An Over-The-Counter (OTC) hearing aid option for people with self-perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss: Nuance Audio™ Hearing Aid Glasses

Hearing Healthcare is a major issue across the globe. Untreated hearing loss is correlated with anxiety, depression, social isolation, worsening physical health, cognitive decline, decreased communication and more. The most common problem noted among people with self-perceived hearing loss is the inability to understand speech in noise. Nonetheless, the overwhelming percentage of people with hearing loss do not seek help, despite over the counter and prescription-based hearing aid solutions. Access and affordability have been identified as impediments to acquiring hearing solutions. However, in this article we offer often unspoken “real-world” impediments associated with typical hearing aid form factors; stigma and cosmetic concerns. This article introduces the Nuance Audio Glasses solution with a built-in over the counter hearing aid and reviews lab-based results from three clinical pilot studies. Speech in noise results, as well as subjective results from wearers, and the benefits of a cosmetically pleasing and acceptable over the counter hearing aid solution are introduced.