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AI hearing technology is redefining what it means to stay connected, healthy, and high-performing in today’s fast-moving world. Leading that transformation is Brandon Sawalich, President & CEO of Starkey—the only American-owned major hearing aid manufacturer and a global pioneer in intelligent hearing solutions.
With over 30 years at Starkey, Sawalich has led the company from legacy roots to a billion-dollar enterprise operating in over 100 markets. His focus? Making hearing health a frontline conversation in wearable tech and wellness.
“We wanted to go from incremental improvements to the moonshot,” Sawalich said. “How do we make hearing aids cool? How do we make them do more? That’s where AI came in.”
Under his leadership, Starkey became the first to integrate AI hearing technology and embedded sensors into hearing aids. These aren’t traditional devices—they’re multifunctional health tools that can track steps, detect falls, translate languages, and provide real-time environmental adjustments. The AI is always on, continuously learning and optimizing based on surroundings. “It’s your personal assistant, it’s Jarvis in your ear,” Sawalich added, referencing Iron Man’s intuitive AI companion.
He’s also changing the cultural narrative around hearing loss. “You think of a hearing aid and you think you’re old. That’s not how I think. Hearing is your superpower.”
Sawalich’s approach to innovation isn’t just about technology—it’s grounded in people-first leadership. His belief in servant leadership shapes the culture at Starkey, a company with more than 5,000 employees worldwide. “I don’t see myself at the top of the pyramid. I work for the people of Starkey,” he said. “It’s my job to give them the resources and clear vision to be the best.”
What sets Starkey apart in the crowded health tech space is its blend of purpose and agility. As a privately held company, Starkey doesn’t answer to shareholders—it answers to patients and providers. That freedom has allowed the company to move quickly, take calculated risks, and focus on long-term impact over short-term gains.
AI hearing technology is often overlooked compared to wearables like smartwatches or rings, but the ear is emerging as one of the most powerful access points for real-time health data. “The ear is the pathway to the brain,” Sawalich noted. “It’s where meaningful insights can happen—if you know how to listen.”
From shaping policy to expanding into new distribution channels, Starkey continues to lead with vision. But at its core, the mission remains deeply human: to connect people through better hearing and help them live fuller, healthier lives.
That mission became personal when Ford was recently fitted with Starkey’s Edge AI hearing aids. Experiencing the technology firsthand gave me a new perspective on what’s possible when innovation meets intention—conversations feel clearer, soundscapes feel richer, and staying connected feels effortless. It’s a powerful reminder that hearing well isn’t just about sound—it’s about living fully.
As Sawalich puts it, “Whatever you do, be passionate about it—and help others succeed along the way.”
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About Brandon Sawalich
Brandon Sawalich is the President and CEO of Starkey, the largest American-owned hearing aid manufacturer and a global leader in AI hearing technology. With more than three decades at the company, Brandon has helped drive Starkey’s transformation into a billion-dollar innovator in health-focused wearables. His leadership blends cutting-edge vision with purpose-driven culture, positioning the ear as the next frontier in connected health. Committed to both innovation and impact, Brandon continues to lead with a focus on excellence, agility, and service.
To learn more about Starkey’s breakthrough technology and mission to improve hearing health worldwide, visit Starkey.com.
