Press room

Eden Prairie, Minnesota (September 16, 2021) – Starkey was proud to welcome U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota to its global corporate headquarters last week. During the visit, Senator Klobuchar toured Starkey’s technology center and manufacturing facilities. She was also debriefed on the hearing industry’s most innovative line of hearing aids, Evolv AI, which was released by Starkey earlier this month.

Klobuchar’s visit comes amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has proven, beyond a doubt, that hearing is essential. It also comes amid growing research that shows links between hearing loss and other health issues, like dementia.

“The current growth of the population aged 65 and older, driven by the large baby boom generation, is unprecedented in U.S. history,” said Starkey Chief Compliance Officer Michael Scholl. “Approximately one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss, yet the stigma of hearing aids and limited accessibility to quality hearing health care prevent too many from seeking treatment. At Starkey, we are on the frontlines of helping those with hearing loss at a pivotal time in our nation’s history.”

Earlier this year, President Joe Biden issued an executive order related to over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, which has raised interest about hearing devices nationwide. As the largest American-owned hearing aid manufacturer, Starkey leadership is taking action to ensure accurate information about hearing health care reaches the American public, including elected leaders. Efforts to prevent misinformation from harming those with hearing loss and guide informed legislative policies include regular meetings with members of Congress from both parties.

“I want to sincerely thank Senator Klobuchar for visiting Starkey headquarters and her interest in learning about the newest developments in hearing health care,” said Starkey President and CEO Brandon Sawalich. “We look forward to continuing to work closely with her and her colleagues in Washington, D.C. and sharing Starkey’s vast industry knowledge that has been acquired over more than five decades as a leader in hearing aid innovation.”

On Monday, September 20th at 4pm CT, Starkey will host a virtual town hall event, exploring the current status of OTC and Medicare expansion, as well as FDA regulations. Please click here to register.

For more information about Starkey, click here.

About Starkey
Starkey is a privately held, global hearing technology company headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Owned by Bill Austin since 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 has more than 5,000 employees, operates 28 facilities and does business in more than 100 markets worldwide. Learn more at starkey.com.