Discover the future of Hearing Glasses

EssilorLuxottica Introduces Nuance Audio: Smart Glasses That Enhance Both Hearing and Vision

At CES 2025, smart glasses have taken center stage, with many models focusing on AI-powered assistants, real-time translation, or seamless connectivity with personal devices. However, EssilorLuxottica has introduced a unique innovation with Nuance Audio, a pair of smart glasses designed to enhance both vision and hearing in a discreet and stylish form.

A Revolutionary Approach to Hearing Enhancement

Unlike traditional hearing aids, which often rely on in-ear or over-ear designs, Nuance Audio integrates six strategically placed microphones throughout the frame, including above the lenses, ensuring a 360-degree sound capture experience. The built-in speakers, positioned just above the ear, direct amplified audio into the user’s ear canal without the need for external earbuds.

The noisy environment of CES 2025 provided the perfect testing ground for the glasses’ audio capabilities. Users can choose between two primary modes:

• Focused Mode, which amplifies speech from a specific direction, helping users concentrate on a conversation.
• Ambient Mode, which enhances all surrounding sounds for a more immersive auditory experience.

Initial tests demonstrated the effectiveness of the glasses’ sound processing. Even when a speaker was positioned behind the wearer, their voice remained clear and distinguishable above the crowd noise, showcasing the glasses’ directional audio and noise-filtering technology.

Intuitive Controls and Customizable Audio Settings

Nuance Audio connects to a companion smartphone app, allowing users to fine-tune their experience with four microphone presets tailored for different environments. The app also includes:

• Power management
• Battery status updates
• Volume control
• Noise tracking features

For those who may not be comfortable using an app, EssilorLuxottica has included a multifunction button on the frame that enables users to manually cycle through different audio modes. Additionally, to conserve battery life, the glasses automatically deactivate five of the six microphones when removed, and completely power down when the temples are folded.

A Stylish and Inclusive Alternative to Traditional Hearing Aids

According to Stefano Genco, Global Head of Nuance Audio, the glasses were designed with a broad user base in mind. Unlike other hearing-enhancement solutions, such as Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 hearing aid feature, which is limited to iOS users with premium earbuds, Nuance Audio provides an independent and discreet alternative.

The company emphasizes that Nuance Audio is not just for individuals with hearing impairments. Even in noisy environments, such as crowded events or bustling cafes, the glasses help users focus on conversations while reducing cognitive strain. EssilorLuxottica highlights that straining to hear in loud settings can lead to mental fatigue, and Nuance Audio offers a solution that benefits anyone seeking enhanced auditory clarity.

Battery Life, Charging, and Availability

Nuance Audio is designed for all-day use, offering up to 8 hours of battery life, depending on the level of audio amplification. Charging is simple—users fold the glasses and place them on a dedicated wireless charging pad. A small LED indicator provides battery status updates, glowing amber when below 80% and green when above this threshold.

At launch, Nuance Audio will be available in two colors—Black and Burgundy—with three frame styles:

• Two square designs (one thick, one thin)
• One rounded frame

Blending Fashion and Functionality

Hearing aids have been a key theme at CES 2025, but most products still follow traditional in-ear or over-ear designs. With Nuance Audio, EssilorLuxottica has combined style and technology, offering a discreet, elegant, and effective hearing and vision enhancement solution that redefines expectations for assistive technology.