Starkey unveils new flagship product, Omega AI

Starkey unveiled its new flagship product line, Omega AI, on Oct. 9. The hearing technology uses generative AI and includes visibility, waterproofing and health-focused features.

Omega AI introduces DNN 360, which the company calls the world’s first deep neural network-powered directionality and spatial awareness system. Starkey says DNN 360 provides up to 28% better speech intelligibility in challenging environments and as much as an 8-decibel (dB) improvement in signal-to-noise ratio for better spatial awareness, while maintaining 51 hours of battery life and water resistance. Omega AI’s waterproofing was tested to last 10 times longer than previous coatings.

Omega AI’s visibility features include green and red LED indicator lights on receiver-in-canal rechargeable and micro receiver-in-canal devices to confirm power and Bluetooth connection at a glance. Starkey has also made the LEDs double as a “find my hearing aid” tool – an industry first that helps patients quickly locate misplaced devices.

“When excellence drives every process – innovation, quality, service, and delivery – great things happen,” said Brandon Sawalich, Starkey president and CEO. “Since being the first to introduce AI technology in hearing aids, Starkey has continued to set the speed of innovation for the industry. We are once again excited to push the boundaries of science and raise the bar of expectation for hearing professionals and their patients.”

Omega AI’s TeleHear AI feature, another industry first, uses generative AI technology to help patients resolve common hearing issues in real time with 93% predictive accuracy. Streaming to the StarLink Edge TV Streamer – a popular professional and patient feature – now starts and reconnects automatically.

Omega AI also introduces two health-focused tools through the My Starkey app. Balance Builder delivers at-home exercises to improve stability and coordination, while an automatic respiratory rate monitor tracks breathing in the background to help patients stay proactive and ahead of potential health issues.

“Omega AI reflects the heart of who we are as a company,” Sawalich added. “With unmatched technology, dedicated partners, and an unwavering focus on patients, we’re demonstrating how innovation and precision can redefine what better hearing means for people everywhere and give anyone a superhuman advantage.”

Starkey is a privately held, global hearing technology company headquartered in Eden Prairie. Founded by Bill Austin in 1967, the company today has more than 5,000 employees, operates 29 facilities and does business in more than 100 markets worldwide.