We recently got our hands on the Nuance Audio Glasses, and after putting them through their paces, we can confidently say they offer something unique and exciting for people with mild-moderate hearing loss (with some caveats).
Developed by EssilorLuxottica—the company behind brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley—these smart glasses integrate a discreet, open-ear hearing aid system into a pair of glasses, with the option to add prescription lenses.
That means you get hearing amplification without traditional earpieces, all while wearing what looks and feels like a normal pair of glasses.
This innovative combo is creating buzz because it tackles common barriers that keep people from using hearing aids, including:
- Visibility concerns – No one can tell you’re wearing a hearing aid.
- Discomfort – No earbuds or earmolds; your ears stay open.
- Inconvenience – One device handles both hearing and vision.
In This Guide We Cover
- How these glasses work
- Pros and cons compared to traditional hearing aids
- Pricing and availability
- Who they’re best suited for
- Our first-hand review
Prefer to watch? Take a look at our in-depth video review below. 👇
Hearing aids in glasses aren't a new idea.
Eyeglasses with built-in hearing aids are not a new idea. The concept was mainstream in the 70's and 80's but ran into issues of reliability, complex repairs, and sluggish overall adoption. To be fair, 40 years is an eternity in the world of technology.
EssilorLuxotica's ambitions to blend sight and sound revolve around acquiring an Israeli startup called Nuance Hearing. Nuance started in 2015 when two brothers set out to solve the age-old "cocktail party problem".
They developed impressive beamforming technology that isolates audio in front of the listener while reducing background noise. Nuance did not have a widely available product, but EssilorLuxottica saw an opportunity to co-create one.
In July 2023, EssilorLuxottica bought the company and quickly unveiled a master plan to bring eyeglasses and hearing aids into one product.
While the idea of a hearing aid and glasses duo is big news for the hearing health community, it's part of the broader smart glasses tech trend. Bose, Snapchat, and Ray-Ban (owned by EssilorLuxottica) all have their own smart glasses with built-in speakers and cameras.
It's a logical step to consider how this emerging tech could solve a massive hearing problem for hundreds of millions around the world.
How do Nuance Audio glasses work?
Open-Ear Speakers + Smart Microphones
Nuance Audio Glasses use specialized audio components integrated entirely inside the eyeglass frames:
- Miniature speakers sit in each temple arm, right above your ear, directing sound into your ear canal.
- Directional microphones built into the front of the frame pick up sound from your surroundings, focusing on what’s in front of you.
- Open-ear design allows wearers to hear natural ambient sounds while the amplified sound is privately directed to them.
- Beamforming microphone technology focuses on voices in front of you while reducing background noise, making conversations in noisy environments easier.
Essentially, wherever you direct your eyes, you direct your hearing—ideal for one-on-one conversations in busy places.
App-Personalized Amplification
Setting up Nuance Audio Glasses is simple, with no professional fitting required. Instead, you’ll use the Nuance companion smartphone app to calibrate and control settings.
Features via App
- Sound Presets – Four preset sound profiles (A, B, C, D) optimized for different hearing loss configurations.
- Focused Mode – Enhances voices directly in front of you (~20° cone of focus), ideal for conversations in noisy settings.
- All-Around Mode – Picks up sound from all directions for general awareness.
- Background Noise Management – Adjust ambient noise levels (Lowered, Standard, Heightened) for different environments.
- Battery Tracker – Monitors battery life in real time to help plan charging breaks.
A pocket-sized remote control (sold separately) allows for volume adjustment and switching between listening modes without using a phone.
Prescription Lens Compatibility
As these are first and foremost quality eyeglasses from EssilorLuxottica, they can be fitted with prescription lenses.
- Styles: Square with alternative sizes 54 (medium)and 56 (large), and Panthos in size 48 (medium-small fit)
- Colors: Available in Shiny Black and ShinyBurgundy at launch.
- Lenses: coming with Transitions light-responsive lenses as a default non-prescription option, with the possibility to add your preferred optical lenses based on your needs.
Who Should Consider Nuance Audio Glasses?
Nuance Audio glasses are ideal for:
- Individuals with mild-to-moderate hearing loss who need amplification in certain situations.
- People who already wear glasses and want an all-in-one vision and hearing solution.
- First-time hearing aid users who hesitate due to stigma or discomfort.
- Professionals in meetings and group settings who need discreet hearing assistance.
- Tech enthusiasts and early adopters interested in cutting-edge hearable technology.
Nuance Audio Vs. Traditional Hearing Aids
✅ Pros of Nuance Audio Glasses:
- Discreet, Stylish Design – Look and feel like regular eyeglasses, hiding the hearing technology.
