Starkey says it has completed a landmark week of support at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, delivering hearing healthcare and advanced hearing technology to athletes from across the United States.
Serving as a Gold Sponsor and the Official Hearing Health Partner for the event, the manufacturer mobilised more than 250 volunteers to assist with the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes Healthy Hearing programme.
Throughout the week-long event, Starkey team members worked alongside Special Olympics clinical staff to conduct comprehensive hearing screenings, deliver ear health services, and perform on-site hearing aid fittings. The initiative aimed to identify undetected hearing loss, ensuring competitors can communicate clearly with coaches, teammates, and families during competition and in their daily lives.
The programme provided hearing aids to every athlete identified as needing them, often marking their first access to professional audiology services.
Among those receiving support was Team Minnesota soccer player Kendra Busch, who was fitted with Starkey Omega AI hearing technology – before scoring her team’s opening goal of the tournament.
Brandon Sawalich, President and CEO of Starkey, emphasised the impact of the initiative.
“Technology has its greatest purpose when it empowers people to live fuller, more connected lives. That is why this sponsorship matters,” he said Brandon Sawalich.
“Through the Healthy Hearing programme, we are delivering more than hearing healthcare – we are helping athletes build confidence, strengthen connections, and participate more fully in every aspect of life.
“We are proud to bring Starkey’s innovation to Special Olympics athletes and help create opportunities for them to reach their full potential.”
The 2026 games represent a continuation of a 15-year relationship between Starkey and the Special Olympics, focused on improving global hearing health accessibility. In addition to clinical support, volunteers from the company hosted families at the event Activation Alley to assist with the broader delivery of the games.
Mr Sawalich added: “The determination, spirit, and resilience demonstrated by Special Olympics athletes inspire all of us.
“We are honoured to support these remarkable competitors and proud to partner with Special Olympics in helping more athletes experience the life-changing benefits of better hearing.”
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