Starkey Omega AI feat. Brandon Sawalich and Dr. Dave Fabry

Hearing Matters Podcast

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18d ago 45:31

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Want to know what “better hearing in noise” actually sounds like when AI, sensors, and human care work in sync? We bring together Starkey’s president and CEO, Brandon Sawalich, and Chief Hearing Health Officer, Dr. Dave Fabry, for a candid look at Starkey Omega AI—why it exists, what changed from Edge AI, and how it turns hearing aids into confident, 360-degree listening tools without sidelining professionals.
We dig into DNN 360 and how deep neural networks now blend noise management with directionality and low-latency binaural processing to deliver measurable gains in speech understanding. Dave explains the role of IMU sensors in tracking movement and intent—think following a walking companion at your side—while Brandon shares how being privately held enables a patient-first pace of innovation. TeleHear AI adds timely support: when a clinic visit isn’t possible, users can describe the problem, get smart on-device adjustments, compare results, and keep what works, with changes reported back to their clinician. It’s an example of “friendly AI” that saves time, lifts outcomes, and preserves the provider-patient bond.
We also talk access and ethics. From fall detection offered across tiers to StarkeyCares and Hear Now, the team argues that safety and dignity shouldn’t be premium features. Data logging grows from hours-worn into environment-aware insights that inform personalization, reduce returns, and drive satisfaction. And for clinicians worried about being replaced, the takeaway is clear: the irreplaceable value is knowing the person behind the audiogram, translating powerful tech into the two or three features that matter most to that life.
If you care about hearing technology, clinical excellence, health equity, and where AI is truly useful, this conversation maps the road ahead—fast, human, and focused on outcomes. Subscribe, share with a colleague who still thinks “adaptive directionality” is enough, and leave a quick review telling us which Omega AI feature you want to try first.

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Chapters

1. Welcome, Partners, and Purpose (00:00:00)

2. Why Starkey Stays Fearless (00:01:00)

3. From Buzzword to Bedside: AI’s Turn (00:03:20)

4. Empowering Pros, Not Replacing Them (00:05:30)

5. Friendly AI and Human Factors (00:08:20)

6. Health Links and Wellness Features (00:10:20)

7. Lessons from Livio to Omega (00:12:10)

8. Omega AI: 360 Sound and Feel (00:15:15)

9. TeleHear AI: Help When It Matters (00:17:55)

10. Features that Stick: Falls, Balance, Translate (00:19:55)

11. Spatial Awareness and Binaural Brains (00:23:29)

12. DNN 360, Sensors, and SNR Gains (00:26:29)

13. Equity, Access, and Tier Choices (00:29:29)

14. Ethics, Guardrails, and The Pro’s Role (00:31:29)

15. Adapting Practice for Faster Tech (00:33:49)

16. Why Top Edge AI? Because Better (00:35:49)

219 episodes

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