Latest news with #StarkeyMEA
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.
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.
Zawya
27-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Starkey MEA amplifies awareness on hearing loss in MENA region as globally 2.5 billion are at risk
Dubai, UAE: In recognition of 'Better Hearing and Speech Month', Starkey MEA is urging families and healthcare providers across the Middle East and Africa to prioritize hearing health. To spotlight this often-overlooked issue, Starkey MEA is associating with Dr. Mohamed Ali Eltom, Chairman of International Diabetes Federation for MENA region and hearing loss patient —not only as a renowned physician, but as someone who has personally navigated the challenges of hearing loss. The global hearing health crisis is growing. By 2050, an estimated 2.5 billion people will experience some form of hearing loss, according to the World Health Organization. Over 700 million will need access to hearing rehabilitation. Yet across the region, millions remain undiagnosed, untreated, and underserved—impacting not just individual quality of life, but economic productivity, cognitive health, and social well-being. 'Your ears don't often get the same attention as your eyes or heart, but they are just as vital,' said Giscard Bechara, Regional Director, MEA, Starkey Laboratories Inc. 'Untreated hearing loss has been linked to cognitive decline, depression, and even increased risk of dementia. But with a simple test, that trajectory can change.' 'I began to struggle in meetings and international conferences. At first, I blamed background noise or fatigue. But eventually, I realized I was missing key parts of conversations—professionally and personally,' said Dr. Eltom. 'Getting my hearing checked changed everything. As both a doctor and a patient, I can say: early detection is not just helpful, it's essential.' Hearing loss often develops so gradually that many individuals may overlook the early signs or attribute them to other causes. Common indicators include frequently asking others to repeat themselves, turning up the volume on the television or phone to uncomfortable levels, feeling unusually fatigued after conversations, struggling to hear high-pitched sounds or distinguish consonants, and withdrawing from social or professional settings due to communication challenges. The economic cost of unaddressed hearing loss is estimated at nearly $1 trillion annually. Yet many people in the Middle East and Africa delay getting tested due to stigma, lack of access, or the misconception that hearing loss is only a problem for the elderly. 'This is about dignity, connection, and health equity,' Dr. Eltom added. 'We must normalize hearing care as part of standard health routines—across every age group.' 'What you can do today to take charge of your hearing health is simple yet impactful. Patients can start by booking a hearing screening at their nearest clinic or hearing care center. Encourage older family members, friends, or colleagues to do the same, as early detection can make a significant difference. Better hearing leads to better living. And there's no better time to begin than now,' Bechara concluded. About Starkey Laboratories Inc. Starkey is a privately held, global hearing technology company headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Founded by Bill Austin in 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 is the only American-owned provider of hearing technologies. The company has more than 5,000 employees, operates 29 facilities and does business in more than 100 markets worldwide. Learn more at and Media contact: Hadia Eltom, Marketing Manager | Starkey MEA FZCO Dubai Airport Freezone 4Wb - G44 | Dubai | United Arab Emirates
