Starkey history
2024
Built off our best-in-class Genesis AI platform, the spring release of Signature Series continues our leadership in custom products, giving hearing care professionals a family of non-wireless custom products for patients who demand a tailored hearing experience. It features the smallest custom rechargeable hearing aid in the world. In fall, our new Edge AI hearing aids delivered better hearing for all—with an integrated neural processing unit (NPU) that classifies complex soundscapes, enhances speech, and reduces noise all in real-time with advanced and powerful AI at the edge. Edge AI’s new Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio streaming protocol ensures robust connectivity now and future forward, while My Starkey app’s new self-guided balance assessment exercise helps wearers gain awareness of their balance—a key step toward fall prevention.
2023
The launch of Genesis AI marks a new beginning for the hearing industry. Reimagined from the inside out, it’s the only hearing technology system to feature an all-new processor, all-new sound, all-new design, all-new fitting software, and an all-new patient experience. It’s the biggest leap forward ever in hearing technology — delivering unprecedented sound clarity, performance features and personal health monitoring capabilities.
2022
Starkey continues to refine our Evolv AI hearing aids making them more comfortable, more wearable, and more effortless. We improved connection with more Android connectivity than ever before, and our best Starkey Sound™ quality allows patients to seamlessly experience and enjoy their favorite TV shows, music, and conversations.
2021
Effortless hearing, selection and connection is no longer a hope. Introducing Evolv AI — a complete style portfolio with the world’s most innovative hearing aids including our most advanced Starkey Sound™, integrated sensors that seamlessly connect, adapt with your patients’ lives, and provide fall detection at all tiers along with many other ease-of-use features. When it comes to better hearing innovation, expect effortless.
2020
Re-imagining a better hearing experience, we launch Livio Edge AI, delivering the most advanced AI engine possible in modern hearing aids with the world’s first 2.4 GHz custom rechargeable hearing aids.
The breakthrough of the Edge Mode feature provides instant adjustments for challenging listening situations with just a double tap.
We also introduced Thrive Care (rebranded to Hear Share in 2023), the world’s first app that lets caregivers see health information shared by Livio Edge AI hearing aid wearers.
2018
We lead off by launching a best-in-class hearing aid, Muse iQ Rechargeable, which not only leads the industry in battery life and ease of use but also is the smallest rechargeable on the market.
The next big thing for Starkey: Livio AI is launched with smart phone connectivity and superior performance in noise. The world’s first hearing aid with integrated motion sensors to track activity, provide fall detection, and near real-time language translation changes the game for professionals and patients.
The fourth Hearing Innovation Expo pushes professionals to Be Bold in their business, markets, and the hearing industry.
2017
With pristine audio and exceptional listening clarity, our Muse iQ product family helps make speech sound more natural and easier to hear in every listening environment.
2016
Muse, Halo 2, and SoundLens Synergy launch with our all new Synergy platform. Synergy is the only platform to feature quad core twin compressor technology, and the first to provide supreme precision for audibility and the ultimate optimization for listening enjoyment. The all new SurfLink Remote Microphone is also released, adding to the family of SurfLink accessories.
2014
Halo, our Made for iPhone® hearing aid launched, providing a new option for hearing aid wearers to stay connected. Halo, paired with our TruLink app allows for seamless connection between hearing aids and iPhone, iPad® and iPod® touch — so phone calls, music, videos and more can stream directly into your ears with pristine sound quality.
2013
In January we launch Xino Tinnitus with Multiflex Tinnitus Technology to help people suffering from constant "ringing" in their ears find relief. We also launched 3 Series custom wireless hearing aids, providing a small option powered by our BluWave 3.0 operating system that is designed to maximize performance in even the most challenging listening environments.
2012
We launch Wi Series custom products, expanding our wireless capabilities for even more people.
2011
We launch both AMP, the invisible hearing aid for people who aren't ready for a hearing aid, and X Series, our most comprehensive line of traditional digital hearing aids ever.
2010
A number of exciting products launch, including Wi Series, our advanced wireless hearing aids that also enable wearers to stream stereo sound directly from their TVs or radios to their hearing aids without any body-worn relay devices; the S Series iQ line, featuring Voice iQ, a new noise management and speech preservation system that takes on the issue of hearing in noise; SoundLens, the world's first custom invisible-in-the-canal hearing aid; and Starkey Pediatrics, which offers Nickelodeon® characters on earmolds and hearing aid materials.
2009
Starkey launches S Series with Drive Architecture, the revolutionary new line of hearing aids using multi-core, open architecture technology. S Series builds on already best-in-class features with a new feedback eliminator, noise system and telephone solution in addition to the T², which lets patients use their touch-tone phone as a remote control.
