Hearing technology startup Legato has officially launched its AI-powered hearing glasses, known as Legato Frames, now available for purchase starting at $999. These frames integrate advanced hearing assistance directly into eyewear, targeting adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. The product aims to make hearing care more accessible by addressing common issues such as the high cost, discomfort, and stigma often linked to traditional hearing aids.

Legato Frames use proprietary AI technology to distinguish voices from background noise, enhancing speech clarity while minimizing unwanted ambient sounds. Unlike conventional hearing aids that rely on directional microphones, these glasses feature a dual-speaker system designed to channel sound specifically to the wearer, reducing sound leakage by 99% just a few inches away from the ear. The open-ear design also ensures that sound is not broadcast to those nearby, preserving privacy in social settings.

The glasses are lightweight, weighing 34 grams with lenses included, and offer a battery life of 10 to 12 hours. They come in three styles, support prescription lenses, and provide Bluetooth streaming capabilities for music and phone calls. All audio processing happens locally on the device, with no cameras or recording involved, emphasizing user privacy and convenience.

Legato was founded in 2024 by Mehul Trivedi and Steve Romine, veterans from Bose with significant experience in wearables and hearing care. The startup emerged from stealth mode just weeks ago with $12 million in funding from investors including Neotribe Ventures, Listen, and Village Global. Legato Frames are available on their website and select U.S. eye care providers, where they may be covered by vision insurance, marking a notable development in the intersection of smart eyewear and hearing health technology.