Press room

Eden Prairie, Minnesota (May 8, 2023) – A recent study published in the American Journal of Audiology shows self-reported prevalence of bothersome tinnitus in the U.S. Army is at 17%, substantially higher than that of the general population, which is around 6.6%. In observance of Military Appreciation Month and Better Hearing Month, the most recent episode of Starkey Sound Bites takes a closer look with guest Dr. Brandon Rawlings. Dr. Rawlings is an audiologist, an active member of the U.S. Army Reserves, and on staff at Starkey.

“Unfortunately, these numbers don’t surprise me,” said Dr. Rawlings. “I have seen this firsthand at the VA and as an audiologist in the U.S. Army. For all the soldiers that are being deployed and coming back from deployment, hearing is a critical part of their job function. Hearing tests are mandatory, and at times we had up to 500 people coming in per day for hearing tests. So many of them reported tinnitus. The good news is, our new product, Genesis AI, includes important improvements that can help mask tinnitus and provide relief.” 

As the only American-owned hearing aid manufacturer, Starkey is proud to share that its award-winning, all-new, completely reimagined hearing technology, Genesis AI, is now available through the Veterans Affairs Administration, Department of Defense and other federal agencies. Genesis AI pushes the edge of what’s possible and features an all-new processor, all-new sound, all-new industrial design, all-new fitting software, and all-new patient experience. Designed for durability, Genesis AI standard products are waterproof (up to 1m) and feature the longest lasting rechargeable battery.

To listen to the full interview with Dr. Rawlings, visit StarkeySoundBites.com or find the episode wherever you get your podcasts.

About Starkey

Starkey is a privately held, global hearing technology company headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Founded by Bill Austin in 1967, Starkey is known for its innovative design, development and distribution of comprehensive digital hearing systems. Led today by President and CEO Brandon Sawalich, Starkey is the only American-owned provider of hearing technologies. The company has more than 5,000 employees, operates 29 facilities and does business in more than 100 markets worldwide. Learn more at starkey.com.