Latest news with #GiscardBechara
Zawya
18-07-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Starkey MEA champions elderly hearing health as part of UAE's preventive care drive
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Starkey MEA FZCO has reaffirmed its commitment to improving hearing health among the UAE's aging population, calling for greater integration of hearing care into national public health strategies. The move comes amid growing evidence linking untreated hearing loss to cognitive decline, depression, and social isolation in older adults. Starkey's efforts are closely aligned with the UAE's National Policy for Senior Emiratis and Dubai's Elderly Happiness Strategy. The National Policy, launched in 2018, aims to ensure that senior Emiratis remain active, healthy, and socially integrated through targeted programs and support services. Meanwhile, Dubai's Elderly Happiness Strategy—part of the broader Dubai Happiness Agenda—seeks to enhance the overall well-being and happiness of older residents through tailored initiatives. Speaking ahead of the company's upcoming regional hearing awareness campaign, Giscard Bechara, Regional Director of Starkey MEA FZCO, said: 'Hearing loss is one of the most underdiagnosed and undertreated conditions in the UAE's elderly population. Yet it is also one of the most manageable—if diagnosed early and addressed with the right technology and professional care' Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 1.5 billion people live with some degree of hearing loss, and nearly one-third of adults over the age of 65 are affected. In the UAE, the demographic shift is particularly striking. According to the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), the proportion of senior citizens is projected to rise from 6% to 29% by 2050, driven by rising life expectancy and improved healthcare access. Starkey's upcoming campaign during the second half of the year will focus on early detection, awareness building, and accessibility. Through screening campaigns along with its partners, and partnerships with elder care facilities, the company aims to reach senior citizens in the country. 'Good hearing is not just about communication. It's about safety, mental health, and dignity,' Bechara emphasized. 'Our devices today don't just amplify sound—they connect users to their environment, monitor their well-being, and support them in living independent lives. The technology also helps the family to monitor their loved ones and detect how much they are using the hearing aids daily' Recent studies, including those published by The Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention (2020), have highlighted hearing loss as a major modifiable risk factor for dementia. Early treatment with hearing aids has been shown to reduce cognitive decline by up to 48%, according to a 2023 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). 'Public-private collaboration is the only way we can scale impact,' added Bechara. 'We share the UAE's vision of a society where aging is not associated with decline, but with dignity, independence, happiness and connection. Families in the UAE are very close to each other, by making sure that the elderly are getting the best hearing care, you are automatically keeping engaged with their loved ones '. About Starkey Laboratories Inc. Starkey is a privately owned, global leader in hearing innovation, headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. As the only American-owned provider of advanced hearing technologies, Starkey is known for pioneering digital hearing solutions that combine cutting-edge AI, health tracking, and personalized care. With more than 5,000 employees across 29 global facilities, Starkey serves over 100 markets worldwide. The company is dedicated to transforming lives through better hearing, offering a full ecosystem of hearing aids, software, and connected health services.
Zawya
30-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Starkey MEA outlines its AI backed vision to advance hearing health innovation across the region
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Starkey, a pioneer in hearing technology, today unveiled its regional strategy designed to make hearing care a central pillar of preventive health throughout the Middle East and Africa. The strategy is tightly aligned with national efforts such as UAE Vision 2031 and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 Health Sector Transformation Program, underscoring a shared commitment to digital health, preventive care, and well-being. This strategy is anchored by the earlier introduction of Edge AI, Starkey's most advanced hearing aid platform to date, which integrates real-time intelligence, personalized wellness features, and robust connectivity. Giscard Bechara, Regional Director of Starkey MEA, described Edge AI as a catalyst that showcases company's vision, 'Edge AI is not just your typical hearing aid device—it's a health companion. With real-time processing powered by our G2 Neuro Processor and Neuro Sound Technology 2.0, it adapts to every listening environment, embeds fall‑detection, balance tracking, and even seamlessly connects with the My Starkey App and your mobile device,' he said. Built to meet the region's evolving demographics—characterised by rising life expectancy, and increased health consciousness—Edge AI supplies the user with up to 51 hours of rechargeable battery life, keeping a small size package, automated self check feature and tele health making it suitable for day-to-day life and travel. Starkey is working with industry stakeholders, and audiologists in the UAE, Egypt, Turkey, and Jordan among other countries to deliver dedicated training on Edge AI deployment. These sessions are pivotal to ensuring high-quality fittings and ongoing support—consistent with Starkey's broader mission to move hearing care from device distribution to sustainable health ecosystems. 'Upskilling regional audiologists ensures that intelligent hearing aids are not just available, but optimally used for the benefit of our patients' Bechara noted. Later this year, Starkey will work closely with its partners to launch a regional hearing health awareness campaign, prompting early screening and tackling stigma. This campaign follows studies indicating that individuals in the region often delay treatment for up to 7 years after first noticing symptoms—delays linked to social isolation and cognitive decline. 'Our mission extends beyond market leadership,' Bechara added. 'We aim to shift the paradigm: hearing care should be proactive, intelligent, and inclusive—not reactive or marginal.' With a growing regional network, the rollout of cutting-edge Edge AI devices, and strong public health partnerships, Starkey is driving a transformation in hearing care—where innovations meet impact, and better hearing becomes a societal imperative. About Starkey Laboratories Inc. Starkey is a privately owned, global leader in hearing innovation, headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. As the only American-owned provider of advanced hearing technologies, Starkey is known for pioneering digital hearing solutions that combine cutting-edge AI, health tracking, and personalized care. With more than 5,000 employees across 29 global facilities, Starkey serves over 100 markets worldwide. The company is dedicated to transforming lives through better hearing, offering a full ecosystem of hearing aids, software, and connected health services. To learn more, visit, and
