The world of hearing aid technology is constantly evolving, and the latest innovation from EssilorLuxottica is no exception. Their new Nuance Audio Glasses are set to revolutionize the market by combining cutting-edge hearing aid technology with stylish eyewear. These glasses are available in two shapes, two colors, and two sizes, retailing for $1100 a pair.
They feature six microphones, 16 channels, two speakers, and Bluetooth connectivity, all controllable via the Nuance Audio App with four preset hearing profiles. Let’s dive into the details and see what makes these glasses a game-changer in the hearing aid industry.
The glasses have what they are calling an “open ear design”. After clicking through several links, I found the user manual which shows the speaker is right above the ear, as shown below from this screen shot from the user manual. This design aims to provide a natural listening experience while maintaining a sleek look.
The glasses have received FDA clearance as a Software as Medical Device (SaMD) and are classified under the OTC hearing aid category, making them suitable for individuals with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. This innovative product combines both software and hardware into a single eyeglass package.
One standout feature is the personal calibration, which tailors the device to the user’s head shape to minimize acoustic feedback. This feedback control algorithm enhances the user’s listening experience by reducing the likelihood of feedback.
Interestingly, the Nuance Audio glasses do not require a hearing test to set the audiologic profile. Instead, users can choose from four presets for different types of hearing loss:
- Preset A: Flat mild hearing loss, slightly amplifies sounds across low to high pitches.
- Preset B: Sloping mild hearing loss, amplifies higher pitches.
- Preset C: Sloping moderate hearing loss, amplifies higher pitches with increased volume.
- Preset D: Flat moderate hearing loss, slightly amplifies sounds across low to high pitches with increased volume.
However, users cannot select different presets for each ear, as the chosen preset will apply to both ears. The glasses also offer two microphone configurations—directional for forward listening and omni-directional for 360-degree listening. Additionally, there are three noise manager settings (low, medium, high) and an occlusion control feature called “own voice,” allowing users to adjust their settings for optimal performance. I’d be curious to know the signal-to-noise ratio of these settings.
The Nuance Audio Glasses by EssilorLuxottica represent a significant leap forward in hearing aid technology. With their innovative open ear design, comprehensive user controls, and FDA clearance, these glasses are poised to offer an exceptional experience for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. By integrating advanced audio technology into a stylish and functional eyewear package, Nuance Audio is setting a new standard in the med-tech space. As these glasses become available, it will be exciting to see how they impact the lives of users and shape the future of hearing aid solutions.
Dr. White, AuD 