In a world where hearing aids have often been associated with outdated, cumbersome designs, Brandon Sawalich, CEO of Starkey, is leading the charge to redefine the role of hearing technology. Through his dynamic leadership and a mission to remove the stigma associated with hearing aids, Sawalich is transforming not just the perception of hearing aids but also the broader landscape of hearing healthcare. In a conversation with Worth’s CEO Josh Kampel, he shared insights on Starkey’s journey, innovations, and his personal mission to make hearing aids an accepted and integrated part of people’s lives.
The Evolution of Hearing Technology
Starkey is widely recognized for its contributions to hearing technology, but Sawalich emphasizes that the company is far more than just a manufacturer of hearing aids. “We are a hearing technology company, and that technology is delivered in hearing aids and other forms for people to hear better and live better,” he explains. Over the years, Starkey’s advancements have revolutionized the hearing aid industry, with innovations far beyond the basic sound amplification devices of the past.
“When I started at Starkey in ’94,” Sawalich recalls, “a new technology was a new faceplate on a hearing aid. Fast forward 30 years later, and now we’re doing innovation in AI, deep neural networks, and what we’re doing with sound goes beyond just the scope of what you think of a normal hearing aid.” He highlights how modern hearing aids are equipped with cutting-edge technology, making them nearly invisible and filled with features such as noise management and artificial intelligence.
Reducing Stigma Through Education
One of the biggest challenges that Starkey faces, according to Sawalich, is combating the stigma attached to hearing aids. “When you think of hearing aids, you visualize somebody that’s old.” he says. Sawalich stresses that hearing aids should not be associated solely with age. Instead, he wants people to view them as performance devices, akin to eyeglasses.
The company has made significant strides toward changing this perception by educating both consumers and professionals. “I have seen the stigma get less over the last four to five years because of education, especially in media,” Sawalich notes. He hopes that this shift in public understanding will continue to grow, fueled by the integration of hearing aids into everyday life and the acceptance of other wireless audio devices like AirPods.
Hearing Technology as a Wellness Tool
Sawalich’s vision for hearing technology extends beyond just improving hearing; he sees it as an essential tool for overall well-being. “It’s not just about amplifying sound,” he explains. “It’s about overall health and wellness, especially someone’s mental health.” When individuals suffer from hearing loss, they often feel isolated, leading to loneliness, which can exacerbate mental health issues such as depression.
The company’s focus on “HearTech,” as Sawalich calls it, offers not just superior sound quality but also features that monitor overall health, such as heart rate and blood pressure.
Innovative Features and the Future of HearTech
For Starkey, innovation means pushing the boundaries of what hearing aids can do. “Innovation is a big buzzword,” Sawalich acknowledges, but for Starkey, it’s more than just a trend. Starkey’s hearing aids are now equipped with “healthable” features, including an AI assistant that provides real-time updates on the user’s health metrics and environmental conditions. Additionally, Starkey has integrated language translation capabilities into its devices, with the ability to translate up to 78 languages.
But Sawalich’s vision for Starkey doesn’t stop there. He believes that the ear can become the “new wrist,” akin to how smartwatches have become personal health assistants. “We’re putting things in hearing aids that haven’t been thought of that make them really personal assistants,” he shares. With features like voice-activated controls, real-time health tracking, and language translation, the future of Starkey’s hearing aids is a blend of health, convenience, and cutting-edge technology.
Purpose-Driven Leadership and Social Responsibility
At the core of Starkey’s mission is a commitment to social responsibility. “I’m a full believer in paying it forward in kindness,” says Sawalich, emphasizing the company’s foundational value of caring. This belief is exemplified through Starkey’s corporate initiatives, such as the Starkey Cares program, which provides hearing aids to people who cannot afford them. The company’s partnership with the Special Olympics is another testament to its mission, providing hearing aids to athletes around the world who struggle with hearing loss.
Sawalich attributes much of Starkey’s success to its deeply ingrained culture of compassion and service. “The company was founded on that purpose of helping somebody hear,” he reflects. The story of Starkey’s founder, Bill Austin, paying for a patient’s hearing aid out of his own pocket when the person couldn’t afford it, serves as a guiding principle for Sawalich and the company today. This dedication to purpose-driven leadership has shaped Starkey’s unique business model, which prioritizes the well-being of its patients above all else.
A Leadership Journey Built on Patience and Service
Sawalich’s own journey from an entry-level position at Starkey to CEO is a story of patience, hard work, and a commitment to service. Reflecting on his early years at Starkey, Sawalich shares, “I just did anything I could to help the team and learn more about the company.” His path wasn’t a linear one, and he credits his success to a mindset of serving others first.
For aspiring leaders, his advice is simple yet profound: “Be patient. Take initiative and do the little things because it’s the little things that matter.” He emphasizes the importance of leading oneself before leading others and encourages leaders to stay humble and committed to their purpose.
Brandon Sawalich’s leadership at Starkey has redefined the hearing aid industry by merging advanced technology with a mission of service. Through innovations like AI-driven HearTech, healthable features, and a commitment to reducing stigma, Starkey is empowering people to live better, more connected lives. Sawalich’s vision for the future of hearing technology goes beyond amplifying sound; it’s about creating an ecosystem where hearing aids enhance overall well-being and reconnect people to the world around them.
