Hearing technology startup Legato announced on Thursday the launch of its AI-based hearing glasses, Legato Frames, which are now available for purchase. The company states that the glasses integrate patented hearing-assistance technology into the arms of eyewear frames.
According to TechCrunch, the Legato Frames are designed for adults experiencing up to moderate levels of hearing loss and have a starting price of $999. The launch follows the startup's emergence from stealth a few weeks prior, when it secured $12 million in funding from Neotribe Ventures, Listen, and Village Global.
Legato's objective with these glasses is to enhance the accessibility of hearing care by addressing issues such as cost, comfort, and the social stigma often linked with conventional hearing aids, TechCrunch reported. The company highlights that its AI-powered system differentiates voices from ambient noise, amplifying speech while simultaneously diminishing unwanted sounds.
Unlike many traditional hearing aids that rely on directional microphones and can encounter difficulties in loud environments, Legato Frames employ a distinct approach. While featuring an open-ear design, the sound is not broadcast to others nearby. The frames incorporate a dual-speaker system engineered to direct sound specifically to the wearer. This system also cancels escaping sound, reportedly reducing sound by 99% just a few inches from the ear, according to TechCrunch.
The company stated that all processing for the hearing assistance occurs directly on the glasses themselves, without the use of cameras or recording capabilities. The Legato Frames weigh 34 grams, including lenses, and provide a battery life ranging from 10 to 12 hours. They are offered in three distinct styles and are compatible with prescription lenses. Additionally, the glasses support Bluetooth streaming for both music and phone calls.
The startup was co-founded in 2024 by Mehul Trivedi and Steve Romine. Both founders bring extensive experience from the wearables and hearing care sectors, particularly from their time at Bose. At Bose, Trivedi was responsible for the development of Bose Frames, while Romine managed the hearing aids division, TechCrunch reported.
Following their tenure at Bose, Trivedi moved to EssilorLuxottica, where he spearheaded smart eyewear initiatives and contributed to the Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses project. Romine, meanwhile, served as the Chief Operating Officer for the hearing care company Audicus. The pair subsequently collaborated to explore innovations at the intersection of hearing technology and smart eyewear, leading to the creation of Legato.
Legato Frames are available for purchase directly from the startup's website. They can also be acquired through select eye care providers located within the U.S. In the U.S., the glasses are eligible for coverage under vision insurance, according to TechCrunch.
Other publications have highlighted various aspects of the launch. The Hearing Review noted that Legato Frames are now available in the U.S., combining AI hearing technology with prescription eyewear. audioXpress reported that Legato Frames combine AI speech enhancement with open-ear hearing assistance. Межа. Новини України. stated that Legato has launched AI smart glasses to support people with hearing loss. GlobeNewswire referred to Legato Frames as the "World's First AI-Based Hearing Glasses" now available in the U.S.
