Essilorluxottica launches smart glasses with built-in hearing aid technology

EssilorLuxottica has launched the Nuance Audio Plus smart glasses, which can function as over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. The device integrates FDA-approved hearing aid technology into the temple pieces, offering a discreet design that closely resembles standard glasses. The Plus version features enhanced sound amplification, improved voice clarity, and a physical control panel for user convenience. It also boasts a battery life of up to 10 hours. The glasses are now available in the U.S., with three frame styles and five color options. Pricing starts at $829, with additional costs for custom lens prescriptions. The update focuses on improving speech recognition in noisy environments, with a companion app offering four preset sound gain settings and three noise reduction levels. A physical button on the frame allows for quick power control and volume adjustments, while the glasses automatically enter sleep mode when folded. The device supports phone calls with iPhones but lacks this feature for Android users.