Starkey announced that it welcomed US 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 Evolv AI, which was released by Starkey earlier this month. 

Related article: Starkey CEO Writes Letter to Biden Addressing ‘OTC Law’

Klobuchar’s visit comes amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and amid growing research that shows a link 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 US 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. According to the company’s announcement, “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, Starkey says.

“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, DC 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 4 PM 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. 

Source: Starkey