Hearing tech startup Legato launches its AI hearing glasses

Hearing tech startup Legato announced on Thursday that its flagship AI-based hearing glasses are now available for purchase. The glasses, called Legato Frames, integrate the company’s patented hearing-assistance technology into the arms of eyewear frames. Starting at $999, Legato Frames are designed for adults with up to moderate levels of hearing loss.

The glasses stem from the startup’s goal of making hearing care more accessible by addressing the cost, comfort, and stigma associated with traditional hearing aids.

Unlike traditional hearing aids, which often use directional microphones to focus on sounds coming from a particular direction and can struggle in noisy environments, Legato takes a different approach. Its AI-powered system distinguishes voices from background noise and amplifies voices while reducing unwanted sounds.

While the frames have an open-ear design, sound isn’t broadcast to people around you. The frames feature a dual-speaker system that directs sound toward the wearer while canceling sound that escapes, reducing sound by 99% just a few inches away from the ear.

All processing happens directly on the glasses, with no cameras or recording, the company says.

The glasses weigh 34 grams with lenses and offer 10-12 hours of battery life. Legato Frames are available in three styles and support prescription lenses and Bluetooth streaming for music and calls.