- All-in-One Convenience – Combine vision and hearing correction in one device.
- Open-Ear Comfort – No irritation or plugged sensation from in-ear hearing aids.
- Solid Speech-in-Noise Performance – Beamforming microphones enhance speech while reducing background noise.
- OTC Accessibility – FDA-cleared, no prescription or fitting required.
- Competitive Pricing – Priced at ~$1,100, significantly less than many traditional hearing aids ($3,000–$6,000 per pair).
⚠️ Cons and Limitations:
- Limited Battery Life – 8 hours per charge vs. 20+ hours for some hearing aids.
- Not for Severe Hearing Loss – Best for mild-to-moderate hearing loss only.
- No Bluetooth Audio Streaming – Cannot stream music or calls from your phone.
- Limited Fine-Tuning – Less customization compared to audiologist-programmed hearing aids.
- Dependence on Glasses – If lost or broken, both vision and hearing assistance are affected.
Pricing and Where to Buy
Pricing
- $1,100 USD for the glasses with built-in hearing technology.
- Prescription lenses sold separately through optical retailers.
- Optional remote control available for simplified adjustments.
- Potential FSA/HSA eligibility for the hearing aid portion.
Where to Buy
- Online: Available directly from NuanceAudio.com.
- Optical Stores: Select EssilorLuxottica retailers including LensCrafters, TargetOptical, Pearle Vision, For Eyes, Team Vision, and independent eye care providers
- Hearing Aid Clinics: Some audiology providers may carry them as an alternative to traditional hearing aids.
Our Review: Hands-On with Nuance Audio Glasses
After spending time with the Nuance Audio Hearing Glasses, we walked away impressed—but with some caveats. This isn’t just another tech gimmick; it’s a thoughtfully designed product that genuinely helps people hear better in a way that feels natural and seamless.
The biggest win?
Comfort and discretion. If you’re someone who already wears glasses, these slide into daily life effortlessly. The open-ear design means there’s no earbud, no dome, no “plugged” feeling—just clear amplification layered over your natural hearing. In conversations, the directional microphones do a solid job honing in on speech while reducing background noise, making restaurants, meetings, and social gatherings much easier to navigate.
Notable drawbacks?
That said, the battery life is a real consideration. You’re looking at about 8 hours per charge, which works fine for part-time users but might leave full-day wearers wanting more. We also found that while speech clarity improves significantly, the volume taps out for those with more than moderate hearing loss—if you need serious amplification, traditional hearing aids still outperform these.
What impressed us?
Situational awareness. Because your ears remain open, you can still hear your surroundings naturally—traffic, footsteps, your own voice—while the glasses enhance what you’re focused on. It feels subtle yet effective, like an audio boost rather than a full sound replacement.
Overall thoughts?
For everyday use, the app is simple and intuitive. Adjusting volume, switching between focused and all-around listening modes, and tweaking background noise settings was easy and responsive. While we wish they supported Bluetooth streaming for calls and music, the trade-off is a battery-efficient design that prioritizes hearing enhancement over multimedia features.
So, who is this for? If you have mild-to-moderate hearing loss and don’t want the hassle of traditional hearing aids, these glasses could be a great option. They’re especially great for first-time hearing aid users looking for a stylish solution. But if you need all-day amplification or high-power hearing correction, you may find their limitations frustrating.
Bottom line? Nuance Audio Glasses succeed at making hearing assistance feel effortless, stylish, and more socially acceptable. They won’t replace every hearing aid, but they offer a compelling new option—one that fits seamlessly into daily life.
What to Do Next
If you’re intrigued by Nuance Audio Glasses, consider taking these next steps:
- 🎧 Not sure about your level of hearing loss? It’s always a good idea to start by understanding your hearing. You can take our Free Online Hearing Test. It’s a quick, 5-minute test you can do right from home that will give you insight into whether you have mild, moderate, or severe hearing loss. The results can help determine if a product like Nuance Audio Glasses is suitable for you.
- 🏆 Exploring other options: Nuance Audio is just one of many innovative hearing solutions out there. If you’re curious about how it stacks up against traditional hearing aids or other OTC devices, check out our Best Hearing Aids Guide. We’ve compiled in-depth reviews and comparisons of top hearing aids on the market. This guide will help you see the range of features, styles, and prices available – from nearly invisible in-ear aids to high-tech Bluetooth models. It’s a great resource to educate yourself on alternatives, in case the glasses aren’t the perfect fit for your needs or you want to weigh all options.
- 📩 Get in touch with our team: Have questions or need personalized advice? Email us at[email protected]or text/call (213) 460-1310. We’re happy to help you navigate your options and find the right hearing solution for your needs!
