With the Oscars shortlist revealed, it’s the start of awards season – and thanks to its Auracast-enabled Omega AI hearing aid, Starkey is among those celebrating.
The US-based company has received two honours in the 2026 BIG Innovation Awards.
Its President and CEO, Brandon Sawalich, has been named Overall Winner in the Individual category and Omega AI recognised as a BIG Innovation Award winner for product innovation.
The company says that these victories showcase its leadership in redefining hearing technology, and caps a year of “unprecedented innovation, business momentum, and global impact on hearing healthcare”.
The biggest event of Starkey’s year was the launch of the Omega AI in October. As we noted at the time, it said that the hearing aids can “intuitively detect speech, background noise, and motion around … and adjust accordingly with exceptional sound” even in challenging situations and without compromising on spatial awareness.
Starkey has been delighted with the launch, which included a large stand at the EUHA in Nuremberg where delegates could go hands-on with the aids and see them work, even when submerged under water.
“Innovation at Starkey means setting the standard for what hearing technology can achieve,” said Sawalich.
“Our leadership in AI, sound quality, and health and wellness capabilities is grounded in decades of experience and continues to drive the future of hearing healthcare.
“Omega AI reflects our commitment to lead the industry with technology that delivers real-world results and meaningful impact for people around the globe.”
Starkey says that under Sawalich’s leadership, it has consistently introduced industry-leading advancements that have expanded the role of hearing technology beyond amplification alone.
This includes integrating artificial intelligence, advanced sensors, Auracast, and health-focused capabilities directly into its products, something Starkey says has transformed hearing aids into powerful, multifunctional tools that support safety, wellness, and everyday performance.
Omega AI’s use of a deep neural network accelerator
The Omega AI is powered by Starkey’s next-generation processor and a deep neural network (DNN) accelerator, designed to continuously scan and adapt to complex listening environments, delivering exceptional sound clarity and seamless spatial awareness.
The hearing aid also has personal health monitoring features, including fall detection, balance assessment and builder, and real-time language translation across 78 languages through the My Starkey app.
Of his award, Brandon said: “To be recognised in this category of innovative individuals is an incredible honour, and I accept this on behalf of our industry-leading team that is redefining what’s possible and transforming lives with intelligent hearing technology.”
Presented by the Business Intelligence Group, the BIG Innovation Awards recognise organisations and individuals who are reshaping industries through bold ideas and measurable impact.
In addition to Starkey’s award, Phonak was presented with one for its Virto R Infinio hearing aid, which is not Auracast-enabled.
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