Legato raises $12 million to launch AI hearing glasses

KUALA LUMPUR, UNITED STATES, MALAYSIA, 26 AUGUST 2026 —

Hearing tech startup Legato unveils AI-powered glasses, secures $12M to tackle mild-to-moderate hearing loss

Legato, a hearing technology company emerging from stealth on Wednesday, has raised $12 million in funding and unveiled its first product: Legato Frames, AI-powered hearing glasses that integrate patented hearing-assistance technology into the arms of standard eyewear frames. The frames are expected to launch later this fall, targeting individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss—the largest segment of the hearing-impaired population.

Founded in late 2024 by Mehul Trivedi and Steve Romine, both veterans of the wearables and hearing care industries, Legato combines expertise from Bose, EssilorLuxottica, and Audicus. Trivedi previously led the development of Bose Frames and worked on Meta Ray-Bans at EssilorLuxottica, while Romine served as COO of Audicus, a direct-to-consumer hearing aid company.

The idea for Legato emerged after Trivedi took a break from corporate roles to explore the intersection of hearing technology and smart eyewear. He identified a gap in the market for a non-stigmatized, accessible solution—one that could make hearing care as routine as vision correction.

“Our goal is to make hearing as ubiquitous as vision,” Trivedi told TechCrunch. “It’s a no-brainer that you go for an eye exam, get glasses, wear them, and forget about them. We want the same for hearing—something people address and almost take for granted.”

A different approach to hearing aids

Unlike traditional hearing aids, which often rely on directional microphones that struggle in noisy environments like restaurants, Legato Frames use an AI-powered system to distinguish between background noise and voices, amplifying only speech. The company claims this reduces the cognitive strain of listening in crowded settings.

The frames feature an open-ear design with a dual-speaker system that directs sound toward the wearer while minimizing sound leakage—reducing ambient noise by 99% just inches away from the ear. This ensures privacy for the user without broadcasting amplified sound to others.

Legato’s design prioritizes discretion, comfort, and ease of use, with no complex controls. The company describes the frames as “effortless,” aiming for a product that works seamlessly throughout the day without requiring adjustments.

“They’re meant to feel and look like regular glasses,” Trivedi said. “We want something that’s discreet, normal-looking, and delivers better hearing without the compromises of traditional hearing aids.”

Funding and market positioning

The $12 million seed round was led by Neotribe Ventures, Listen, and Village Global, with funds primarily allocated to product development and marketing. Legato plans to distribute the frames through select eye-care providers nationwide, positioning them as a more affordable alternative to traditional hearing aids.

While pricing details are not yet finalized, the company states the frames will cost “a fraction” of conventional hearing aids. When purchased through an eye-care clinic, they may be eligible for vision insurance coverage—a potential advantage over standalone hearing aids, which are often excluded from health plans.

Legato’s target market—mild to moderate hearing loss—accounts for the majority of hearing-impaired individuals, many of whom avoid traditional hearing aids due to cost, discomfort, or social stigma.

“Hearing isn’t just about hearing the TV better,” Trivedi said. “It’s about connection. Better hearing reduces dementia and depression risks. We have a product that people can wear for 16 hours a day, trusted to assist with both hearing and vision. We want to help them in every way possible.”

Regional implications and Malaysia’s hearing health landscape

Globally, hearing loss is a growing concern, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that over 1.5 billion people experience some degree of hearing impairment. In Malaysia, where an aging population and urban noise pollution contribute to rising hearing issues, accessibility to affordable hearing solutions remains a challenge.

Current solutions in Malaysia include traditional hearing aids, which can cost between RM3,000 to RM15,000 (approximately $650 to $3,250), depending on technology and provider. Many Malaysians rely on government subsidies or insurance for hearing aids, but coverage varies, and out-of-pocket expenses remain high for those without support.

Legato’s model—positioning its product as eyewear with hearing assistance—could appeal to consumers who already purchase glasses regularly. If eligible for vision insurance, the frames may offer a more cost-effective entry point into hearing correction.

However, regulatory approval and local distribution remain key hurdles. While Legato plans to launch in the U.S. First, its long-term strategy for Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, is not yet clear. Industry observers note that healthcare regulations, reimbursement policies, and consumer awareness will play critical roles in adoption.

Stakeholder perspectives and industry reaction

Industry experts have mixed views on Legato’s approach. Some praise its innovative form factor and potential to reduce stigma, while others question whether AI-powered glasses can match the precision of medical-grade hearing aids.

“Discretion is a major barrier for hearing aid adoption,” said Dr. Lim Wei Yen, an audiologist based in Kuala Lumpur. “If these glasses can deliver clinically significant improvements in speech clarity without looking like traditional hearing aids, they could attract more users.”

Others, however, emphasize the need for clinical validation. “AI can enhance listening experiences, but hearing aids require FDA or equivalent regulatory clearance for safety and efficacy,” noted Dr. Rajan Perumal, an ENT specialist in Petaling Jaya. “Without proper testing, consumers may not trust the technology.”

Legato has not yet disclosed whether its product has undergone clinical trials or regulatory approvals, though the company states it is working with eye-care professionals for distribution.

Forward-looking: A new era for hearing tech?

As Legato prepares for its fall launch, the company faces competition from direct-to-consumer hearing aid brands like Eargo, Bose, and Sony, all of which have introduced over-the-counter or tech-infused hearing solutions.

Yet Legato’s unique positioning—combining vision and hearing correction in a single device—could set it apart, particularly among urban professionals and older adults who already wear glasses.

“This is about more than amplification,” Trivedi said. “It’s about improving quality of life. If we can make hearing care as routine as vision care, we’ll have succeeded.”

For now, Malaysia and the broader ASEAN region will watch closely. If Legato’s model proves successful in the U.S., regional expansion could follow—provided regulatory and reimbursement challenges are addressed.

Details on local availability, pricing, and clinical backing remain pending. Until then, the question lingers: Can AI-powered glasses truly revolutionize hearing care, or will they remain a niche solution?

For the millions who struggle with mild to moderate hearing loss, the answer may hinge on one thing—whether the future of hearing is as simple as putting on a pair of glasses.