Nuance Audio spectacle hearing aids

There are primarily two types of spectacle hearing aids: air conduction and bone conduction.​

• Air Conduction Spectacle Hearing Aids: These devices function similarly to traditional hearing aids by amplifying sound and directing it into the ear canal. The hearing aid components are attached to the arms of the glasses, allowing sound to travel through the ear canal naturally. This design is suitable for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss who prefer an integrated solution.​
• Bone Conduction Spectacle Hearing Aids: Ideal for individuals with conductive hearing loss or those who cannot use standard hearing aids due to ear canal issues, these devices transmit sound vibrations directly through the skull bones to the inner ear. A receiver attached to the arm of the spectacles presses against the mastoid bone behind the ear, facilitating direct sound transmission. This method bypasses the outer and middle ear, making it effective for specific hearing

• Discreet Appearance: By integrating hearing aids into eyeglass frames, users can maintain a natural look without the visibility of traditional hearing aids. This design appeals to those concerned about the aesthetics of wearing separate hearing devices.​
• Enhanced Comfort: Combining two essential devices reduces the number of accessories worn, potentially increasing comfort for users who rely on both glasses and hearing aids.​
• Convenience: Managing a single device that addresses both vision and hearing needs simplifies daily routines and reduces the likelihood of misplacing or forgetting one of the devices.

• Frame Style Limitations: The integration of hearing aid components may limit the selection of eyeglass frame styles. Users might need to choose from specific designs compatible with the hearing aid technology.
• Maintenance and Repairs: Combining two functionalities into one device means that issues with either the glasses or the hearing aid components could render the entire device unusable until repaired. This integration may lead to more complex maintenance requirements.​
• Cost: Spectacle hearing aids can be more expensive than purchasing separate glasses and hearing aids due to the specialized technology and integration involved.​

Advancements in technology have led to the development of modern hearing aid glasses that offer improved functionality and aesthetics. For instance, Nuance Audio has introduced hearing glasses that combine prescription lenses with advanced hearing technology. These glasses provide hearing assistance while maintaining a stylish appearance, catering to individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. They are designed to enhance sound clarity and reduce background noise, offering a more natural hearing experience.

For those who prefer to use traditional hearing aids alongside their glasses, certain strategies can enhance comfort and functionality:​

• Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids: These devices sit behind the ear and can be worn comfortably with glasses. It's recommended to put on the glasses first and then position the hearing aids to ensure a secure fit. 
• In-the-Ear (ITE) and Completely-in-Canal (CIC) Hearing Aids: Since these devices fit inside the ear, they do not interfere with eyeglasses, offering an alternative for those concerned about compatibility. 

Headquartered in Paris and Milan, EssilorLuxottica ranks 262nd among the world's largest companies. In 2022, the global eyewear giant reported $23.4 billion in revenue and $67.6 billion in assets. As the world's largest eyewear company, EssilorLuxottica controls every aspect of the industry, from research and development to manufacturing and retail. With over 18,000 stores worldwide, the company supplies both prescription and non-prescription glasses, as well as sunglasses. EssilorLuxottica is the driving force behind many of the world’s most iconic eyewear brands. As the exclusive producer of Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Persol, the company also manufactures and distributes luxury labels such as Giorgio Armani, Bulgari, Burberry, Chanel, Coach, Dolce & Gabbana, Ferrari, Michael Kors, Prada, Ralph Lauren, and Versace. Beyond manufacturing, EssilorLuxottica operates major retail chains, including LensCrafters, Target Optical, Sunglass Hut, Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Pearle Vision. Additionally, the company collaborates with over 300,000 third-party retailers, ranging from independent opticians to large distribution networks. The name EssilorLuxottica reflects the 2018 merger between Essilor, a French leader in ophthalmic optics, and Luxottica, an Italian powerhouse in eyewear design and manufacturing. This strategic union has allowed the company to expand its influence across all facets of the global eyewear market.

Nuance Hearing, an Israeli startup, is at the forefront of directional hearing innovation with its proprietary acoustic beamforming technology. According to its website, the company is dedicated to advancing hearing solutions that enhance speech clarity in noisy environments.Founded by brothers Yehuda and Zohar Zisapel, Nuance Hearing was established with a clear mission: to develop a technological breakthrough that helps individuals distinguish conversations in crowded settings. Through cutting-edge research and innovation, the company has positioned itself as a leader in enhancing speech intelligibility, paving the way for more effective hearing solutions worldwide.

The concept of eyeglass hearing aids is not new. Back in the 1970s and 1980s, spectacles with hearing aids were introduced by brands like Beltone and Audiofone. However, due to issues with reliability, complex repairs, and limited adoption, the idea never became mainstream. Fast forward to today, and with advancements in hearing technology and smart eyewear, the industry is poised for a major breakthrough. EssilorLuxottica, the global leader in eyewear, has set its sights on revolutionizing hearing aid glasses by integrating cutting-edge hearing technology into stylish, everyday frames. This ambitious move was fueled by the acquisition of Israeli startup Nuance Hearing in 2023. Founded in 2015, Nuance Hearing developed advanced beamforming technology to tackle the well-known "cocktail party problem"—helping individuals focus on conversations in noisy environments by isolating speech while minimizing background noise. By incorporating Nuance’s expertise, EssilorLuxottica aims to launch a new generation of spectacles with hearing aids, offering a discreet yet powerful solution for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. Unlike older models, these modern hearing aids attached to spectacles eliminate the need for visible wires or bulky components, ensuring a seamless blend of function and fashion. This innovation is part of the broader smart glasses revolution, where companies like Bose, Snapchat, and Ray-Ban (also owned by EssilorLuxottica) have experimented with built-in speakers and cameras. Given that millions of people worldwide struggle with hearing loss, integrating hearing technology into eyewear is a logical and much-needed advancement. With EssilorLuxottica leading the charge, hearing aid glasses are set to make a comeback—this time, with the reliability and sophistication that previous generations lacked. The company’s upcoming launch promises to change the landscape of both vision and hearing solutions, offering a stylish and practical alternative for those seeking eyeglasses with built-in hearing aids.

