EssilorLuxottica acquires French AI startup Pulse Audition

Image credit: AdobeStock/Katsiaryna

Earlier this month, EssilorLuxottica acquired Pulse Audition, a French startup that delivers artificial intelligence (AI) based noise reduction and voice enhancement through the utilization of algorithms, according to a news release. The technology, which allows people with hearing impairment to better understand speech, particularly in noisy environments, can be embed into eyeglasses, as seen in Pulse’s Pulse Frames.¹

“We continuously explore market opportunities in AI and big data, and this acquisition in France – one of our home countries – is a perfect fit with our long-term goals and investments in hearing solutions,” said Francesco Milleri, chairman and CEO and Paul du Saillant and deputy CEO at EssilorLuxottica, in the release. “It reinforces our commitment to advancing the next category of computing platforms, also in Europe. We are excited to welcome this talented team in our Group and look forward to further unlocking the enormous potential in the underserved hearing space.”

EssilorLuxottica plans to integrate Pulse’s proprietary technologies, expertise in AI software development, embedded AI, and audio signal processing into its proprietary hardware and software in order to improve the quality of the company’s products.¹

Pulse’s Pulse Frames work to improve speech intelligibility by using the wearer’s head movements and selective filtering methods to target and enhance only the voice being listened to. Additionally, no bone conductions or wire are necessary to properly enhance sound for the wearer. Wearers can adjust the glasses’ settings by switching listening modes, adjusting audio parameters, and creating a hearing profile through the Pulse Audition app. Opticians are also able to customize Pulse Frames with any prescription, neutral, or tinted lenses available. Currently, Pulse Frames can be preordered through the company.²

In 2023, EssilorLuxottica first began aligning with a strategy to utilize the hearing solutions space with the acquisition of Nuance Hearing.¹

References:

1. Pulse Audition features technology that can embed AI-based speech enhancement into glasses. News release. EssilorLuxottica. January 2, 2025. Accessed January 23, 2025. https://www.essilorluxottica.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/essilorluxottica-acquires-pulse-audition/

2. Pulse Frames. Pulse Audition. Accessed January 23, 2025. https://www.pulse-audition.com/