Press room

Eden Prairie, Minnesota (September 11, 2025) – Starkey is redefining what hearing aids can do with the world’s first balance assessment feature embedded directly into the device. In recognition of National Falls Prevention Awareness, Starkey is highlighting the critical link between hearing loss and increased fall risk and how advanced hearing technology can play a life-saving role.

“By embedding motion sensors and AI into our hearing aids, we’ve developed tools that extend well beyond traditional amplification,” said Sara Burdak, Au.D., Chief Audiology Officer and Executive Vice President of Product Strategy at Starkey. “These devices can assess balance, detect falls, and provide meaningful data that supports overall health. Because hearing loss is linked to both increased fall risk and accelerated cognitive decline, addressing these factors through advanced hearing technology allows clinicians to play a more proactive role in safeguarding patients’ long-term health and independence.”

The balance assessment feature is based on the CDC’s STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries) initiative. It includes a 12-question screening and functional assessments of gait, strength, and balance, all administered through the hearing aid. This innovation comes alongside Starkey’s industry-leading fall detection technology, pioneered to help address one of the most pressing health risks facing older adults today.

“Our goal has always been to transform hearing aids into health and wellness devices,” Burdak said. “With these innovations, we can help identify fall risk early, long before an emergency room visit.”

To learn more about Starkey’s falls prevention innovations, check out this video featuring Justin Burwinkel, Senior Research Audiologist at Starkey.

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.