Cochlear implant manufacturers, Starkey and MED-EL, collaborate through DualSync partnership to boost Bluetooth connectivity for their users
In a monumental move for the hearing technology industry, global leaders Starkey and MED-EL have announced the launch of their joint venture, **DualSync**. This innovative bimodal streaming partnership aims to revolutionise the audio experience for individuals who use both hearing aids and cochlear implants[1][3].
Brandon Sawalich, President and CEO of Starkey, expressed his excitement, stating, "The partnership reflects our shared commitment to delivering excellence without exception, and is rooted in our dedication to patient-centric innovation in hearing technology." Dr. Ingeborg Hochmair, co-founder and CEO of MED-EL, added, "This collaboration delivers a global solution for bimodal users, offering effortless connectivity, clearer sound, and greater control in daily lives."
The collaboration between Starkey and MED-EL is geared towards broadening access to cutting-edge hearing technology, prioritising patient-centric advancements, and providing the latest technology to users worldwide[2][4]. The partnership is focused on delivering an ecosystem of devices that will be compatible with future innovations from both companies[5].
DualSync technology provides seamless audio connectivity and synchronized sound from compatible smartphones and media devices[3]. This solution is designed to empower users with more natural, connected hearing. The technology enables Apple technology to stream to compatible Starkey hearing aids and MED-EL cochlear implants[6].
Starting July 1, 2025, Starkey Edge AI and Genesis AI hearing aids, and MED-EL Sonnet 3, Sonnet 2, Sonnet, and Rondo 3 audio processors will be compatible for bimodal streaming[7]. The partnership underlines their commitment to personalized care in the hearing technology sector, offering a solution that caters to the unique needs of each user.
The Starkey and MED-EL partnership is driven by their collective focus on patient-first innovation, personalized care, and expanding access to advanced hearing technology. This collaboration is set to redefine the hearing technology landscape, offering a more connected and natural audio experience for millions of users worldwide.
- The collaboration between Starkey and MED-EL, known as DualSync, will extend to digital health and medical-conditions related to hearing, as they aim to provide an ecosystem of devices compatible with future innovations in science and technology.
- As part of their joint venture, Starkey and MED-EL will broaden access to their advanced hearing technology in the realm of health-and-wellness, allowing users to benefit from the latest digital hearing solutions, such as the Starkey Edge AI and Genesis AI hearing aids, and MED-EL cochlear implant audio processors.
- The combination of Starkey's hearing aids and MED-EL's cochlear implants, enabled by DualSync technology, will revolutionize the audio experience for users, making it more seamless and natural, especially in terms of femtech news and while using Apple technology.
