Legato Launches $999 AI Hearing Glasses for Adults With Hearing Loss

Hearing technology startup Legato has launched its flagship AI-based hearing glasses, bringing hearing assistance into everyday eyewear frames.

Legato Frames start at $999 and are designed for adults with up to moderate levels of hearing loss. The company says the glasses were created to address the cost, comfort, and stigma associated with traditional hearing aids.

AI separates voices from background noise

Instead of relying mainly on directional microphones, Legato uses AI to distinguish speech from surrounding noise. The system amplifies voices while reducing unwanted background sound, which can be particularly useful in busy environments.

The glasses use an open-ear design with a dual-speaker system that directs sound toward the wearer while reducing audio leakage. Legato says it reduces sound leakage by 99% just a few inches from the ear.

According to the company, all audio processing happens directly on the glasses, with no cameras or recording involved.

Battery life, prescription lenses and Bluetooth

The glasses weigh 34 grams with lenses and offer an estimated 10 to 12 hours of battery life. They also support prescription lenses and Bluetooth streaming for music and phone calls.

Legato Frames are available in three styles, giving buyers multiple frame options while retaining the same hearing-assistance technology.

The launch follows Legato’s emergence from stealth with $12 million in funding from Neotribe Ventures, Listen and Village Global.

Legato was founded in 2024 by Mehul Trivedi and Steve Romine, both of whom previously worked at Bose. Trivedi led development of Bose Frames before later working on smart eyewear at EssilorLuxottica, including the Meta Ray-Ban glasses. In contrast, Romine previously led Bose’s hearing aids division and later served as COO of Audicus.

Legato Frames are available through the company’s website and select eye care providers in the U.S. The company says the glasses may also qualify for vision insurance coverage.