Hearing loss affects an estimated 50 million adults in the United States, yet only about 20% of those diagnosed seek treatment. Legato, a new hearing technology company, aims to close that gap.
On Wednesday, the startup emerged from stealth with $12 million in funding and a first look at its AI hearing glasses, the company told TechCrunch exclusively. The glasses, called Legato Frames, integrate the company's patented hearing-assistance technology into the arms of eyewear frames. Legato Frames are expected to launch later this fall.
Founded by Mehul Trivedi and Steve Romine, Legato brings together deep expertise in wearables and hearing care, honed at Bose. Trivedi led the creation of Bose Frames, while Romine ran the company's hearing aids division. After leaving Bose, Trivedi moved to EssilorLuxottica, where he led smart eyewear efforts and contributed to the Meta Ray-Bans. Romine went on to serve as COO of hearing care company Audicus.
After years at larger companies, Trivedi took time off to explore the intersection of hearing technology and smart eyewear. During that period, he discovered technology he believed could merge the two β prompting him to contact Romine, and together they founded Legato in late 2024.
"Our goal is to make hearing as ubiquitous as vision," Trivedi said in an interview with TechCrunch. "It's kind of a no-brainer that you go to an eye exam, you get your glasses, you wear your glasses, and you're happy, and you do that for the rest of your life β and the idea of it being..."
[Image credit: Legato]
In 2026, as hearable technology gains momentum and consumer interest in smart eyewear continues to rise, Legato's approach could resonate widely β not just with those diagnosed with hearing loss, but with anyone seeking a more seamless, everyday audio experience.
via TechCrunch