Nowadays, when you hear the word “smart glasses,” your mind probably jumps to Meta x Ray-Bans, which let you record videos of your dog while taking a call from your mom.
But now, EssilorLuxotica is taking it a step further with their latest Nuance Audio Glasses. These glasses help people see and hear better.
This also opens up a conversation about how the right glasses can change lives.
What Are the Nuance Audio Glasses?
EssilorLuxottica is the largest eyewear manufacturer in the world. They own numerous top brands, including Ray-Ban, Persol, and Oakley. Plus, they also have licences for major designer brands like Tiffany & Co., Prada, Chanel, and more.
They entered the hearing tech space in 2023 by acquiring a company that specializes in the sector called Nuance Hearing. They then did something genius by mixing hearing solutions and vision solutions.
In a press release, the CEO of EssilorLuxottica, Francesco Milleri, shared why they started working on hearing-specialized glasses:
“We are uniquely positioned to open up a new avenue for the industry by addressing the need for good hearing with innovative technologies. As we did in the vision space, we will be the first to remove the stigma of traditional hearing solutions, replacing it with comfort and style.”
It also makes sense, as EssilorLuxottica is behind the Meta x Oakley and Meta x Ray-Ban smart glasses collaborations. They’re always pushing to innovate the eyewear space.
More About Nuance Audio From an Optometrist
ABC News interviewed an optometrist named Dr. Joann Adams at Eye-Q Vision Care in California. The news station wanted to know why Eye-Q is one of the latest vision companies offering Nuance Audio Glasses.
Dr. Adams explained how the glasses can be a game-changer for countless people who suffer from vision and hearing issues. “There are microphones at the front,” Dr. Adams said. “Then, at the back, it actually plays out the sound from the temple pieces. So, it’s an open ear device.”
They have a switch on the side of the glasses that the wearer can turn on. They’re made to be easy to control with a downloadable phone app. Users can adjust the volume and the direction from which the sound is coming.
“You can do a lot of adjustments to it as well to better customize it for yourself,” said Dr. Adams. So, the glasses help enhance hearing all around the wearer.
One of the best features is that they’re rechargeable. The charge lasts for about eight to 10 hours. This makes them very convenient. Users can wear them like regular glasses; there are no strange batteries or clunky add-ons.
They’re designed to be discreet and work for people of all ages. Dr. Adams said, “I do notice that a lot of patients don’t like wearing their traditional hearing aids or they often forget them.” The Nuance Audio Glasses are designed to be an all-in-one solution to maximize convenience and make people’s lives easier.
Life Changing Glasses
A study by Johns Hopkins University called “Hearing Loss and Dementia Prevalence in Older Adults in the US” explores how hearing loss can lead to further health issues later in life. These issues range from more falls and trips to an increased risk of being diagnosed with dementia.
According to Harvard Health, approximately 23% of Americans, starting at age 12, have some form of hearing loss. It ranges from mild for most people to more serious for people over 80, where it can be severe. The Nuance Audio Glasses can offer some relief for people who suffer from hearing loss.
According to Dr. Adams, the quality of life can be increased for people who use hearing aids and wear glasses. They’re a solution that maximizes comfort and vision correction.
Traditional hearing aids are more clunky and can feel annoying when worn alongside glasses. In some cases, they barely fit at the same time, which can end up making the glasses tilt or feel uncomfortable on the nose bridge.
The glasses are also more subtle and sleek with their modern design, making them an appealing option for those who don’t want to wear hearing aids all the time.
With Nuance Audio Glasses, people feel empowered to take control of their sight and hearing. And according to EssilorLuxottica, they’re also part of taking the stigma out of wearing hearing aids.
How to Get Your Hands on Nuance Audio Glasses
There are multiple retailers and vision care companies across the U.S., such as Eye-Q Vision Care, that offer Nuance Audio glasses.
They come in two styles and three colorways: glossy black, burgundy, and blue. One version features square, angular frames, while the other offers elegant curved frames.
They are discreet and look like regular prescription glasses, which is what makes their design extra smart. They let people feel confident, whether at a social gathering or at work.
Do You Need a Prescription?
You don’t need a prescription to get your hands on Nuance Audio Glasses, but you can have them fitted with prescription lenses. The non-prescription lenses come with Transitions® Gen S™ lenses that adapt to light, offering better protection.
While you don’t need a hearing aid prescription to get a pair of these audio glasses, it is recommended to get your hearing checked to see whether they can help you or if you might need another solution.
So if in doubt, see your doctor.
TL;DR
Nuance Audio glasses were designed by EssilorLuxottica, the world’s largest eyewear manufacturer, and they’re changing the game for people with vision and hearing issues.
- Nuance Audio glasses act like a hearing aid, allowing users to control the volume and direction of sound from a mobile app.
- They’re an innovative solution that clinics and companies across the U.S. are now offering. They take the stigma of wearing a hearing aid away, giving people confidence and more comfort.
- The glasses come in two models and three colors, including black, burgundy, and blue, and they look really stylish, adding to the appeal.
- You don’t need a prescription to get the glasses, but you can have them fitted with prescription lenses. It’s a good idea to get your hearing tested before getting Nuance Audio glasses.
