Nuance Audio Glasses: A Stylish and Effective OTC Solution for Hearing Assistance

Hearing loss affects millions of people worldwide, with a significant proportion experiencing mild to moderate hearing impairment. Traditional hearing aids have faced challenges in adoption due to cost, accessibility, and social stigma. In response, EssilorLuxottica has developed Nuance Audio Glasses, an innovative over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid software integrated into stylish smart glasses, aiming to address these concerns while improving hearing assistance. 

“Nuance Audio Glasses are a game changer,” said study researcher Dr. Douglas Beck, AuD. “As a doctor of audiology who has been licensed for more than 40 years, it is my opinion that the reason 90% of people with hearing loss do not seek help is they simply do not like the way hearing aids look. Stigma with traditional hearing aid form factors is a well-known and serious problem referred to as ‘hearing aid stigma,’ and that problem is entirely removed from the equation when people wear fashionable, attractive Nuance Audio Glasses.”  

The Challenges of Traditional Hearing Aids

Access and Affordability
Despite FDA regulations allowing adult Americans to purchase OTC hearing aids without the need to see a hearing care professional to increase accessibility, many individuals with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss still do not seek assistance.

Stigma and Cosmetic Concerns
Studies indicate that many people avoid hearing aids due to the stigma associated with them, perceiving them as a sign of aging or disability. The form factor of traditional hearing aids, which are often bulky and visible, contributes to this reluctance. Nuance Audio Glasses break this barrier with an invisible solution. 

The Nuance Audio Glasses Solution
Nuance Audio Glasses integrate hearing assistance technology within fashionable eyewear. The glasses feature: 

• Multiple microphones for enhanced sound processing. 
• Open-ear air conduction speakers that eliminate the need for ear molds. 
• Beamforming technology to improve speech comprehension up to 44% in noise. 
• Customizable preset hearing profiles controlled via the Nuance Audio app.

Performance Evaluation¹
Three independent studies assessed the efficacy of the Nuance Audio Hearing Aid Software in real-world and laboratory settings. 

Study 1: Speech-in-Noise Performance
A comparison between Nuance Audio Glasses and premium prescription hearing aids evaluated their effectiveness in noisy environments. Results showed: 

• The Nuance Audio Glasses improved speech recognition by up to 44%. They also demonstrated statistically significant improvements in understanding speech in challenging environments. 

Study 2: Real-World User Experience
A study involving 43 participants assessed the subjective experience of wearing Nuance Audio Glasses in daily life. Key findings included: 

• Enhanced clarity and sound quality, rated highly by participants.
• Reduced listening effort, making conversations more comfortable and natural. 
• A significant preference for the open-ear design compared to traditional hearing aids. 

Study 3: Quality of Life and Satisfaction
Using the International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA), researchers compared the Nuance Audio Glasses with standard prescription hearing aids. Results indicated: 

• Higher satisfaction ratings for use, comfort, and impact on social interactions. 
• Comparable or superior performance in benefit and overall quality of life compared to traditional devices. 

What Practitioners Should Know About Prescribing Nuance Audio Glasses
Dr. Beck shared the ins and outs of what practitioners should know about prescribing Nuance Audio Glasses. He explained that there are a wide variety of patients who can benefit from these glasses, including patients who ask for repeats, patients who report that others “mumble” or do not speak clearly, patients who have difficulty hearing clearly in restaurants, family gatherings, social situations, etc., and most importantly, patients with self-perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss. 

“The Nuance Audio Glasses come with clear Transitions GEN S lenses, so if the patient only needs an over-the-counter hearing aid, they are all set for indoor and outdoor use,” Dr. Beck explained. “If they need vision correction, too, they can order the Nuance Audio Glasses with their personal prescriptions and choose from a variety of lens options.

“The Nuance Audio Glasses require an easy-to-use, intuitive, Nuance Audio app, downloadable for iOS and Android, that allows the wearer to switch from four different hearing loss profiles, three noise reduction settings, directional/beam-forming or omni mics, and a volume control.  

“The bottom line is, 1 out of 5 Americans has hearing loss, and most do not seek help due to stigma, access, and affordability,” Dr. Beck said. “Nuance Audio Glasses break through those impediments and offer an all-in-one solution. The vast majority of people with hearing loss do not have a medical problem, they have a hearing problem (such as age-related hearing loss, noise-induced hearing loss, hearing difficulty, speech in noise problems, listening problems, etc.). For most mild to moderate hearing loss candidates, Nuance Audio Glasses offer an improved ability to understand speech-in-noise.”  

Conclusion
Nuance Audio Glasses present a groundbreaking alternative to conventional hearing aids, addressing key barriers such as stigma, comfort, and performance. By integrating hearing assistance seamlessly into stylish eyewear, this innovation provides an accessible and effective solution for individuals 18 years or older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. Future research and widespread adoption may further validate its potential to transform hearing health care. 

To learn more about the Nuance Audio Glasses findings referenced in the article visit: bit.ly/43rJEr9

To learn how you can become a Nuance Audio provider visit: https://bit.ly/40YT8J3

References

1 Harel-Arbeli T, Beck DL. An Over-The-Counter (OTC) hearing aid option for people with self-percieved mild-to-moderate hearing loss. Nuance Audio TM Hearing Aid Glasses. J Otolaryngol ENT Res. DOI: 10.15406/joentr.2025.17.00557