Italian eyewear conglomerate EssilorLuxottica is continuing to make its mark in the competitive wearables category.

The company has launched Nuance Audio Plus, the second generation of its open-ear hearing glasses for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. The FDA-cleared update brings improved audio performance, roughly 10 hours of battery life, the ability to answer phone calls directly from the frames and a broader selection of designs.

“The response to Nuance Audio Glasses has been extremely positive, confirming that consumers are looking for a more natural and desirable way to access hearing support,” said Stefano Genco, global head of Nuance Audio at EssilorLuxottica, in a statement.

“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 hearing-aid customers, with two out of three having never explored traditional hearing aids,” Mr. Genco said. “With Nuance Audio Plus, our new product generation, we are taking another important step toward making hearing support a natural part of everyday life.”

Hidden in plain sight

An estimated 1.6 billion people worldwide live with hearing loss, 1.25 billion of them with mild to moderate cases, according to the World Health Organization. Close to 90 percent of that group has not adopted any hearing solution.

Directional microphones and beamforming technology help wearers focus on conversations in front of them, while speakers built into the temples leave the ears open. New on-frame controls add a dedicated power switch and volume buttons, and the Nuance Audio app manages audio modes, amplification presets and noise reduction.

When paired with a compatible iPhone, the glasses can also take calls hands-free, a first for the category.

The frames come in three shapes — Square 53, Panthos 48 and Upturn 52 — and five colors, and can be fitted with any prescription lenses, including Transitions.

Nuance Audio Plus is available now in the U.S. through optical and hearing care professionals, and online in select countries, starting at $829. The original Nuance Audio collection, named one of TIME’s Best Inventions, will remain on sale.

EssilorLuxottica has been building out its hearing capabilities for some time, acquiring French AI noise-reduction startup Pulse Audition in early 2025 (see story).