Legato, a new hearing technology company, has emerged from stealth today, 26 August 2026, announcing $12 million in funding and a first look at its AI hearing glasses, known as Legato Frames. The company aims to address the gap in treatment for the estimated 50 million adults in the United States affected by hearing loss, of whom only around 20% seek treatment.
The Legato Frames integrate the company's patented hearing-assistance technology directly into the arms of eyewear frames. These glasses are designed to target individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss, which the startup identifies as the largest segment of the hearing-loss population.
The company states its AI-powered system differentiates between background noise and voices, amplifying only the voices to make conversations clearer. This approach aims to avoid the cognitively draining listening experience that can be associated with some traditional hearing aids. The frames feature a dual-speaker system that directs sound towards the wearer while reducing sound escaping by 99% a few inches from the ear.
Legato Frames are expected to launch later this autumn and will be available through select eye-care providers nationwide. The company indicates they will "cost a fraction" of traditional hearing aids and may be eligible for vision insurance when purchased through an eye-care clinic.