Boston-based Legato has launched its AI-powered hearing glasses for adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
Legato, a hearing technology startup, has announced the US availability of Legato Frames, FDA-regulated over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids built into prescription-compatible eyewear frames. Starting at $999, the devices are available now at legatohearing.com and will expand to select eyecare providers, where they may be eligible for vision insurance coverage.
Legato Frames are designed for adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss and integrate the company’s patented SpeechSense AI processing technology directly into the frame arms, separating speech from background noise and enhancing it in real time. The open-ear design leaves the ear canal unobstructed, and all processing occurs on-device, with no cameras or recording.
Targeting the Untreated Population
The launch addresses a persistent gap in hearing care adoption. An estimated 50 million adults in the US have recognized hearing loss, yet approximately 80% of those who could benefit from hearing aids do not use them — a dynamic frequently attributed to cost, comfort, and stigma concerns.
The health implications of untreated hearing loss add urgency to the issue. A meta-analysis of more than 126,000 people across eight long-term studies, cited in the 2024 Lancet Commission report on dementia, found that people with hearing loss who used a hearing device had nearly a 20% lower risk of cognitive decline and a 17% lower risk of dementia than those who did not adopt a solution. The Hearing Review has previously reported on the connection between hearing aid use and reduced dementia risk.
“We started Legato because we fundamentally believe that people deserve better choices for hearing care,” says Mehul Trivedi, CEO and co-founder of Legato, in a release. “There are millions of people who want to hear better, but remain on the sidelines because they have not found a product they actually want to wear. We want to change that.”
Device Design and Performance
Legato Frames are available in three styles, including Aria, an acetate-and-metal browline design, each featuring advanced Pentax® lenses. The frames support prescription lenses and Bluetooth streaming for music and calls on iPhone and Android, weigh as little as 34 grams with lenses, and offer 10–12 hours of battery life. Free lifetime support from a US-based team of audiologists and product specialists is included with purchase.
Performance has been independently evaluated by HearAdvisor, an audiology lab that benchmarks hearing devices across dozens of sound environments. In May 2026 testing, Legato Frames earned a SoundScore of 4.6 out of 5, ranking among the top 10 devices tested by HearAdvisor, including both OTC hearing aids and prescription hearing aids costing thousands more.
Eyecare Channel and Audiology Partnerships
Legato’s distribution strategy centers on the eyecare channel, positioning the product for consumers who already visit eye care providers — a model that EssilorLuxottica has also pursued with its Nuance Audio hearing glasses. By integrating hearing screenings at the point of eyecare, the company says it aims to help patients identify and address hearing loss earlier.
The company is also pursuing referral partnerships with audiology clinics for patients who require more advanced care. Hearing care professionals interested in learning more can contact president and co-founder Steve Romine at [email protected].
Funding and Founding Team
In August 2026, Legato emerged from stealth with $12 million in funding from Neotribe Ventures, Listen, and Village Global. The company was founded in 2024 by Trivedi, who previously led the creation of Bose Frames audio glasses and later ran smart eyewear efforts at EssilorLuxottica, and Romine, who launched Bose SoundControl hearing aids and later ran the consumer and retail businesses at Audicus.
