The second-generation frames refine speech clarity, add physical temple controls, and expand optical frame designs
EssilorLuxottica brand Nuance Audio has delivered the second generation of its open-ear hearing smart glasses—Nuance Audio Plus—designed for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.
Building on the initial release of Nuance Audio in early 2025, the updated device combines enhanced amplification algorithms, improved speech clarity in noisy environments, refined own-voice perception, and an extended battery life of about 10 hours.
Available now from $829 / £819 (prices vary by lens configuration), the device—as the previous generation did—is designed to help the 1.25 billion people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss who don't use traditional hearing aids.
Alongside software enhancements, Nuance Audio Plus adds physical hardware controls directly onto the temples, including a dedicated power switch and volume buttons for quick adjustments.
Users can also manage settings via the companion Nuance Audio App, which offers two primary listening modes (Frontal for face-to-face conversations and All-around for situational awareness), four amplification presets, and three levels of background noise reduction.
When paired with an iPhone running iOS 16 or later, the MFi-certified frames support hands-free voice calls delivered through lightweight, open-ear acoustic drivers built into the arms.
Expanded frame choices and optical customisation
The Nuance Audio Plus collection introduces three frame styles—Square 53, Panthos 48, and Upturn 52—in five colors: Shiny Black, Shiny Burgundy, Deep Blue, Amber, and Deep Green.
The frames can also be fitted with standard prescription optical lenses or light-adaptive Transitions lenses, and ship with a dedicated charging pad and USB-C cable.
Interestingly, EssilorLuxottica notes that early adoption across 14 international markets shows its hearing glasses attract customers who are, on average, five years younger than traditional hearing-aid buyers.
We'll be looking to get some hands-on time with the Nuance Audio Plus over the next couple of months, so stay tuned for our full impressions.
