In the world of hearing aids, Starkey’s latest processing chip, the S1 Neuro Sound Processor, stands out as a game-changer. Not only does it deliver phenomenal sound quality and automatic AI-powered performance, but when combined with smart sensors, it also empowers wearers with a range of features designed to enhance overall hearing health and wellness.
The link between hearing well and improvements to social-emotional1, cognitive2 and physical3 wellness is well documented in scientific research; however, Starkey Genesis AI devices aim to go beyond simply rehabilitating hearing loss by integrating a variety of features specifically designed to improve wearer health and wellness.
So, sit back and pour yourself a refreshing glass of pineapple, spinach, and chia juice whilst this blog takes you through all the health and wellness benefits Genesis AI can provide wearers beyond improvements to hearing and speech understanding.
Health and activity monitoring from the ear
While smartwatches have gained popularity over the last decade, did you know that ears are better suited for health tracking than wrists? As early as 2015, Outside magazine highlighted this notion4. More recently, a 2020 scoping review of thirty-nine studies also concluded that in-ear sensors provide an innovative and unobtrusive way to monitor vitals during daily life and physical activity5.
The ear, composed mostly of cartilage, stands in contrast to the wrist—a combination of moving tendons, muscles, and bones. Placing a sensor in your ear yields a signal approximately one hundred times clearer and more stable than wrist measurements. This results in more reliable data, less prone to errors caused by physical movements.
Genesis AI: Accurate and Automatic Activity Tracking via the My Starkey App
Genesis AI leverages this concept, providing hearing aids that incorporate cutting-edge activity-tracking technology, which is stable and accurate. Genesis AI hearing aids can even distinguish between distinct types of activity; walking, running, biking, and aerobic activity automatically. The result? More accurate and consistent data, making it easier for wearers to set, monitor and achieve their fitness goals.
Results are easily accessible via the My Starkey App – the all-new central command centre for compatible Genesis AI hearing aids. At a glance, the My Starkey App provides a simple snapshot of your usage and interaction goals, however for those exercise enthusiasts looking for more information, the app also provides deeper insights, including graphical views of your hearing or activity progress by day, month, or year.
Fall Detection: A Caring Technology
Falls pose a significant concern for older adults and their caregivers. The consequences can be serious, which is why the market for fall detection and personal emergency response systems (PERS) is predicted to reach $5 billion by 20256.
However, existing systems have limitations:
- Wearable Pendants: Most systems require users to wear pendants around their necks. Unfortunately, many individuals either resist wearing them or forget to do so.
- Manual Activation: Similarly, most systems rely on manual activation. Users may forget or be physically unable to trigger the alert when needed.
Starkey Genesis AI once again leads the way
Starkey’s Genesis AI hearing aids revolutionize fall detection. By leveraging built-in 3D sensors, these hearing aids can automatically detect falls and send alert messages to predetermined family members or caregivers. Peace of mind is assured as help will be on its way promptly if a fall occurs.
At Starkey we call this feature “caring technology.” It not only supports hearing health but also contributes to the overall well-being of wearers, addressing physical safety, social-emotional connections, and cognitive health.
Robust Hearing Aids: Ready for Any Activity
When it comes to water and dust, Genesis AI hearing aids go beyond the ordinary. Thanks to the design and development of Pro8 HydraShield technology and Starkey’s rigorous test protocols, they exceed the industry standard Ingress Protection (IP) rating of 68. But what does that mean for your health and wellness?
Waterproof: Whether you are caught in a sudden rain shower or sweating it out during an intense workout, Genesis AI hearing aids won’t skip a beat. Dive into water activities worry-free, as these devices are designed to withstand submersion.
Dustproof: Dust and debris will not compromise your hearing experience. Genesis AI keeps out particles, ensuring optimal performance even in challenging environments. This means that you can immerse into your next activity without worrying about encountering dirt. Whether you are on the sandy beach, cleaning the garage, or digging a hole to plant a fruit tree, your Genesis AI hearing aids won’t be hindered, keeping you on the go, active and meeting your goals both big and small.
Need Motivation to get moving? Genesis AI Has You Covered with High-Quality Bluetooth Audio Streaming
If you are the type of person who needs a decent beat in order to get the blood pumping, you are not alone! Science shows that listening to music motivates people to exercise and provides ergogenic benefits, keeping you moving for longer7.
Genesis AI’s ability to stream directly8 from both Apple iOS and Android devices9 can power your next workout. Genesis AI also boasts an improved wireless range, working up to 40% further away from your smart device when streaming. which ensures clear and reliable streaming from any compatible device at greater range than before. Whether you are at the gym, in a Pilates class, or taking your dog for a walk, you will enjoy a clear, reliable signal in high-quality stereo sound.
Want to explore the future of hearing health and wellness?
Experience the future of hearing health and wellness with Starkey Genesis AI. Click here to find a hearing care professional near you.
[1] Timmer, B. H. B., Bennett, R. J., Montano, J., Hickson, L., Weinstein, B., Wild, J., … Dyre, L. (2023). Social-emotional well-being and adult hearing loss: clinical recommendations. International Journal of Audiology, 63(6), 381–392. [2] Sarant, J., Lemke, U., Giroud, N., Scherpiet, S., & Weinstein, B. (2023). Promoting hearing and cognitive health in audiologic rehabilitation for the well-being of older adults. International Journal of Audiology, 1–11. 9 [3] Holman JA, Hornsby BWY, Bess FH, Naylor G. Can listening-related fatigue influence well-being? Examining associations between hearing loss, fatigue, activity levels and well-being. Int J Audiol. 2021;60(sup2):47-59 [4] Frank (2015) Your Head Is Better for Sensors than Your Wrist, https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-gear/tools/your-head-better-sensors-your-wrist/. Retrieved 13th June, 2024. [5] Mase et al (2020) Hearables: New Perspectives and Pitfalls of In-Ear Devices for Physiological Monitoring. A Scoping Review. Front Physiol. 2020; 11: 568886 [6] Ballman, C. (2021) The Influence of Music Preference on Exercise Responses and Performance: A Review. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2021 Jun; 6(2): 33. [7] Wireless models only [8] Compatible Android models only. See https://www.starkey.com/hearing-aids/apps/my-starkey/compatibility for more information