TECHx
31-05-2025
- Health
- TECHx
Starkey MEA Unveils Edge AI for Better Hearing Month
Home » Smart Sectors » Healthcare » Starkey MEA Unveils Edge AI for Better Hearing Month Starkey MEA has announced its most advanced hearing solution to date is Edge AI. The launch is part of its ongoing campaign to promote hearing health awareness across the Middle East during Better Hearing Month. Edge AI is designed to replicate how the human brain processes sound. It performs up to 80 million personalized hearing adjustments per hour. This helps users stay connected, confident, and comfortable in any setting. At the core of the device is Starkey's G2 Neuro Processor. It features six times more transistors, ten times more memory, and four times faster processing than its predecessor. As a result, Edge AI can automatically adapt to complex sound environments. Whether it's a majlis in the UAE, a busy street in Jeddah, or a mall in Kuwait City, the device ensures real-time auditory clarity. Giscard Bechara, Regional Director, MEA, Starkey Laboratories Inc., stated that Edge AI is more than a hearing aid. He called it 'a technological breakthrough designed for real life.' He also emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and preventive check-ups for better hearing. Edge AI includes features that enhance connectivity, wellness, and convenience: Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast™ broadcast for efficient streaming StarLink Edge TV Streamer, 60% smaller than before Select waterproof models offering up to 51 hours of battery life The device also integrates Neuro Sound Technology 2.0. This provides 30% more accurate speech detection in noisy environments. Dr. Mohamed Ali Eltom, Chairman of the International Diabetes Federation (MENA region), shared his experience. He reported that Edge AI restored his ability to engage in both professional and social settings. He described the device as a 'lifeline' for people who rely on communication. Additionally, Edge AI supports a holistic approach to hearing care. It includes sensor-driven balance assessments, fall detection alerts, and smartwatch integration via the My Starkey app. Users can manage hearing settings and track wellness on the go. Starkey MEA revealed that hearing loss is increasing across the region. Factors include exposure to prolonged noise and an ageing population. The company is working with audiologists and clinics to raise awareness, encourage early screening, and offer access to its latest technology during Better Hearing Month. Bechara added that better hearing leads to better living. He called Edge AI the company's most powerful solution and urged the public to take the first step toward hearing health.
Khaleej Times
29-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
AI hearing aid mimics human brain with 80 million real-time sound adjustments per hour
This Better Hearing Month, Starkey MEA is shining a spotlight on its most intelligent hearing solution to date — Edge AI — as part of an ongoing drive to promote hearing health awareness across the Middle East. Designed to replicate how the human brain processes sound, Edge AI performs up to 80 million personalised hearing adjustments per hour, helping users stay connected, confident, and comfortable in any environment. At the core of Edge AI is Starkey's groundbreaking G2 Neuro Processor, which boasts six times more transistors, ten times more memory, and four times faster processing than its predecessor. This advanced chip enables the device to automatically adapt to complex listening environments — whether it's a family majlis in the UAE, a bustling street in Jeddah, or a shopping mall in Kuwait City — ensuring seamless auditory clarity in real time. 'Edge AI isn't just a hearing aid — it's a technological breakthrough designed for real life,' said Giscard Bechara, Regional Director, MEA, Starkey Laboratories Inc. 'It's already changing lives across the GCC and wider region. And with May being Better Hearing Month, we want to remind the public that better hearing starts with a simple, preventive check-up. Early diagnosis makes all the difference.' Edge AI is equipped with features that enhance the user experience across connectivity, wellness, and convenience. These include Bluetooth LE Audio for seamless, energy-efficient streaming, Auracast™ broadcast capability, and a 60% smaller StarLink Edge TV Streamer for direct television audio. Select waterproof models offer up to 51 hours of battery life, while Neuro Sound Technology 2.0 delivers 30% more accurate speech detection in noisy environments. 'Edge AI has redefined what hearing support means for someone like me who is constantly in professional and social settings. Its real-time adaptability across complex environments — from lecture halls to roundtable discussions — has restored not just my ability to hear, but also my confidence to engage fully. For the first time in years, I feel truly connected to the conversations around me. For professionals like me, who rely heavily on communication, this technology is more than a device — it's a lifeline,' said Dr. Mohamed Ali Eltom, Chairman of the International Diabetes Federation for the MENA region and a hearing loss patient. In addition, the device supports a holistic approach to hearing health with tools such as sensor-driven balance assessments, fall detection alerts, and smartwatch integration via the My Starkey mobile app — allowing users to manage hearing settings and track wellness on the go. With hearing loss affecting a growing number of people across the Middle East — including younger individuals exposed to prolonged noise and an ageing population — Starkey MEA is working closely with audiologists and clinics to raise awareness, encourage early screenings, and provide hands-on access to its cutting-edge technology throughout Better Hearing Month. 'Better hearing leads to better living,' added Bechara. 'This month is not only about showcasing our most powerful solution, Edge AI — it's about empowering people to take the first step toward hearing health.'
