Hearing-technology startup Legato announced on Thursday that its flagship product, Legato Frames, is now available to purchase. The glasses start at $999 and are intended for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss.
What they are and how they work
Legato Frames integrate the company’s patented hearing-assistance technology into the arms of eyewear frames. The design is open-ear, but sound is not broadcast to people around the wearer: a dual-speaker system directs audio toward the user while actively cancelling sound that escapes the ear, reducing off-ear sound by 99% at a distance of a few inches, according to the company.
Rather than relying on directional microphones like many traditional hearing aids, Legato’s AI-driven system separates voices from background noise, amplifies speech, and suppresses unwanted sounds. All audio processing happens locally on the glasses; the company states there are no cameras and no recordings.
Technical details and features
- Weight: 34 grams with lenses.
- Battery life: 10–12 hours.
- Styles and optics: available in three styles and supports prescription lenses.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth streaming for music and calls.
The company emphasizes that the product aims to address cost, comfort, and stigma barriers associated with conventional hearing aids.
Company background and distribution
Legato was founded in 2024 by Mehul Trivedi and Steve Romine. Both founders have extensive experience in wearables and hearing care: Trivedi led the creation of Bose Frames at Bose and later worked on smart eyewear at EssilorLuxottica, including work on the Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses. Romine ran the hearing aids division at Bose and subsequently served as COO of hearing-care company Audicus. The two teamed up to explore the intersection of hearing technology and smart eyewear.
The product launch follows the startup’s emergence from stealth a few weeks earlier, when Legato announced $12 million in funding from Neotribe Ventures, Listen, and Village Global.
Legato Frames are available for purchase through the company’s website and at select eye care providers in the U.S., where they may be eligible for coverage under vision insurance.
