In a world where connection is fundamental to human experience, the ability to hear plays a pivotal role in shaping our interactions, relationships, and well-being. Yet, for millions around the globe, hearing loss presents a barrier to fully participating in life’s diverse array of sounds. In the realm of healthcare, addressing this challenge with empathy, ingenuity, and dedication is where the journey of Tani Austin, Vice Chair at Starkey, begins.
Tani Austin embodies a legacy of passion and dedication to improving hearing healthcare globally. Inspired by her mother’s pioneering spirit in the industry, Tani has spent over 35 years dedicated to transforming lives through innovative solutions and compassionate care. At Starkey, she continues to champion the cause, aligning with the company’s vision of making hearing healthcare accessible to all.
Let’s explore the profound impact of hearing healthcare and follow Tani Austin’s journey in advancing accessibility, innovation, and compassion in the field!
A Legacy of Passion
Tani Austin’s journey in the hearing healthcare industry is more than just a career; it’s a legacy of passion passed down through generations. Inspired by her mother, who defied norms by owning her own hearing health clinic in the 1950s, Tani was immersed in the world of hearing aids from a young age. “She taught me about the industry and instilled this passion for helping others in me,” Tani reflects.
Her early experiences running her own hearing aid practice in Illinois solidified her dedication to the field. Tani found profound fulfillment in witnessing the transformative impact of hearing aids on her patients’ lives. “The immediate reaction you can see on a patient’s face when they are fit with hearing aids and can finally hear the world around them with ease is incredible,” she shares.
Tani’s contributions extend beyond clinical practice. From 1984 to 1993, she served as a practicum examiner for the Illinois Licensing Board, ensuring the highest standards of care and professionalism in the industry. Additionally, her role as Secretary of the Illinois Hearing Society and her involvement with the National Board of Certification in Hearing Sciences underscore her dedication to advancing the field on a broader scale.
However, it was her pivotal decision to join Starkey in the 1990s that allowed Tani to fully realize her vision of making a global impact. At Starkey, she found alignment with Bill Austin’s visionary ethos of “SO THE WORLD CAN HEAR.” “I knew our efforts of putting the patient first had the potential to change countless lives and, in turn, our whole world,” she affirms.
Tani’s time with Starkey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and compassion. Through innovative solutions and a steadfast commitment to patient care, she has helped shape Starkey’s reputation as a leader in the industry. “I’m proud of Starkey’s influence on the amount of care in our industry and the professionalism around the world to ensure people with hearing loss get the help they deserve,” she says.
In Tani Austin, the hearing healthcare industry has found not just a leader, but a compassionate advocate dedicated to empowering individuals and transforming lives one hearing aid at a time. As she continues to champion the cause, her legacy of passion and impact will endure for generations to come.
Starkey’s Mission and Vision
At Starkey, the mission is simple yet profound: to serve customers better than anyone else. This ethos traces back to the founding principles set by Bill Austin, who believed that everyone deserves the opportunity to hear better without compromise. “By offering the industry’s first 90-day, risk-free trial and pushing for custom solutions through decades of innovation, those core values he began his career with are still front and center at Starkey today,” Tani Austin affirms.
The company’s commitment goes beyond merely providing hearing technology; it’s about empowering individuals to reconnect with the world around them. Through cutting-edge technology and personalized solutions, Starkey aims to meet the unique needs of each customer. “From creating the best technology in our industry to empowering hearing health professionals around the world to serve their patients’ individual needs, we have created a global system of caring,” Tani states. This approach aligns with the broader goal of serving customers in a manner that transcends industry norms.
As Vice Chair, Tani Austin plays a pivotal role in advancing Starkey’s mission and goals. For her, it’s not just about providing access to hearing healthcare; it’s about embodying the company’s ethos of caring in every aspect of its operations. “Caring is at the heart of everything we do,” she emphasizes. Through initiatives like the Starkey Cares program, Starkey extends its impact beyond commercial success to serve local communities, veterans, and ultimately, the world.
In essence, Starkey’s mission and vision are rooted in the belief that hearing is fundamental to human connection and well-being. “We find our humanity through our hearing, and that has always been the Starkey way,” Tani reflects. Upholding principles of integrity, compassion, and quality service, Starkey continues to transform lives and foster a culture of caring that is both unique and profound, shaping a future where everyone has the opportunity to experience the joy of better hearing.
