< Program

Technology Update Session

Session 1A
Go Behind the Scenes: A New Beginning with Starkey's Next-Generation Technology
Michelle L. Hicks, PhD, Starkey 

Starkey's next-generation technology is engineered with more power, intuitive controls and signal-processing features that are grounded in research. This course will review the evidence supporting this new platform and demonstrate how this innovative technology is backed by science. As hearing technology is transformed by machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), and embedded sensors, clinical research can demonstrate how these advanced features can be optimized to enhance hearing performance and communication and address real patient needs and deliver meaningful patient benefit. From traditional technologies like directional microphones and telecoils to advanced AI-based features like Edge Mode, patients can experience improved sound quality, reduced listening effort and improved performance in noise. Learn about the research and validation testing that ensures that patients can successfully experience the power of this next-generation technology.

Michelle Hicks, PhD, Vice President of Education and Audiology, leads the Clinical and Audiology Research team at Starkey. She received her Ph.D. in Speech and Hearing Science in 1997 from Arizona State University.  For the past 20 years, Dr. Hicks has held positions in clinical, academic, and industry settings. She has taught courses in Amplification, Pediatric Audiology, Psychoacoustics, Anatomy and Physiology, and Research Methodology, has numerous publications, and has presented at state, national, and international conferences on topics including Hearing Science, Amplification, and Tinnitus.