EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (March 5, 2026) — Starkey is proud to announce elite sled dog musher Jessie Royer as its newest brand ambassador as she prepares for a competitive 2026 season that includes some of the most prestigious distance races in the sport, including the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.
Royer, a veteran endurance athlete and highly respected competitor in the mushing community, has built her reputation competing in world-class long-distance events across Alaska and North America. From the nearly 1,000-mile Iditarod to other grueling multi-day endurance races, she consistently demonstrates the resilience, strategy, and grit required to succeed at the highest level of the sport.
Across these demanding competitions, mushers face subzero temperatures, powerful winds, remote terrain, and long stretches of isolation. Success requires not only physical stamina and mental toughness, but also acute sensory awareness.
For Royer, hearing plays a critical role in performance and safety. On the trail, mushers rely on the sound of their dogs’ breathing and gait, shifting winds, snowmobiles, and equipment to make split-second decisions. At the same time, sustained exposure to barking dogs and mechanical noise can contribute to long-term hearing damage without proper protection.
Through this partnership, Starkey and Royer will spotlight the importance of innovative AI-driven hearing technology and proactive hearing protection, even in the harshest environments. Starkey’s Omega AI hearing aids are engineered for high-performing sound quality, industry-leading battery life to endure extended days on the trail, and durable, waterproof designs built to perform reliably in snow, moisture, and extreme cold.
“Hearing health is critical in every environment, from day-to-day interactions to high-performance, extreme settings,” said Brandon Sawalich, President and CEO of Starkey. “Jessie embodies resilience, focus, and endurance at the highest level across the sport of mushing. Her ability to compete in some of the world’s most challenging races while staying connected to her team and surroundings reflects exactly why protecting and prioritizing hearing matters. We’re proud to support her 2026 season and beyond.”
As a Starkey brand ambassador, Royer will help raise awareness about hearing health, hearing protection, and the role technology plays in maintaining connection and performance across all stages of life.
“These races push you in every way,” said Royer. “Being aware of my team, the trail, and my surroundings is essential for safety and success. In extreme cold, wind, and long days on the trail, I need equipment I can rely on. Starkey’s hearing technology delivers the sound quality, battery life, and durability to perform in harsh conditions, and I’m proud to partner with them to highlight how important hearing health and protection are—not just in racing, but in everyday life.
For more information about Starkey and its commitment to hearing innovation, visit www.starkey.com.
