Nuance Audio: glasses that also help you hear better
Nuance Audio is EssilorLuxottica's first open-ear hearing device built into an eyewear frame. From the outside they're designer glasses; inside, a system amplifies and focuses the voices in front of you, with nothing inside your ear and no visible wires.
"I can hear, but I can't understand"
It's the sentence we hear most often. Hearing fades gradually and the first thing to go isn't volume but clarity: following a conversation gets hard with background noise, in a restaurant, at a family meal or in a meeting. More than 1.25 billion people worldwide live with mild to moderate hearing loss, and most wait years before doing anything about it. Nuance Audio is made for exactly that moment: when you notice you're straining to understand but don't yet want a conventional hearing aid.
What's inside
Directional microphones with beamforming. An array of microphones on the front of the frame isolates the voices in front of you and dampens surrounding noise. It's the same directional 'beam' technology advanced hearing aids use to understand better in noisy places.
Open-ear speakers, nothing in the ear. Sound comes from tiny speakers hidden in the tip of each temple, just above your ear. They don't block the ear canal: you still hear the rest of your surroundings naturally, with no tubes, moulds or visible wires.
App with 4 programs and 5 levels. From the Nuance Audio app you pick one of 4 listening profiles (A–D) and adjust amplification across 5 levels to suit the situation. You also manage noise reduction and receive firmware updates that improve the device over time.
Rechargeable, up to ~8 hours. They give around 8 hours of active listening per charge. You charge them like any device and, since they're glasses, you wear them all day without anyone noticing they also help you hear.
Three models, all take a prescription
Three acetate frames, unisex, with the same audio system. Each in glossy black, deep blue or burgundy red.
Square 54 · 54 mm
Panthos 48 · 48 mm
Square 56 · 56 mm
Transitions lenses or your prescription
They come with a Transitions photochromic lens (darkens in the sun, clears indoors) or a demo lens ready for your prescription. If you need your power, choose it in the configurator when adding the product and we fit single-vision or progressive lenses before shipping. One pair to see and hear better.
See them on video
Demos on the official Nuance Audio channel (EssilorLuxottica):
▶ Official Nuance Audio channel · Official site
Frequently asked questions
What is Nuance Audio?
An open-ear hearing device by EssilorLuxottica built into an eyewear frame. Directional microphones pick up the voices in front of you and speakers hidden in the temples bring them closer, with nothing inside your ear.
What hearing loss is it for?
It's intended for mild to moderate loss and for everyday life: conversations, meetings, television or noisy meals. It doesn't replace a prescription hearing aid for severe loss.
Do they replace a hearing aid?
For severe loss, no. They're a discreet helper and a natural first step for anyone starting to struggle in noisy settings. We advise you with no obligation to confirm they fit your needs.
Can they be glazed to my prescription?
Yes. Choose the Transitions or prescription-ready version, add your power in the configurator and we fit single-vision or progressive lenses.
How are they tuned?
From the Nuance Audio app: 4 listening programs (A–D), 5 amplification levels, noise reduction and firmware updates.
How long does a charge last?
Around 8 hours of active listening per charge, depending on use and amplification level.
What models and colours are there?
Three frames: Square 54, Panthos 48 and Square 56, in glossy black, deep blue or burgundy red.
How much do they cost?
EUR 770. Prescription lenses, if needed, are calculated separately in the configurator.
Price EUR 770. Not sure if they're for you? Get in touch and we'll book a no-obligation hearing assessment.