About Us

History

2009	Starkey launches S Series™ with Drive Architecture™, the revolutionary new line of hearing devices using multi-core, open architecture technology. S Series builds on already best-in-class features with a new feedback eliminator, noise system and telephone solution in addition to the T², which lets patients use their touch-tone phone as a remote control.
2008	Starkey launches BluWave™ Signal Processing (SP), which is similar to the operating system on a computer. In addition, Starkey launches the industry's most award-winning hearing device — Zōn — powered by BluWave SP and encompassing the most advanced features available.
2007	Starkey launches the Destiny 1600 model including a full line of open fit solutions enabling you to experience the most natural sound quality the industry has to offer.
2006	Starkey redefines the hearing solutions industry by introducing nFusion Technology with the release of its Destiny series hearing devices coupled with Inspire OS fitting software. Destiny is the first hearing device to utilize both nano and digital technology.
2004	Elton John's appearance and support of the 2004 "So The World May Hear" Awards Gala helps the Starkey Hearing Foundation raise a record $2.7 million during the event. Construction begins on the new William F. Austin Center. On December 13, 2004, the Starkey Hearing Research Center opens.
2003	Building on a continued commitment of patient-focused research and development, Starkey releases Genesis 4. Featuring an exclusive sound environment called Precision Audio Imaging, Axent II, Sequel, Endeavour and the newest member of the family, Arista, offer hearing impaired users superior levels of audibility, high fidelity and hearing comfort.
2002	The Starkey Hearing Alliance network is established. Industry leading hearing professionals team with Starkey to offer a unique blend of technology and patient care. Each affiliated practice shares a commitment to providing the most appropriate hearing solutions while providing "Better Hearing with a Human Touch."
2001	Starkey introduces the Genesis digital product family. Genesis quickly becomes the industry's most comprehensive product line with Axent hearing devices becoming the benchmark for advanced digital technology.
1999	Starkey enters the digital age with the release of the Cetera and Aries digital hearing systems. Both instruments take a research-based approach to amplification.
1996	Starkey releases Sequel Custom Programmable instruments. Building upon the success of the Sequel Series, Sequel Programmables greatly reduce distortion and offer advanced compression technology. The new Professional Fitting System is also released to allow for quick, accurate and easy instrument programming.
1995	Starkey headquarters receives ISO 9001 certification, meeting the most comprehensive quality standards for manufacturing, operations and documentation. To ensure compliance, the British Standards Institute annually audits Starkey's quality system. Starkey Germany, Canada, UK, France and Italy have also received ISO certification.
1993	The Tympanette is introduced, as Starkey designs a new instrument to fit entirely in the ear canal, providing enhanced cosmetic and acoustic benefits. Today, the Tympanette is the industry's smallest and most popular completely-in-the-canal instrument.
1989	Starkey purchases Omni Hearing Systems and Nu-Ear Electronics.
1986	Starkey releases the CE-7 series and the Earborne Headset, the world's first custom headset. Earborne incorporates a custom molded earpiece and a lightweight microphone.
1983	President Ronald Reagan gets fitted with Starkey INTRA hearing devices. The President's fitting encourages a wider acceptance of hearing devices among the general public, resulting in increased sales throughout the industry.
1982	Starkey releases the CE-5 series, the industry's first canal hearing devices.
1979	Austin decides outstanding patient service necessitates state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment. This philosophy leads to the development of the CHAT hearing device tester, the Tinnitus Research Audiometer and the Digital Drain Meter.
1978	The Starkey Fund is developed as a battery recycling program. Dispensers would send used batteries to Starkey for credit donated for helping needy people receive hearing assistance. The program evolves into the Starkey Hearing Foundation, a tax-exempt charitable organization.
1977	Austin feels that the hearing device industry could benefit from an image-enhancing, professional auditory educational package for consumers. In response, he creates the CARE program, a comprehensive series of booklets and videos that promotes the benefits of improved hearing.
1976	Starkey opens its first subsidiary in Manchester, England. Over the next five years, Starkey opens facilities in Toronto, Canada; Glencoe, Minnesota; Hamburg, Germany and Paris, France.
1975	With custom hearing device production growing so dramatically, Starkey outgrows its original facility and purchases a new building in nearby Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
1973	Starkey releases the CE-1, a custom in-the-ear hearing device with an industry first 90-day trial period and 1-year "Worry Free" warranty. Starkey releases variations of the first CE in the following years. Soon after, Starkey becomes the world's leading manufacturer of custom hearing devices.
1971	Austin purchases Starkey Laboratories, a small earmould company, from Harold Starkey. Austin merges Professional and Starkey, retaining the Starkey name.
1967	William Austin starts Professional hearing device Service, an all-make hearing instrument repair service in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. The company offers fixed repair charges—an industry first.