consumers are looking for a more natural and desirable way to access hearing support,” says Stefano Genco, global head of Nuance Audio, in a release. “In just one year, we have expanded to 14 countries and more than 18,000 stores, reaching consumers who are, on average, five years younger than traditional hearing-aid customers, with two out of three having never explored traditional hearing aids. With Nuance Audio Plus, our new product generation, we are taking another important step toward making hearing support a natural part of everyday life.”
Performance and Feature Upgrades
Nuance Audio Plus introduces several enhancements over the original line. Battery life is extended to approximately 10 hours under average product conditions, and the product features directional microphones with beamforming technology designed to enhance speech clarity by helping users focus on conversations in front of them.
Hands-free phone call management — the ability to answer and manage voice calls directly from the frames when paired with a compatible iPhone — is a new addition to the product line. The glasses also feature new on-frame controls, including a dedicated power switch and volume buttons positioned on the temples, in addition to management through the Nuance Audio App.
Lightweight, open-ear speakers integrated into the temples leave the ears free, and an expanded range of sizes, along with universal fitting and adjustable nose pads on selected styles, is designed to provide a secure and comfortable fit.
Styles and Pricing
Nuance Audio Plus is available in three frame styles — Square 53, Panthos 48 and Upturn 52 — and five colors: Shiny Black, Shiny Burgundy, Deep Blue, Amber and Olive Green. The glasses can be fitted with any optical lenses, including Transitions lenses that adapt to changing light conditions.
In the US, the recommended retail price starts at $829, depending on lens configuration. The original Nuance Audio Glasses collection will remain available alongside the new line, with the two products together offering consumers greater choice across design, technology features, price points, preferences and lifestyles.
App Controls and User Experience
Through the Nuance Audio App, users can switch between two audio modes — Frontal, for face-to-face conversations, and All-Around, to amplify surrounding sounds — and select from four pre-configured amplification presets. Background noise reduction is customizable across three levels, and volume can be adjusted on a scale from 1 to 5. A separate remote control is also available.
Market Context
The launch follows a period of rapid distribution growth for the Nuance Audio line. The original Nuance Audio Glasses were named a TIME 100 Best Invention and have attracted notable consumer interest since their US debut. EssilorLuxottica has also made acquisitions aimed at advancing AI-powered hearing solutions, signaling continued investment in the hearing technology space. Clinical data on the original Nuance Audio Glasses has also been presented, and Nuance Audio data has highlighted the potential value of early intervention in mild hearing loss.
Nuance Audio Plus is available now in the US and online in selected countries. More information is available at nuanceaudio.com.
Recommended:
