EssilorLuxottica expands hearing sector with acquisition of AI tech startup

EssilorLuxottica has made a significant advancement in its innovation strategy by acquiring Pulse Audition, a French startup specializing in AI-based noise reduction and voice enhancement technologies. Pulse Audition’s proprietary algorithms are designed to help individuals with hearing impairments better understand speech, even in challenging environments with background noise. This acquisition represents a leap forward in EssilorLuxottica’s ongoing efforts to enhance its hearing solutions, bringing innovative AI capabilities into the fold. The integration of Pulse Audition’s technologies will not only augment EssilorLuxottica’s product offerings but also strengthen its position in the hearing solutions sector, complementing the hardware and software capabilities it already has in place.

With this acquisition, EssilorLuxottica is set to expand its expertise in AI software development, embedded AI, and audio signal processing. The addition of Pulse Audition's advanced technologies and talented team will significantly enhance the quality of EssilorLuxottica’s products and solutions, particularly in the hearing aid and auditory enhancement space. This move is a continuation of the Group's strategic expansion into hearing solutions, building upon its earlier acquisition of Nuance Hearing in 2023. By integrating AI-driven audio processing, EssilorLuxottica aims to improve the overall hearing experience for individuals with hearing loss, making its products more effective and user-friendly in everyday environments.

EssilorLuxottica's Chairman and CEO, Francesco Milleri, and Deputy CEO, Paul du Saillant, shared their excitement about the acquisition, highlighting its alignment with the company’s broader vision for growth in AI and big data technologies. “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,” they said. This acquisition underscores EssilorLuxottica’s commitment to advancing the next generation of computing platforms, particularly in the hearing care space. By welcoming Pulse Audition’s team, the company aims to unlock significant potential in the underserved hearing space, reinforcing its mission to make life more accessible for people with hearing impairments.