EssilorLuxottica has received FDA clearance and CE marking for its Nuance Audio Glasses, which is set to revolutionize how consumers address hearing and vision needs simultaneously. This innovative smart eyewear combines advanced open-ear hearing aid technology with prescription eyewear, aiming to change the lives of over 1.25 billion people globally who suffer from mild to moderate hearing loss.
The announcement came earlier this week, with EssilorLuxottica's Chairman and CEO, Francesco Milleri, emphasizing the groundbreaking nature of the product. "We didn’t just combine two medical devices, we created entirely new smart glasses. It is not only groundbreaking, but also incredibly accessible. We're pleased now to turn our focus to getting this life-changing technology to the hands of people around the world who truly need it," he stated.
Starting from the first quarter of 2025, these glasses will be available for purchase in the U.S. and Italy, followed by launches across Europe—including France, Germany, and the UK—in the first half of the same year. This timing aligns with the company’s strategy to maximize the impact of the Nuance Audio Glasses, bridging the gap for consumers who have historically been hesitant to adopt assistive hearing technology.
EssilorLuxottica has crafted Nuance to address adoption barriers frequently associated with hearing aids, such as visibility, comfort, and stigma. Indeed, many individuals are often dissuaded from using hearing aid technology due to societal perceptions or personal discomfort. By integrating these solutions within stylish eyewear, the company hopes to provide consumers with both functional and aesthetically pleasing options.
Specifically, the Nuance Audio solution is heralded as the first FDA-cleared Software as Medical Device (SaMD) to be integrated within smart glasses. This innovation means the glasses not only improve vision but also augment hearing, which has traditionally required the use of separate devices.
Francesco Milleri noted, "Two years ago, we set out to create a first-of-its-kind product. We aimed to change the way people see and hear," illustrating the visionary concept behind Nuance Audio. For EssilorLuxottica, their extensive retail network will play a pivotal role in delivering this important technology. The company plans to engage both traditional audiology practices and optical wholesale clients to bolster access to these smart glasses.
The global hearing solutions market has been described as historically underserved, drawing parallels to the vision market decades ago, where users were often reluctant to wear corrective lenses. EssilorLuxottica aims to push past habitual barriers surrounding hearing aids, hoping the Nuance Audio Glasses will provide the comfort and confidence users seek.
By addressing the significant percentage of the population with hearing issues, EssilorLuxottica stands to transform the hearing health experience just as they have previously done with eyewear. The World Health Organization estimates over 1.25 billion people are affected by mild to moderate hearing loss, which amplifies the importance of introducing accessible solutions like Nuance Audio.
With increased demand for comprehensive health solutions, such as those combining vision and hearing aids, the launch of Nuance Audio Glasses signifies not just product innovation but also EssilorLuxottica's commitment to improving lives. The company is dedicated to making these innovative tools as available as possible, with hope they will meet the needs of millions.
The advent of these glasses has the potential to change the narrative surrounding hearing aids and visual solutions, as EssilorLuxottica prepares for the upcoming launch. With Nuance Audio, they are not just introducing new technology; they are advocating for increased acceptance and accessibility within the health care marketplace.