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Hearing loss is estimated to cost African economies $27.1 billion annually
Omega AI introduces DNN 360, described by Starkey as the world’s first deep neural network-powered directionality system for hearing aids
- PUBLISHED: Tue 13 Jan 2026, 9:11 PM
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A staggering 78 million people live with hearing loss today and 194 million are projected to have hearing problems by 2050, according to a report by the World Health Organization Eastern Mediterranean Region including GCC countries.
This includes over 2 million children aged 0–15 affected by disabling hearing loss requiring rehabilitation. In the World Health Organization African Region, it is projected that disabling hearing loss could rise to 97 million people by 2050, and failure to address hearing loss is estimated to cost African economies $27.1 billion annually.
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To address this growing challenge, Starkey has announced the Middle East and North Africa launch of Omega AI, its new flagship hearing aid platform. Omega AI introduces DNN 360, described by Starkey as the world’s first deep neural network-powered directionality system for hearing aids, designed to advance real-world speech clarity, durability, and “healthable” innovation in one integrated platform.
“When excellence drives every process; innovation, quality, service, and delivery - great things happen,” said Brandon Sawalich, President and CEO of Starkey. “Since being the first to introduce AI technology in hearing aids, Starkey has continued to set the speed of innovation for the industry. We are once again excited to push the boundaries of science and raise the bar of expectation for hearing professionals and their patients. Omega AI is an engineering feat only Starkey could accomplish, and it reflects our unwavering commitment to creating advanced technology that connects people back to their lives.”
Giscard Bechara, Regional Director, Starkey Middle East added, “Across the Middle East and Africa, the need for hearing solutions that perform in real-world noise, over long days, is growing quickly. Omega AI is built for that reality. It is designed to help clinicians deliver clearer speech understanding in complex environments, while supporting patients with technology that is dependable, durable, and increasingly connected to everyday wellbeing.”
According to Starkey, Omega AI’s DNN 360 delivers up to 28% improved speech intelligibility in challenging environments and up to an 8 dB signal-to-noise ratio improvement, while maintaining up to 51 hours of battery life and water resistance. The platform also features waterproofing tested by Starkey to last 10 times longer than previous coatings under tough conditions.
Omega AI introduces new LED indicator lights on select models to confirm power and Bluetooth connection at a glance. Starkey also notes the LEDs can function as a “find-my-hearing aid” tool, described as an industry-first feature.
Omega AI includes a new TeleHear AI, which Starkey describes as an industry-first feature that uses generative artificial intelligence to help patients resolve common hearing issues in real time, with 93% predictive accuracy. Through the My Starkey application, Omega AI also introduces Balance Builder and an automatic respiratory rate monitor, described by Starkey as an industry-first capability.
