Starkey, a global leader in hearing innovation, today announced that Edge AI has been awarded ‘Tech Solution of the Year’ at the recent Health Magazine Awards, held under the esteemed patronage of H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mubarak Al Nahayan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence. The recognition highlights the product’s real-world impact across the Middle East and Africa, as it helps patients hear—and live—more confidently. The event was also attended by Dr. Thumbay Moideen, Founder and Publisher of Health Magazine.
The HEALTH Awards are a regionally respected platform that recognizes excellence and innovation across the healthcare ecosystem. Honorees are selected through a rigorous nomination and evaluation process that considers evidence of impact, quality and safety standards, leadership, and community outreach. The ceremony recognized 78 healthcare professionals across 60 competitive categories spanning patient care, scientific research, education, technology, and community impact, with more than 700 healthcare professionals in attendance.
“Being named ‘Tech Solution of the Year’ is an affirmation of our purpose,” said Giscard Bechara, Regional Director, Starkey Middle East & Africa. “Edge AI listens to more than sound—it learns preferences and adapts instantly. It keeps improving itself and gives the user the chance to adjust the sounds in challenging noisy environment. Edge AI helps with fall detection and balance support; it monitors your activity and encourages you to keep using the device. Starkey is leading with the better hearing and setting high standards. We believe in this and it’s something our patient deserve.”
Engineered to analyze acoustic scenes and user intent in real time, Edge AI automatically optimizes speech audibility while reducing listening effort in complex environments such as meetings, restaurants, and open offices. Beyond hearing performance, Edge AI-enabled devices support on-board motion sensing for fall detection and, on select models, in-ear balance assessment—extending care from communication to safety and mobility without additional wearables or clinic hardware. Patients and caregivers can further personalize their experience through intuitive app-based controls, remote fine-tuning, and health insights designed to encourage continuous, independent use.
“Edge AI, enables patients to follow conversations clearly, participate in work and social settings with greater confidence. The supportive application provides caregivers with peace of mind through proactive safety features and measurements. But we are not stopping there as our latest updates will address localization improvements of speech, improved durability and utilizing more Ai features to help with almost everything from better fits, auto sound adjustment, audio streaming among others to create a better experience for the patient,” added Giscard.
Edge AI is available through Starkey MEA’s authorized partner network. Market availability, compatible devices, and feature sets—including fall detection and balance assessment—may vary by country and require fitting by a licensed hearing care professional. Patients and caregivers can contact Starkey MEA partners to book a combined hearing and balance screening and to determine the most suitable configuration for individual needs.
