Invisible Ears: EssilorLuxottica's Nuance Audio Plus Glasses Arrive From C$1,149 With 10-Hour Assistive Listening

TORONTO - EssilorLuxottica has unveiled Nuance Audio Plus, the second generation of its open-ear assistive listening glasses for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss, with Canadian availability from Sept. 30 through authorized optical and listening-care professionals and a recommended retail price starting at C$1,149 depending on the lens configuration.

The Sept. 24 CNW / Nuance Audio release positions Plus as an upgrade on the first Nuance Audio Glasses, which remain on sale. The new frames add improved amplification and speech clarity in noise, better own-voice perception, on-frame power and volume controls, a broader frame and colour range, and about ten hours of battery life under average product conditions. Users can also answer and manage voice calls from the frames when paired with a compatible iPhone (MFi certified, iOS 16 or later), according to the company.

Photo: EssilorLuxottica / Nuance Audio

Photo: Nuance Audio

Stefano Genco, Global Head of Nuance Audio, said the first generation’s response confirmed demand for a more natural listening-assistance form factor. “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,” he said in the release. “With Nuance Audio Plus, our new product generation, we are taking another important step toward making hearing support a natural part of everyday life.”

Plus ships in three frame styles (Square 53, Panthos 48, and Upturn 52) and five colours (Shiny Black, Shiny Burgundy, Deep Blue, Amber, and Olive Green). The standard package includes a charging pad and USB-C cable. A separate remote is optional. The Nuance Audio App switches Frontal and All-around audio modes, offers amplification presets A through D, three background-noise reduction levels, and volume steps 1 through 5. Frames can take ordinary optical lenses, including Transitions lenses.

Photo: Nuance Audio

Photo: Nuance Audio

Photo: Nuance Audio

EssilorLuxottica cites World Health Organization figures that about 1.6 billion people worldwide live with hearing loss, including roughly 1.25 billion with mild to moderate impairment, and notes that close to 90 percent of that group has not adopted an assistive listening solution. Nuance Audio Plus is pitched as everyday eyewear with directional microphones and beamforming, open-ear speakers in the temples, and adjustable nose pads on selected styles. Online purchase is available in selected countries beyond the Canada optical and hearing-care channel.

Sources: CNW / Nuance Audio, “EssilorLuxottica unveils Nuance Audio Plus, the next generation of assistive listening glasses,” Sept. 24, 2026 (https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/essilorluxottica-unveils-nuance-audio-tm-plus-the-next-generation-of-assistive-listening-glasses-822363990.html); The Hearing Review, “EssilorLuxottica Launches Nuance Audio Plus Hearing Glasses,” Sept. 2026 (https://hearingreview.com/hearing-products/hearing-aids/otc/essilorluxottica-launches-nuance-audio-plus-hearing-glasses); Eyes On Eye Care / Glance, “Essilor unveils next-gen version of Nuance Audio smart glasses,” Sept. 23, 2026 (https://glance.eyesoneyecare.com/stories/2026-09-23/essilor-unveils-next-gen-version-of-nuance-audio-smart-glasses/); nuanceaudio.com product pages.