Nuance Audio

Nuance Audio: hearing glasses with integrated open-ear speakers

Nuance Audio is a brand of hearing glasses that integrates open-ear speakers into everyday frames. Its proposition combines vision correction and hearing enhancement in a single product: the lenses can be adapted to the user's prescription or sold without prescription, depending on the model. The company is part of the EssilorLuxottica group, alongside other brands such as Ray-Ban, Oakley, Persol, Oliver Peoples, Vogue Eyewear, Sunglass Hut, LensCrafters, Target Optical, Glasses.com, Contacts Direct, Pearle Vision, Frames Direct and EyeBuyDirect.com.

Models and lens options

The catalog is organized into two main lines. The first, Nuance Audio Plus Prescription, incorporates lenses customized to the user's vision needs and can include blue-violet light filtering. The second, Nuance Audio Plus Non-Prescription, uses light-responsive Transitions® lenses. In addition, the company sells the first-generation Nuance Audio Glasses, equipped with directional microphones and open-ear speakers, and offers an accessories section.

Operation and control from the app

The glasses incorporate directional microphones and open speakers that allow you to hear without isolating the ear. The user can personalize the listening experience through the Nuance Audio app, which allows adjusting the volume, reducing background noise and switching between audio modes from the phone. The app also serves to set up the pair of glasses and adapt it to the environment. The product comes with a charging case and an optional remote for volume control.

Usage scenarios

The brand describes three everyday situations in which its glasses aim to make a difference. In outdoor and crowded environments, such as a park with music, traffic and conversations, the goal is to improve the clarity of relevant voices. In the workplace, with keyboards, simultaneous meetings and coffee machine noise, the aim is for the user to maintain attention effortlessly. At home, during the broadcast of a match, the product aims for the viewer to follow the action without turning up the TV volume.

Purchase, insurance and services

The company offers online purchase with in-store pickup, responsible shipping through logistics providers that apply solutions to reduce emissions, and free returns within 30 days. It accepts installment payments with Klarna and accepts vision insurance, both in-network and out-of-network providers, to reduce the user's out-of-pocket cost. It also contemplates payment options with FSA and HSA accounts. Among the available services are the online hearing screening test, finding stores to try the product and booking appointments for in-store demonstrations.

Customer service and documentation

Customer support is organized into several sections: FAQs, learning center, troubleshooting, care tips, manual guide and warranty. The warranty is detailed separately for Nuance Audio Plus and for Nuance Audio Glasses, and includes information on battery duration. The brand also has a channel for partnership requests and a professional program called Nuance for Professional.