SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — The Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League (NHL) have announced a new partnership with Starkey, the Eden Prairie-based hearing technology manufacturer, aimed at expanding hearing health awareness and connecting with fans throughout the hockey season.
The collaboration brings together two Minnesota organizations and includes in-arena promotions and hearing protection initiatives focused on protecting hearing in loud entertainment environments.
Free Hearing Protection for Arena Attendees
One of the partnership’s central initiatives is the distribution of complimentary foam earplugs to guests attending events at Grand Casino Arena, the home of the Minnesota Wild. Earplugs will be available at all arena gates upon arrival, providing fans with an accessible option for reducing noise exposure during hockey games, concerts, and other events.
The initiative highlights the importance of hearing protection in entertainment venues, where crowd noise, music, and other amplified sounds can reach potentially hazardous levels.
The partnership will also extend to the ice. Nordy, the Minnesota Wild’s mascot, will use Starkey SoundGear Phantom custom earpieces for hearing protection during home games.
Beyond these hearing protection efforts, Starkey will receive visibility through arena videoboards, instant replay sponsorships, and Stadium Vision displays throughout the season.
Supporting Hearing Health Awareness in Minnesota
Carin Anderson, Minnesota Wild Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships and Retail Management, said the partnership reflects the organizations’ shared Minnesota connections.
“We’re proud to welcome Starkey as a partner of the Minnesota Wild,” said Anderson. “As a Minnesota-based company recognized for its innovation in hearing technology and its commitment to community, Starkey brings a meaningful connection to our area. We look forward to working together to engage our fans and raise awareness of the significant role hearing health plays in everyday life.”
Founded in 1967 and headquartered in Eden Prairie, Starkey develops and manufactures hearing aids and related hearing technologies. The company has maintained a longstanding presence in Minnesota and has expanded its involvement in professional sports partnerships.
Karen Spaeth, Chief Marketing Officer at Starkey, said the collaboration provides another opportunity to connect hearing health with everyday experiences.
“This partnership brings together two organizations that proudly call Minnesota home,” said Spaeth. “For nearly six decades, Starkey has helped people connect to the moments and relationships that matter most. We’re proud of our Minnesota roots and excited to partner with the Minnesota Wild, an organization that shares our commitment to community, excellence, and creating meaningful experiences for people across the State of Hockey. Providing hearing protection at Grand Casino Arena is another way we can help fans enjoy the events at the arena while protecting their hearing.”
Hearing Protection in Sports and Entertainment
The announcement comes amid growing attention to the importance of hearing conservation at sporting events and entertainment venues.
Professional hockey arenas can generate substantial noise from cheering crowds, amplified music, goal horns, and other in-game entertainment. Repeated exposure to high sound levels can contribute to noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus, making hearing protection an important consideration for frequent attendees and arena personnel.
By making earplugs available at every arena entrance, the partnership provides a practical hearing protection option without requiring fans to bring their own equipment.
The initiative also reflects a broader opportunity for hearing technology manufacturers to promote hearing conservation outside traditional clinical settings, reaching audiences who may not otherwise consider their hearing health.
For Starkey, the partnership adds to its existing professional sports relationships while creating additional opportunities to promote hearing protection and awareness across Minnesota.
About Starkey
Starkey is a global hearing technology manufacturer headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Founded by Bill Austin in 1967 and currently led by Brandon Sawalich, the company develops hearing aids and connected hearing technologies.
Starkey employs more than 5,000 professionals across 29 facilities and serves customers in more than 100 markets worldwide. Additional information is available at www.starkey.com.
