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Company: Starkey, Eden Prairie, MN
Company Description: Starkey is a privately held, global hearing technology company. Owned by Bill Austin since 1967, Starkey is known for its innovative design, development and distribution of comprehensive digital hearing systems. Led today by President and CEO Brandon Sawalich, Starkey has more than 5,000 employees, operates 29 facilities and does business in more than 100 markets worldwide.
Nomination Category: New Product & Service Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Health & Pharmaceuticals - Product
 Nomination Title: Starkey Evolv AI
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes in length about the nominated new or new-version product or service, OR written answers to the questions for this category? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the nominated video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this first question: If this is a brand-new product, state the date on which it was released. If this is a new version of an existing product, state the date on which the update was released:
August 31, 2021
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this second question: Describe the features, functions, and benefits of the nominated product or service (up to 350 words):
Total 350 words used.
Starkey launched a new era of hearing technology with its innovative family of hearing aids – Evolv AI. Using information from both ears to localize the direction of sound, Evolv AI automatically reduces background noise and zeros in on speech. This provides natural sound effortlessly, as users do not need to make any adjustments themselves with the always-on and always-automatic technology. Modeled after the human auditory system, Evolv AI makes 55 million adjustments every single hour and reduces background noise energy by 40% compared to previous models.
Starkey is the first in the industry to develop fall detection and alert technology onboard a hearing device. If a user falls, the hearing aid will automatically alert emergency contacts via text message with the user’s location. There are stories around the country of this technology saving lives.
As the world continues to wear face masks, people with hearing loss are met with a new struggle, as relying on lip-reading has become impossible. Evolv AI utilizes a feature called Edge Mode, which analyzes the environment to enhance speech and reduce background noise. Additionally, Mask Mode allows users to select when they are speaking to someone with a mask on to automatically enhance speech.
These hearing devices are compatible with Apple and Android phones for direct streaming of calls and music. With the newest Apple iOS release, Apple now supports two-way, hands-free calling with the hearing devices, giving someone with hearing loss the opportunity to use their hearing aids like Bluetooth headphones.
Additionally, as a gateway to understanding health and wellness, the ear is recognized as a highly effective place to measure key health indicators. Evolv AI uses sensors that detect physical movement and social engagement. When paired with Thrive Hearing Control app, the hearing aids deliver a [REDACTED FOR PUBLICATION] which tracks daily steps, movement, and exercise, as well as [REDACTED FOR PUBLICATION] Score”, which measures hearing aid usage and social engagement. The app allows permitted caregivers to monitor activity, which uniquely emphasizes hearing health’s impact on overall health and wellness. Other features include language translation, reminders, and find my hearing aids.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this third question: Outline the market performance, critical reception, and customer satisfaction with the product or service to date. State monetary or unit sales figures to date, if possible, and how they compare to expectations or past performance. Provide links to laudatory product or service reviews. Include some customer testimonials, if applicable (up to 350 words):
Total 61 words used.
After the launch of Evolv AI, our customers had [REDACTED FOR PUBLICATION] the fastest conversion rate to a new product line in recent company history. This signaled excitement about the product, and the effortless selection and usage, which we have also heard through customer and patient feedback, such as the testimonials attached.
- You have the option to answer this final question: Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 4 words used.
Supporting materials are attached.
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