Legato launches ai-powered hearing glasses with $12m in funding

A new hearing technology startup, Legato, has emerged from stealth mode with $12 million in funding and introduced its AI hearing glasses, Legato Frames. The product, designed to integrate patented hearing-assistance technology into eyewear frames, is set to launch later this fall. The company aims to address the gap in hearing care by making it more accessible, affordable, and less stigmatized compared to traditional hearing aids. Founded by Mehul Trivedi and Steve Romine, former executives from Bose and Audicus, Legato seeks to make hearing as ubiquitous as vision. Trivedi emphasized the importance of seamless integration and ease of use, stating that the glasses are meant to feel and look like regular eyewear. The AI-powered system differentiates between background noise and voices, amplifying only the latter to improve clarity in noisy environments. The glasses feature an open-ear design with a dual-speaker system that directs sound toward the wearer while canceling sound that escapes, reducing external noise by 99% within a few inches. The funding, from Neotribe Ventures, Listen, and Village Global, has been used for product development and marketing. Legato targets individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss, representing the largest segment of the hearing-impaired population. The company claims its product offers a more natural listening experience without the cognitive strain associated with traditional hearing aids. When launched, the glasses will be available through select eye-care providers and may be eligible for vision insurance coverage. Trivedi highlighted the broader impact of improved hearing, including reduced risks of dementia and depression, and expressed a commitment to supporting users throughout their lives.