Eyeglasses That Also Help You Hear? Nuance Audio Might Be a Game-Changer
The Problem No One Wants to Talk About
Okay, let’s be real—nobody wakes up excited to wear hearing aids. It’s just one of those things. But what if your glasses could do double duty? That’s the idea behind Nuance Audio, this slick new tech from the same company that makes Ray-Bans. And honestly? It’s about time someone made hearing help less… medical-looking.
So What Exactly Are These Glasses?
Picture this: regular-looking glasses (you know, the kind you wouldn’t mind being seen in) with tiny hearing aids built right into the arms. No weird wires, no bulky gadgets behind your ears. Just… glasses. But smarter.
The crazy part? They’re mainly for people who need hearing help but would never admit it. You know the type—folks who keep saying “What?” in conversations but refuse to get their hearing checked. That’s like half my uncles at family gatherings.
What Makes Them Different
- They Actually Look Normal: Seriously, you’d never guess they’re hearing aids.
- Hidden Tech: Tiny mics and speakers tucked away where no one can see them.
- You Control Them With Your Phone: Because of course you do—it’s 2024.
How the Heck Do They Work?
Okay, here’s where it gets interesting. They’re not just sticking hearing aids onto glasses—there’s some proper tech here:
- They Focus on Voices: The mics pick up who’s talking to you while toning down background noise. Handy for crowded places.
- Bluetooth Everything: Take calls, listen to music—all through your glasses. Feels very sci-fi.
- They Get Smarter Over Time: The AI learns what sounds you struggle with and adjusts.
The Trade-Offs
The Good: No one knows you’re wearing hearing aids. You get vision correction. One less thing to lose.
The Not-So-Good: If your hearing loss is really bad, these might not cut it yet.
Who Should Actually Consider These?
Let me break it down:
- People who keep asking others to repeat themselves (you know who you are)
- Anyone who already wears glasses—two problems, one solution
- Folks who’d rather walk into traffic than be seen with traditional hearing aids
Who Should Wait
- If your hearing’s really gone downhill, these might not be enough yet
- People who hate tech—there is a learning curve
What Are People Saying?
Early users love that no one can tell they’re wearing hearing aids. Though some say busy restaurants still mess with the mics—but honestly, what hearing aid works perfectly in those places?
Audiologists are kinda split. Some call it revolutionary for getting people to actually use hearing help. Others say dedicated hearing aids still sound better. But let’s be real—the best hearing aid is the one you’ll actually wear, right?
Where and How to Get Them
You can find these at LensCrafters or online, but you’ll need to get fitted. No just ordering random glasses here.
Price Tag: Between $1,000 to $2,500—about the same as decent hearing aids.
Insurance: Some plans cover part of the cost if you call them “hearing devices.” Worth checking.
Random Questions You Might Have
- Can you swim with them? Nope. Rain is fine, but no underwater adventures.
- How long does the battery last? About a day—just charge them overnight like your phone.
- Do they look dorky? They’ve got styles that look like classic Wayfarers. So no.
The Bottom Line
Look, Nuance Audio glasses aren’t perfect—but they’re solving the biggest problem with hearing aids: getting people to actually use them. If you’ve been putting off dealing with hearing loss because you don’t want those obvious devices, these might be worth a look. Not quite Tony Stark-level tech yet, but we’re getting there.
Want to try them? LensCrafters has demos. Just don’t be surprised if you leave with a pair.
Source: WSJ – Digital
