Starkey Cares and Special Olympics International have partnered to increase access to hearing health services worldwide for individuals with intellectual disabilities
Eden Prairie, Minnesota (June 6, 2022) – Starkey is thrilled to serve as the exclusive global supplier of
hearing instruments for the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® Healthy Hearing program at the 2022
Special Olympics USA Games. The games, which began June 5 and run through June 12, are being held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida, and unite more than 5,500 athletes and
coaches from all 50 states and the Caribbean. Starkey’s participation is a continuation of the global
partnership made with Special Olympics International earlier this year, which pledged to increase access
to hearing health services worldwide for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
“Starkey was founded on the principle of helping others,” said Starkey Owner and Chairman, Bill Austin.
“Through our Starkey Cares program, we’re proud to be a part of the Inclusion Revolution and support
Special Olympics athletes with the hearing health resources they need to connect to their world. Alone
we can’t do much. Together, we can change the world!”
In partnership with Special Olympics International, Starkey Cares is providing life-changing health
services and hearing instruments to Special Olympics athletes around the world and helping train
healthcare professionals to make healthy hearing more inclusive of people with intellectual disabilities.
At the 2022 USA Games, Starkey is providing comprehensive hearing screenings, follow-up
recommendations, and education on the importance of regular hearing screenings for athletes
participating in the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes Healthy Hearing program.
Special Olympics Healthy Hearing is one of eight disciplines within the Special Olympics Healthy
Athletes program, which provides health services and information to millions of people in need in more
than 130 countries. Through both the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles
(USA) and the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates),
Starkey and Special Olympics have delivered over 2,700 hearing screenings to athletes and nearly 500
personally fitted hearing instruments to date.
“Around the world, too many children and adults with intellectual disabilities aren’t able to get hearing
testing or other routine screenings,” said Dr. Alicia Bazzano, Chief of Health, Special Olympics
International. “In fact, during our testing, nearly a quarter of our athletes fail their hearing test, which
indicates possible hearing loss. Moreover, many of our athletes who are screened have problems getting
the follow-up care they so urgently need. Starkey Cares will help us level the playing field for people
with intellectual disabilities to improve their hearing health, get them the hearing aids and care they
need, and give our athletes more opportunities to be included and contribute to their communities.”
About Starkey
Starkey is a privately held, global hearing technology company headquartered in Eden Prairie,
Minnesota. Owned by Bill Austin since 1967, Starkey is known for its innovative design, development,
and distribution of comprehensive digital hearing systems. Led today by President and CEO Brandon
Sawalich, Starkey has more than 5,000 employees, operates 29 facilities and does business in more than
100 markets worldwide. Learn more at starkey.com.
About Special Olympics International
Founded in 1968, Special Olympics is a global movement to end discrimination against people with
intellectual disabilities. We foster acceptance of all people through the power of sport and programming
in education, health and leadership. With more than six million athletes and Special Olympics Unified
Sports® partners in over 190 countries and territories and more than one million coaches and
volunteers, Special Olympics delivers more than 30 Olympic-type sports and over 100,000 Games and
competitions every year.
