EssilorLuxottica Acquires Pulse Audition's Audio Glasses Tech

EssilorLuxottica, Milan, Italy, the global leader in eyewear and creator of Nuance Audio Glasses, has announced the purchase of Pulse Audition, a French company that has developed AI software for a hearing glasses product, called Pulse Frames. Pulse Audition, based in Vallauris (near Cannes), France, is a startup that uses AI-driven noise reduction and voice enhancement software embedded in eyeglasses to enable individuals with hearing loss to better comprehend speech, even in challenging, noisy environments.

EssilorLuxottica is introducing its Nuance Audio glasses which feature advanced speech-in-noise software and an open-ear amplification system for people with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. Nuance hopes to gain FDA approval for the product in the first half of 2025.

According to EssilorLuxottica, the acquisition brings Pulse Audition’s proprietary technologies, expertise in AI software development, embedded AI, and audio signal processing—as well as a team of highly skilled professionals—into EssilorLuxottica's portfolio. By integrating these capabilities, the Group plans to complement its exisiting proprietary hardware and software offerings, further elevating the quality of its products and solutions. The move builds on the Group’s strategic focus on hearing solutions, following its acquisition of Nuance Hearing in 2023.

“We continuously explore market opportunities in AI and big data, and this acquisition in France— one of our home countries— is a perfect fit with our long-term goals and investments in hearing solutions,” noted EssilorLuxottica Chairman & CEO Francesco Milleri and Deputy CEO Paul du Saillant in a press statement. “It reinforces our commitment to advancing the next category of computing platforms, also in Europe. We are excited to welcome this talented team in our Group and look forward to further unlocking the enormous potential in the underserved hearing space.”

HearingTracker Founder and Audiologist Abram Bailey, AuD, and Audiologist Matthew Allsop have favorably reviewed Nuance Audio glasses, along with several other experts in the field. It appears to be a promising new form factor for people seeking help for milder hearing loss and a discrete solution for hearing in noise. Both companies are displaying their products at this year's CES 2025 in Las Vegas on January 7-10 (see HearingTracker's CES 2025 preview).

To see Matthew Allsop's review of the product, please see the video below.