Starkey, the privately held hearing technology company from Eden Prairie, Minnesota, is pushing ahead of the competition once again with the introduction of Edge AI, an innovative hearing technology building on the success of its Genesis AI platform. As the name implies, Edge AI represents the next leap in neural processing on-device applied to hearing assistance, in a modern LE Audio platform already featuring Auracast broadcast streaming capabilities.
“Starkey remains the industry leader in innovation, continuing to introduce technology that has never been seen or heard before,” says Brandon Sawalich, President and CEO at Starkey. “We were the first to bring AI technology to the hearing industry and, last year, we redefined flagship technology with an all-new processor, new hearing experience, and new possibilities. Now, with the launch of Edge AI, the era of excellence continues at the speed of innovation. Our vision to be the best endures as we push the edge of what’s possible to bring better hearing for all.”
Starkey’s Edge AI introduces the G2 Neuro Processor, an advanced Neural Processing Unit (NPU) with improved Deep Neural Network (DNN) processing capabilities, that enables further personalization and complex processing adjustments for complex soundscapes, speech enhancement, and real-time noise reduction.
Available in different form-factors, Starkey’s Edge AI also ensures superior performance without compromising its industry-leading battery life. Edge AI integrates the Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio streaming, which uses less power and delivers the next-generation connectivity to support Auracast streaming.
“By far the most advanced integrated circuit in any hearing aid available, the G2 Neuro Processor features the industry’s only NPU fully integrated into the chip. This efficiency means that the waterproof Edge AI RIC RT can continue to offer patients up to 51 hours of battery life. Additionally, building on the foundation of the sound management system in the Neuro Sound Technology, the 2.0 edition enhanced with DNN processing is 30% more accurate at identifying speech compared to previous generations, appropriately classifies the most challenging listening situations like multi-talker babble, and significantly enhances the signal to noise ratio,” the company states.
“Building on the success of Genesis AI, Neuro Sound Technology 2.0 lets Starkey offer patients and providers the most innovative and best-sounding products in the industry,” adds Achin Bhowmik, Ph.D., Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President of Engineering. “With the industry’s only neural processing unit fully integrated into the chip, Edge AI is our most powerful noise management system.”
Next-Level Connectivity with Bluetooth LE Audio
Edge AI implements Bluetooth LE Audio connectivity, supporting a broader range of devices with fewer dropouts and enhanced performance, thanks also to its robust LC3 codec. LE Audio also features Auracast broadcast streaming, enabling users to connect to an expanded variety of audio sources seamlessly.
Starkey is also launching the new StarLink Edge TV Streamer, 60% smaller than previous versions. This transmitter uses LE Audio for high-fidelity streaming from televisions to LE Audio-enabled hearing aids like Edge AI.
Starkey has been leading the industry in incorporating overall health and wellness into the hearing aid. The company was a pioneer with integrated 3D sensors; counting steps; the first to track and encourage social engagement; and the first and only manufacturer with a fall detection and alert system integrated in hearing aids. Edge AI hearing aids also feature the world’s first and only use of integrated sensors to perform a self-guided balance assessment exercise, ensuring that patients already at an increased risk of falls are identified and managed before a fall becomes reality.
The My Starkey Mobile Application also continues to receive enhancements to make the user’s experience easier and support the new streaming capabilities. Included with Edge AI is Apple Watch support as an extension of the My Starkey app. Patients can adjust volume, programs, or control the Edge Mode+ settings, all from their wrist. The app also supports calls, reminders, helps users find lost aids, request TeleHear sessions, and more.
www.starkey.com
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