• Nuance Audio Glasses integrate advanced hearing technology within sleek eyeglass frames, offering an innovative and discreet audio experience.
• Miniature speakers are built into the temple arms, positioned just above the ear, directing sound directly into the ear canal.
• Directional microphones embedded in the front of the frame capture surrounding sounds, prioritizing audio from the front for clearer conversations.
• Open-ear design allows users to remain aware of ambient sounds while ensuring that amplified audio is delivered privately.
• Beamforming microphone technology enhances speech clarity by focusing on voices in front while minimizing background noise, making communication in busy environments more effortless.
• Essentially, your hearing follows your gaze, making these glasses ideal for one-on-one interactions in noisy settings.

• Setting up Nuance Audio Glasses is quick and user-friendly—no professional fitting is needed. Users can adjust and customize their audio experience using the dedicated Nuance companion app on their smartphone.

• Sound Presets – Choose from four pre-configured audio profiles (A, B, C, D) tailored for different types of hearing needs.
• Focused Mode – Narrows the listening field to a ~20° cone, amplifying voices directly in front, perfect for conversations in noisy spaces.
• All-Around Mode – Expands the audio field to capture sounds from all directions, ensuring greater situational awareness.
• Background Noise Control – Adjust ambient noise settings (Lowered, Standard, or Heightened) to suit different environments.
• Battery Monitoring – Tracks real-time battery levels, helping users plan recharges effectively.
• Optional Remote Control – A compact, separately sold remote allows users to adjust volume and switch listening modes without using the app.

As a product of EssilorLuxottica, Nuance Audio Glasses prioritize both optical quality and audio performance. They support prescription lenses, ensuring seamless vision correction.

1. Available with prescription lenses or Transitions lenses for automatic light adjustment.
2. Multiple frame styles and sizes to suit various preferences:

• Square Frame – Available in medium (54mm) and large (56mm)
• Panthos Frame – A smaller fit, sized 48mm
• Stylish color options at launch: Shiny Black and Shiny Burgundy
• Default lenses include Transitions light-responsive lenses, with the option to customize with preferred optical lenses.

 After extended use, we walked away genuinely impressed—though with a few caveats. This isn’t just another wearable tech gadget; it’s a well-thought-out device that provides natural, discreet hearing enhancement."

• For anyone who already wears glasses, these integrate effortlessly into daily life. The open-ear design means no earbuds, no domes, and no “plugged-up” sensation—just clear, layered amplification over natural hearing.
• In social settings, the directional microphones effectively focus on speech while filtering out background noise, making conversations in restaurants, meetings, and group settings much easier to follow.

• The 8-hour battery life is sufficient for part-time use but may not last a full day for heavy users. If you rely on hearing aids all day, you might find yourself needing an extra charge.
• While speech clarity improves significantly, these glasses are best suited for mild-to-moderate hearing loss—if you require stronger amplification, traditional hearing aids still offer better volume and precision.

• Unlike traditional hearing aids, which can sometimes make the world feel artificial or overly amplified, Nuance Audio Glasses let you stay naturally aware of your surroundings. You can hear the hum of traffic, footsteps, and your own voice, while still enhancing the sounds you need to focuscs on.

• The companion app makes it easy to adjust volume, switch between listening modes, and control background noise levels. The interface is straightforward and responsive, making real-time adjustments simple.
• One downside? No Bluetooth streaming—you won’t be able to listen to calls or music directly through the glasses. However, this battery-friendly design prioritizes hearing enhancement over entertainment features.

The glasses are designed to look and feel like regular eyewear, with the hearing technology discreetly embedded within the frames. They come in three styles—Panthos 48, Square 54, and Square 56—and two colors: shiny black and shiny burgundy. Each pair is equipped with six microphones and two speakers, utilizing beamforming technology to focus on sounds in the direction the wearer is looking. This open-ear design allows users to remain aware of ambient sounds while enhancing specific audio inputs. 

Early reviews highlight the comfort and natural feel of the open-ear design, which avoids the plugged sensation common with traditional in-ear hearing aids. The directional microphones effectively enhance speech clarity in noisy environments, making conversations more manageable in settings like restaurants and meetings. However, the battery life is approximately 8 hours per charge, which may not suffice for full-day use. Additionally, these glasses are best suited for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss; those requiring significant amplification might find traditional hearing aids more effective. ​

Nuance Audio Glasses are expected to be available in the UK through various channels:​

• Optical Stores: Select EssilorLuxottica retailers, including Specsavers, Vision Express, and Boots Opticians, will stock the glasses.​
• Hearing Clinics: Some audiology providers may offer them as an alternative to traditional hearing aids.​

While specific UK pricing has yet to be confirmed, in the U.S., the glasses are priced at approximately $1,100. This suggests a potential UK price point around £850, though this may vary based on additional factors such as prescription lenses and optional accessories. ​