EDEN PRAIRIE, MINNESOTA — Starkey announced that its Omega AI hearing technology 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 using artificial intelligence to advance healthcare outcomes, improve patient experiences, and support innovation across the industry.
Omega AI is Starkey’s latest hearing technology platform, integrating artificial intelligence capabilities designed to help individuals hear, communicate, and engage more effectively in everyday life. Powered by Starkey’s proprietary AI technologies, the platform includes features focused on sound quality, speech clarity, connectivity, and health and wellness, with an emphasis on providing a more personalized hearing experience.
Omega AI incorporates machine learning and deep neural network capabilities designed to automatically optimize hearing performance in complex listening environments. At the core of the platform is DNN 360, which Starkey describes as the hearing industry’s first deep neural network-powered directionality system. The technology identifies and enhances speech from multiple directions to support conversations in challenging listening environments.
The platform also includes health and wellness features, enhanced connectivity, and personalized support tools designed to support 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 other recent industry recognition for Omega AI. Earlier this year, the technology received a 2026 BIG Innovation Award and a 2026 AI Excellence Award.
The Healthcare Eagles Awards recognize excellence, innovation, and leadership across the healthcare industry, highlighting organizations and technologies making an impact on patient care and healthcare delivery.
To learn more about Omega AI and Starkey’s hearing technology, visit 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.
Source: Starkey