2008
Starkey launches BluWave Signal Processing (SP), which is similar to the operating system on a computer. In addition, Starkey launches the industry's most award-winning hearing aid, Zōn, powered by BluWave SP and encompassing the most advanced features available.
2007
Starkey launches the Destiny 1600 model including a full line of open fit solutions enabling you to experience the most natural sound quality the industry has to offer.
2006
Starkey redefines the hearing solutions industry by introducing nFusion Technology with the release of its Destiny series hearing aids coupled with Inspire OS fitting software. Destiny is the first hearing aid to utilize both nano and digital technology.
2004
Elton John's appearance and support of the 2004 "So The World May Hear" Awards Gala helps the Starkey Hearing Foundation raise a record $2.7 million during the event. Construction begins on the new William F. Austin Center. On December 13, 2004, the Starkey Hearing Research Center opens.
2003
Building on a continued commitment of patient-focused research and development, Starkey releases Genesis 4. Featuring an exclusive sound environment called Precision Audio Imaging, Axent II, Sequel, Endeavour and the newest member of the family, Arista, offer hearing impaired users superior levels of audibility, high fidelity and hearing comfort.
2002
The Starkey Hearing Alliance is established. Industry leading hearing professionals team with Starkey to offer a unique blend of technology and patient care. Each affiliated practice shares a commitment to providing the most appropriate hearing solutions while providing "Better Hearing with a Human Touch."
2001
Starkey introduces the Genesis digital product family. Genesis quickly becomes the industry's most comprehensive product line with Axent hearing instruments becoming the benchmark for advanced digital technology.
1999
Starkey enters the digital age with the release of the Cetera and Aries digital hearing systems. Both instruments take a research-based approach to amplification.
1996
Starkey releases Sequel Custom Programmable instruments. Building upon the success of the Sequel Series, Sequel Programmables greatly reduce distortion and offer advanced compression technology. The new Professional Fitting System is also released to allow for quick, accurate and easy instrument programming.
1995
Starkey headquarters receives ISO 9001 certification, meeting the most comprehensive quality standards for manufacturing, operations and documentation. To ensure compliance, the British Standards Institute annually audits Starkey's quality system. Starkey Germany, Canada, UK, France and Italy have also received ISO certification.
1993
The Tympanette is introduced, as Starkey designs a new instrument to fit entirely in the ear canal, providing enhanced cosmetic and acoustic benefits. Today, the Tympanette is the industry's smallest and most popular completely-in-the-canal instrument.
1989
Starkey purchases Omni Hearing Systems and Nu-Ear Electronics.
1986
Starkey releases the CE-7 series and the Earborne Headset, the world's first custom headset. Earborne incorporates a custom molded earpiece and a lightweight microphone.
1984
The Starkey Hearing Foundation officially begins.
1983
President Ronald Reagan gets fitted with Starkey INTRA hearing aids. The President's fitting encourages a wider acceptance of hearing aids among the general public, resulting in increased sales throughout the industry.
1982
Starkey releases the CE-5 series, the industry's first canal hearing aids.
1979
Austin decides outstanding patient service necessitates state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment. This philosophy leads to the development of the CHAT hearing aid tester, the Tinnitus Research Audiometer and the Digital Drain Meter.
1978
The Starkey Fund is developed as a battery recycling program. Dispensers would send used batteries to Starkey for credit donated for helping needy people receive hearing assistance. The program evolves into the Starkey Hearing Foundation, a tax-exempt charitable organization.
1977
Austin feels that the hearing aid industry could benefit from an image-enhancing, professional auditory educational package for consumers. In response, he creates the CARE program, a comprehensive series of booklets and videos that promote the benefits of improved hearing.
1976
Starkey opens its first subsidiary in Manchester, England. Over the next five years, Starkey opens facilities in Toronto, Canada; Glencoe, Minnesota; Hamburg, Germany and Paris, France.
1975
With custom hearing aid production growing so dramatically, Starkey outgrows its original facility and purchases a new building in nearby Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
1973
Starkey releases the CE-1, a custom in-the-ear hearing aid with an industry first 90-day trial period and 1-year "Worry Free" warranty. Starkey releases variations of the first CE in the following years. Soon after, Starkey becomes the world's leading manufacturer of custom hearing instruments.
1971
Austin purchases Starkey Laboratories, a small earmold company, from Harold Starkey. Austin merges Professional and Starkey, retaining the Starkey name.
1967
William Austin starts Professional Hearing Aid Service, an all-make hearing instrument repair service in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. The company offers fixed repair charges — an industry first.