EssilorLuxottica acquires AI hearing firm Pulse Audition

Eyewear giant EssilorLuxottica has acquired Pulse Audition, a French startup delivering AI-based noise reduction and voice enhancement, through algorithms allowing people with hearing impairment to better understand speech, even in noisy environments.

By integrating Pulse Audition’s proprietary technologies, expertise in AI software development, embedded AI, and audio signal processing, as well as the French start-up’s team, EssilorLuxottica said it aimes to enhance its proprietary hardware and software and improve the quality of its hearing aid solutions.

The acquisition of Pulse Audition and its hearing technologies also aligns with the eyewear group’s strategy of honing in on the hearing solutions space in recent years, and marks a natural expansion from its acquisition of Nuance Hearing, in 2023.

“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, Deputy CEO at EssilorLuxottica.

“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.”

Last month, Italian luxury brand Prada renewed its licensing agreement with Essilorluxottica for the production and worldwide distribution of eyewear under the Prada, Prada Linea Rossa and Miu Miu brands.