EssilorLuxottica announces the launch of Nuance Audio Plus, the next generation of its invisible, open-ear assistive listening glasses for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. Building on the launch of the first Nuance Audio Glasses, the new product combines improved audio performance, extended battery life and an expanded eyewear collection in an assistive listening technology designed to support people naturally throughout everyday life.
Hearing loss affects an estimated 1.6 billion people worldwide, approximately 1.25 billion of whom live with mild to moderate hearing loss1. Yet close to 90% of this population has not adopted an assistive listening solution2. By seamlessly integrating assistive listening technology into everyday eyewear, EssilorLuxottica is helping address this significant unmet need through a solution that is virtually indistinguishable from a conventional pair of glasses. Nuance Audio Plus marks the latest step in the Group’s continued investment in assistive listening innovation, expanding both the choice and performance available to consumers.
Expanding Access to Natural Hearing Solutions
“The response to Nuance Audio Glasses has been extremely positive, confirming that consumers are looking for a more natural and desirable way to access listening assistance support,” said Stefano Genco, Global Head of Nuance Audio. “In just one year, we have expanded to 14 countries and more than 18,000 stores, reaching consumers who are, on average, five years younger than traditional assistive listening solution customers, with two out of three having never explored traditional assistive listening aids. With Nuance Audio Plus, our new product generation, we are taking another important step toward making hearing support a natural part of everyday life.”
Nuance Audio Plus is designed to support people affected by perceived mild to moderate hearing loss across a range of scenarios: from those experiencing the first signs of hearing loss, for example, beginning to notice changes in their listening effort over time across a range of everyday situations, even under similar noise conditions, to those already aware of their hearing impairment and seeking a discreet hearing solution. Across the various scenarios, the product helps users stay engaged in conversations through a solution that looks and feels like everyday eyewear.
Nuance Audio Plus is available from September 24th in Canada through authorized optical and listening assistance-care professionals, and online in selected countries. In Canada, the recommended retail price will start from $1,149, depending on the lens configuration.
1 World Health Organization, World Report on Hearing, 2021, p. 40.
2 Stevens G, Flaxman S, Brunskill E, Mascarenhas M, Mathers CD, Finucane M; Global Burden of Disease Hearing Loss Expert Group. Global and regional hearing impairment prevalence: an analysis of 42 studies in 29 countries. Eur J Public Health. 2013 Feb;23(1):146-52. doi: 10.1093/eurpub/ckr176. Epub 2011 Dec 24. PMID: 22197756,.
