A newly published study from researchers at Western University’s National Centre for Audiology found that Nuance Audio Glasses improved speech recognition in noise and reduced listening effort for adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
The findings, published May 25 in Frontiers in Audiology and Otology, evaluated the over-the-counter hearing device using in-lab speech-in-noise testing and real-ear measurements commonly used in traditional hearing aid research.
Eyeglass-Based OTC Hearing Aid Evaluated
Unlike conventional hearing aids that sit behind or inside the ear, Nuance Audio Glasses incorporate microphones, speakers, and amplification technology directly into eyeglass frames without placing components in the ear canal.
The study included 21 adults between the ages of 60 and 89 with mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss. Most participants had never previously used hearing aids.
“Speech recognition, measured by the Matrix and the CST, was significantly better with the Nuance device than in the unaided condition.”
The researchers used multiple testing methods, including the American English Matrix test and the Connected Speech Test, both of which assess speech understanding in background noise.
Real-ear verification measures were also performed to characterize the acoustic output of the device and determine speech intelligibility improvements.
Speech Recognition and Listening Effort Improved
In the Matrix test, participants demonstrated an average aided improvement of 2.21 dB in speech reception threshold compared with the unaided condition. The authors noted that clinically meaningful differences on the Matrix test are generally considered to be approximately 1 dB, suggesting the observed benefit exceeded commonly accepted thresholds for perceptual improvement.
The Connected Speech Test results similarly showed significant gains. At the more difficult signal-to-babble ratio of -3 dB, average speech recognition scores increased from 34.2% unaided to 63.2% aided. At 0 dB signal-to-babble ratio, scores improved from 61.1% unaided to 81.2% aided.
“Listening effort in noise was significantly reduced with the device on compared to the unaided condition.”
Listening effort ratings also improved with device use. Participants consistently rated listening in noise as less effortful when wearing the Nuance Audio Glasses compared with the unaided condition across both testing environments.
Device Design and OTC Access
The device uses six microphones and two directional loudspeakers embedded into the glasses frame, along with beamforming algorithms intended to improve speech understanding in noise. The system provides four preset amplification profiles based on NAL-NL2 prescription targets and allows users to adjust settings through a smartphone app.
The authors noted that the OTC category continues to expand access to hearing technology, particularly for first-time users and individuals with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss. The paper cites recent Marketrak data indicating that 70% of OTC hearing device owners are first-time buyers.
Limitations and Next Steps
While the findings were positive, the researchers acknowledged several limitations. The study was conducted entirely in a laboratory setting, and participants did not use the devices in daily life outside the clinic. The authors noted that future field trials and real-world evaluations will be important to better understand long-term benefit and user experience.
The study was funded by EssilorLuxottica. However, the authors stated that company-affiliated researchers were not involved in data collection, statistical analysis, interpretation of the data, or the decision to submit the paper for publication.
“Overall, the findings of this in-lab study indicated that Nuance Audio Glasses provide improved access to speech, leading to significantly better speech recognition and reduced listening effort in noise.”
The paper further concluded that the results suggest the device “may be an effective strategy for adults with perceived bilateral mild to moderate hearing loss.”
Reference:
Folkeard, P., Sung, Y.-Y., Harel-Arbeli, T., Cuccato, G., & Scollie, S. (2026). Performance measures of the Nuance Audio™ Glasses: Behavioral outcomes and real ear measures. Frontiers in Audiology and Otology, 4, 1822238. https://doi.org/10.3389/fauot.2026.1822238
