How the Nuance Audio Glasses Are Changing Hearing Aid Technology

Nuance Audio glasses combine hearing aids and eyewear, enhancing hearing, vision, and communication for users

How the Nuance Audio Glasses Are Changing Hearing Aid Technology
Credit: @essilorluxottica

Smart eyewear has become the next big thing in wearable technology, going beyond the typical vision correction or sun protection regular glasses or sunglasses provide.

Though the technology is young, they’re advancing rapidly, boasting features like augmented reality, artificial intelligence, photo and audio capabilities, and many more—all integrated into a single glasses frame or headset.

Many are excited about these high-tech specs, though criticism of headsets like the Apple Vision Pro is brewing concerns of isolation and dependence on devices due to digital displays overlaid onto reality.

However, the Nuance Audio glasses aim to provide a different approach to smart eyewear.

They’re hearing aid glasses that aim to provide a new way of hearing for individuals with hearing loss, enhancing communication and connection through improved hearing and clear vision.

These innovative glasses can change the hearing aid and smart eyewear landscape; here’s how:

A look at the Nuance Audio glasses

The Nuance Audio glasses combine vision correction with hearing technology, providing a unique way for people with mild to moderate hearing loss to improve hearing beyond traditional hearing aids and assistive devices.

The glasses provide innovative hearing solutions through open-ear speakers built into the frames. It uses beamforming technology to amplify the sounds in front of the wearer and cut down ambient noise, preventing listening fatigue since hearing is much clearer.

Wearers can use it at work to improve communication and performance, wear it in
crowded areas like restaurants to reduce background noise and focus on companions or servers, or put it on for family gatherings to make conversations easier.

Comfort and style

Even with the benefits hearing aid devices offer, people who live with hearing loss may be resistant to wearing them.

Some of the most common factors for rejecting them were the lack of perceived benefits or discomfort while using them; 38% of patients end up sacrificing improved hearing by not wearing hearing aids.

The Nuance Audio glasses aim to bring down these barriers. A unique characteristic of the glasses is that they keep hearing technology invisible.

They look like stylish prescription glasses, so wearers who may feel conscious with hearing aids can be more comfortable and enjoy a more subtle look.

The open-ear speaker design doesn’t require wearers to insert anything into their ears, reducing discomfort and encouraging them to embrace hearing technology more often.

By offering a new option that can feel more appealing and suitable for people with hearing loss, many more may be more accepting of hearing aid technology and see an improved quality of life.

Accessible hearing solutions

Hearing aids can be expensive, with the cost of prescription ones ranging anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000. Many insurance policies also don’t cover the cost of the technology or fitting procedures, further barring access.

The high price can discourage hard-of-hearing individuals from investing in hearing aids; it may not seem like a worthwhile investment for their perceived level of hearing loss.

The Nuance Audio glasses are an over-the-counter solution that offers a
more affordable alternative to prescription hearing aids. It’s set to retail for around $1,100 in the US.

The price may seem more justifiable for patients with hearing loss since it also combines vision correction by doubling as a pair of prescription glasses.

People with mild to moderate hearing loss can save costs on both eyewear and hearing aids by investing in Nuance Audio glasses, enabling them to benefit from enhanced hearing and clear vision with one product.

Credit: @essilorluxottica

The Nuance Audio glasses can potentially disrupt the current hearing aid technology market.

By providing a new option beyond traditional devices for people with hearing loss, many patients may feel more comfortable and encouraged to wear their assistive devices in their daily lives.