The Starkey Hearing Institute in Zambia
In 2016, Tani and Bill Austin established the Starkey Hearing Institute in Lusaka, Zambia, pioneering a community-based approach to hearing healthcare. This initiative focused on equipping communities with sustainable tools and knowledge for long-term care. By 2023, the program had graduated its 103rd student, extending its impact across 19 countries in Africa. Additionally, a partnership with the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines was formed to expand training opportunities. Looking forward, the Foundation aims to replicate its success in El Salvador by 2027, embodying Tani and Bill Austin’s vision for global hearing care access.
Accessible Hearing Healthcare
Starkey’s commitment to global accessibility in hearing healthcare is exemplified through strategic partnerships, notably with Special Olympics International since 2021. Through this collaboration, Starkey provides free hearing aids to athletes worldwide via its corporate social responsibility program, Starkey Cares.
This initiative is particularly significant in addressing the prevalence of hearing loss among people with disabilities, especially Special Olympics athletes, with 83% never having had a hearing test. By fitting athletes with hearing aids, including at events like the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Starkey enhances their participation in sports and quality of life.
Beyond mere provision, Starkey’s involvement fosters discussions about healthy hearing among coaches, parents, and caregivers, ensuring ongoing support. This holistic approach reflects Starkey’s dedication to lifelong improvements in hearing health and inclusion.
The impact of this partnership extends far beyond sports, embodying Starkey’s commitment to accessible hearing healthcare globally.
Empowering Women in Healthcare Technology and Accessibility
Tani Austin believes that women play a pivotal role in advancing health care technology and accessibility, particularly in the field of hearing health care. “Women are intuitive – we can pick up on a patient’s comfort level or a mother’s nerves when her child is being examined for the first time, and we are natural nurturers,” she asserts. With patient care being paramount, Tani emphasizes that women are uniquely equipped to ensure every emotion is addressed during the healthcare process. Furthermore, women tend to prioritize their own hearing health and advocate for their loved ones, thereby contributing to increased awareness and action in addressing hearing issues. Tani concludes, “Women are changing this industry and our world!”
Driving Innovation in Hearing Healthcare
Tani Austin envisions abundant opportunities for further innovation and growth in the medical device industry, particularly within hearing health care. “We are just getting started at Starkey!” she exclaims. The release of Starkey’s latest product, Genesis AI, represents a significant leap forward in hearing aid technology. Tani highlights its exceptional sound quality, which enables users to hear speech in noise with unprecedented clarity. Yet, Genesis AI transcends traditional hearing aids by incorporating additional functionalities. “More than a hearing device, it also tracks physical activity and can alert loved ones about how much someone is interacting with others,” Tani explains.
For Tani and her team, the journey is about more than just addressing hearing loss; it’s about recognizing the intricate connection between hearing health and overall wellness. “We are learning so much each day about how our hearing health is intricately tied with our overall health and wellness,” she reflects. By seamlessly integrating these aspects, Starkey aims to redefine the perception of hearing aids. “We hope one day people wear hearing aids simply because they want to experience the advanced features, not only because they need to address their hearing loss,” Tani envisions.
The possibilities for innovation in hearing healthcare are boundless, and Tani Austin remains at the forefront, driving forward the vision of a future where hearing aids enhance not just hearing, but life itself.
Inspiring Women in Leadership
Tani Austin’s journey and leadership at Starkey serve as a source of inspiration and empowerment for women in the medical device industry. “It’s all about visibility and showing young girls and women that they can make a difference,” she affirms. At Starkey, efforts to elevate female leaders are evident, with a strong presence of women on the executive team. Also, Tani engages with the community to advocate for women’s representation and participation in leadership roles. Through participation in philanthropic and industry events, she fosters connections with other female leaders in hearing health, sharing the vast potential of the industry to make a meaningful impact.
Looking ahead, Tani envisions a future where women play pivotal roles in shaping the medical device industry. “More than we’ve seen before, women are in leadership roles across industries, starting their own companies, and advocating for each other,” she observes. While acknowledging the progress made, Tani emphasizes the ongoing need for diversity and inclusivity in all sectors. She reflects on her mother’s pioneering spirit in starting her own business in the 1950s, driven by a purpose of caring. This legacy of purpose continues to inspire and propel female leaders, driving innovation and transformative technology in the medical device industry today.
Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders in Healthcare Innovation
To aspiring women leaders in healthcare, particularly in medical device innovation, Tani Austin offers invaluable guidance: “Never underestimate yourself! Embrace the butterfly effect, recognizing the profound impact even small acts can have. Build a supportive network of fellow women leaders, lean on them during challenging times, and boldly share your perspectives. Remember, women possess remarkable power and potential.” Tani’s words serve as a reminder that by harnessing this power, women can drive transformative change and leave an indelible mark on the world.
