Hear Better, Live Better: How Starkey Turns Hearing Aids into AI Wellness Tech | Brandon Sawalich

In this Winners Circle episode, host Russ Fordyce talks with Brandon Sawalich, President and CEO of Starkey and Innovation Award winner, about how a small basement startup founded in 1967 became a global leader in hearing health and AI powered technology. Brandon shares his journey from a 19 year old repair lab intern to CEO and why Starkey remains a caring technology company focused on helping people hear better and live better.You will hear how Starkey is transforming hearing aids from once stigmatized devices into advanced, multifunctional tools. Brandon explains how engineers pack hundreds of components into devices small enough to sit in the ear, including Bluetooth, rechargeable batteries, sensors, and powerful processors. These systems can separate speech from background noise, adapt in real time, and deliver a more natural listening experience.Brandon also discusses the growing global challenge of hearing loss, often described as a silent pandemic. While tens of millions of older adults are affected, younger generations are increasingly at risk due to earbuds and loud environments. He explains why Starkey treats hearing as a superpower and why early awareness and prevention matter.The conversation then turns to Starkey’s investment in artificial intelligence. Brandon shares how the company built deep neural network capabilities and introduced the Omega AI platform to better understand sound environments. These systems can prioritize important sounds and give users more control in complex listening situations.Beyond hearing, Starkey devices are becoming wellness companions. Features like fall detection and activity tracking can alert loved ones, while tools like translation and voice queries point toward a future where hearing technology acts as an everyday assistant.Chapters00:00 – Welcome and Starkey Origin StoryRuss introduces Brandon and Starkey’s journey from a 1960s basement startup to a global leader in hearing technology.02:20 – From Repair Lab Intern to CEOBrandon shares how starting in the repair lab shaped his leadership and customer perspective.05:19 – Staying Close to the CustomerWhy Brandon continues to engage directly with users and encourages teams to do the same.07:02 – Hearing as Superpower Not StigmaHow Starkey is changing the narrative around hearing loss in an aging and noisy world.08:01 – Redefining the Hearing AidPacking advanced technology into a small device that functions like a personalized hearing computer.11:06 – Betting Big on AIBuilding deep neural networks and shifting toward AI driven breakthroughs.13:25 – Deep Neural Networks and 3D HearingHow AI adapts to environments and improves clarity in real world situations.17:26 – Health Features and Fall DetectionTurning hearing devices into wellness tools that can detect falls and notify loved ones.19:35 – Voice, Translation, and What Comes NextExploring in ear assistance with voice queries and translation.20:40 – Balancing Innovation and CareManaging product releases to ensure features add real value.22:53 – Privately Held and Patient FirstHow Starkey prioritizes long term quality and mission driven decisions.24:28 – Philanthropy and CultureInside Starkey CARES and a culture built on hiring for attitude.27:47 – Early Signs of Hearing LossHow to recognize hearing challenges and take the first steps toward care.