Honor highlights Starkey’s continued leadership in advancing AI-driven hearing technology
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (August 10, 2026) — Starkey, a global leader in AI-driven hearing technology, today announced that its flagship hearing technology, Omega AI, has been named a winner in the Best Use of Artificial Intelligence category at the 2026 Healthcare Eagles Awards. The recognition honors organizations and technologies that are leveraging artificial intelligence to advance healthcare outcomes, improve patient experiences, and drive meaningful innovation across the industry.
Omega AI represents Starkey’s most advanced hearing technology to date, integrating sophisticated artificial intelligence capabilities designed to help individuals hear, communicate, and engage more effectively in everyday life. Powered by Starkey’s proprietary AI technologies, Omega AI delivers exceptional sound quality, speech clarity, connectivity, and health and wellness features, empowering users with a more personalized hearing experience.
Omega AI builds on Starkey’s long-standing leadership in AI-driven hearing technology, incorporating advanced machine learning and deep neural network capabilities to automatically optimize hearing performance in complex listening environments. At the core of the platform is DNN 360, the hearing industry’s first deep neural network-powered directionality system, which intelligently identifies and enhances speech from all directions to help users better understand conversations in challenging listening environments. The technology also offers health and wellness features, enhanced connectivity, and personalized support tools designed to improve both hearing outcomes and overall quality of life.
“Artificial intelligence has tremendous potential to advance healthcare when it is thoughtfully designed around human needs,” said Achin Bhowmik, Ph.D., Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President of Engineering at Starkey. “Omega AI reflects years of interdisciplinary research spanning auditory neuroscience, machine learning, signal processing, and human-centered design. By combining advanced AI architectures with a deep understanding of hearing and cognition, we are creating intelligent systems that enhance communication, support well-being, and elevate the standard of care for people with hearing loss.”
The Healthcare Eagles Award adds to a growing list of industry recognition for Omega AI. Earlier this year, the technology received a 2026 BIG Innovation Award and a 2026 AI Excellence Award, further validating Starkey’s leadership in applying artificial intelligence to advance hearing healthcare.
The Healthcare Eagles Awards recognize excellence, innovation, and leadership across the healthcare industry, celebrating organizations and technologies that are making a meaningful impact on patient care and healthcare delivery.
To learn more about Omega AI and Starkey’s innovative hearing technology, visit www.Starkey.com.
About Starkey
Starkey is a leading global innovator in hearing technology and AI-powered hearing aids, headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Since its founding by Bill Austin in 1967 and led today by Brandon Sawalich, Starkey has driven breakthroughs in unmatched sound clarity and machine learning and intelligent hearing technology. As the only American-owned hearing aid manufacturer, Starkey employs over 5,000 professionals across 29 facilities, delivering advanced hearing solutions to customers in 100+ markets worldwide. Explore our smart hearing devices and connected technologies at www.starkey.com.
