DNN and the future of the hearing aid industry
EdgeAI from Starkey is a perfect symbiosis of industry expertise and AI performance. The technology implemented in the hearing aids is based on intensive research and continuous dialogue with people affected by hearing loss. Every step of the product development process is geared toward optimizing sound and hearing comfort for the wearer.
Since the company was founded in 1967, each new product line of hearing aids has set new standards in the industry and underscored the potential of artificial intelligence to create outstanding sound experiences. Leading in quality, groundbreaking in technology, unmatched in sound—Starkey stands for excellence.
Continuous progress through technological excellence
Based in Eden Prairie, Starkey has established itself as a leader in the international hearing aid industry and has a significant influence on technological development in this sector worldwide. The company is active in over 100 countries, has 21 production facilities, and employs more than 5,000 people. This makes it one of the five largest hearing aid manufacturers in the world. Since its founding, Starkey has significantly shaped the industry through a multitude of innovations. In 1967, Starkey laid the foundation for a new era in hearing aid technology with the development of the CE-1, the first custom-made hearing aid that was placed in the ear.1 This groundbreaking new development, which was placed in the outer ear, marked a fundamentally new approach in the industry. In 2010, Starkey set another milestone with the introduction of the SoundLens system. These systems enabled a new, even more discreet design for hearing aids by positioning them in the second bend of the ear canal.
Another notable technological innovation from Starkey is PureWave technology, which effectively minimizes feedback effects and thus significantly improves hearing quality. In addition, Starkey has introduced sensor and nanotechnology for the first time to further improve the functionality of its hearing aids. The integration of this innovative technology ensures the protection of sensitive electronic components through advanced water-repellent nano-coatings, thereby contributing to the increased durability and reliability of the hearing aids.2 These technological achievements have earned Starkey numerous awards, including the prestigious Red Dot Award, which recognizes outstanding design and remarkable innovation. Through ongoing investment in research and development and a commitment to excellence, Starkey continues to lead the way in the hearing aid industry.
DNN performance in comparison
In recent years, the world of hearing aids has seen remarkable advances, particularly with regard to the integration of modern technologies. One of the groundbreaking innovations in this field is the use of deep neural networks (DNN). This advanced technology enables hearing aids to intelligently adapt to different listening environments and deliver natural sound quality.
The DNN function is active in all listening situations, providing the wearer with continuous support. This significantly optimizes the hearing experience in different environments. Another notable feature is the remarkable battery life of up to 51 hours, which exceeds the battery life of many other hearing aids available on the market. With competing products, manually activating a similar mode, such as Edge Mode, can significantly reduce battery life. Starkey, on the other hand, offers the option of Auto Edge Mode, which remains active at all times while still ensuring long battery life.
EdgeAI — THE FOURTH GENERATION OF AI-POWERED HEARING AIDS
Hearing impairments pose a significant challenge for many people in today's world. Given the continuous increase in noise levels and changing acoustic environments, there is a growing demand for hearing aids to not only function as devices for improving hearing, but also to adapt seamlessly to the individual needs of their users.
Innovative solutions are required to meet these high standards. Starkey's EdgeAI represents the fourth generation of artificial intelligence, placing it well ahead of many other manufacturers in the industry. Implementing this technology requires generating a significant amount of data to train the artificial intelligence in the hearing aids for all conceivable listening environments. This ensures that EdgeAI determines the optimal hearing settings in every environment in a matter of seconds and automatically adjusts the sound. EdgeAI's ability to perform up to 80 million sound adjustments per hour significantly reduces the listening effort for your customers. For maximum hearing comfort – we understand.
Expertise that delivers results
As an audiologist, it is essential to stay up to date with the latest developments in the hearing aid industry. With our newsletter, you will never miss out on important news again. Receive the latest information about EdgeAI, technological innovations, and groundbreaking advances that are shaping the industry. We will also keep you informed about upcoming trade shows, exciting industry events, and insights into the world of Starkey.
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