Professional athlete Tyson Gillies gets candid about his hearing loss, why he trusts Starkey hearing aids, and how they held up during The Amazing Race Canada.
Jump to: Part 1 – Tyson on Hearing Loss | Part 2 – The Amazing Race + Edge AI
Part 1: Tyson on Hearing Loss and Owning His Journey
Prefer to read? We’ve polished the interview highlights below so you can skim and share with family.
Interview Highlights – Part 1
Q: What is your experience with wearing hearing aids?
Tyson: I’ve worn hearing aids since I was four. I rely on them every day. Technology keeps progressing and it’s been life changing, especially after moving to Starkey in 2012 and refitting in 2015. It’s night and day. I feel more comfortable and confident than I did as a kid.
Q: You fought wearing hearing aids as a child. When did that change?
Tyson: Owning my hearing loss was the turning point. Accepting that I need hearing aids to connect with people – and to tell my story – changed everything.
Q: How has hearing loss impacted your life?
Tyson: It gave me a chip on my shoulder in a good way. I want people to talk about my work ethic and passion – not my hearing loss.
Q: You put your hearing aids through the wringer, right?
Tyson: I’m active – hockey, baseball, snowboarding. New waterproof tech that can take a beating is a game changer. I lean on that to enjoy the next adventure.
Q: How did your hearing aids hold up on The Amazing Race Canada?
Tyson: First challenge was rappelling beside Niagara Falls – water everywhere – and there was no change in performance. Later, we flipped a kayak and I submerged. Came up and everything still worked perfectly. Seeing that evolution is surreal.
Q: Do you think about your hearing aids a lot?
Tyson: Not really. They’re part of my routine now, like putting on socks and shoes. It’s comfort.
Why this matters for active listeners: Between crowded rinks, windy trails, and splashy adventures, the right hearing tech keeps up. Starkey’s latest platforms deliver clarity in noise and next-gen connectivity like Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast for lower-power streaming and easier pairing in public places. Explore Starkey.
Start your own better-hearing story
Book a hearing test at Polo Park Hearing Centre. We’re local at CF Polo Park and can usually see you in about 3 weeks – big-box stores like Costco can take up to 6 months. Have questions about ringing or buzzing? Visit our Tinnitus Hub. Prefer to talk? Call (204) 788-1083.
Part 2: Tyson on The Amazing Race and Starkey’s Edge AI
Interview Highlights – Part 2
Q: What do you think of your Edge AI hearing aids?
Tyson: As soon as I put them on I noticed amplified surround sound. I don’t need to rely on vision as much – even with my head turned I feel confident the mics pick up like a frontal conversation.
Q: Has hearing aid sound quality changed over the years?
Tyson: It keeps blowing my mind. Streaming calls and music from my phone gives me ease and confidence – for family, business, and the next adventure. My love for music has taken off as streaming tech improved.
Q: Does your hearing loss impact your enjoyment of music?
Tyson: Music through my hearing aids – the bass and sharpness – feels next level. It beats a lot of headphones I’ve tried. I used to be insecure about movies and concerts. Now I love going – always hunting for the next DJ.
Q: Do you have a favorite feature in the My Starkey app?
Tyson: Language translation. I love travel and learning from different cultures. Being able to communicate across languages is amazing.
Q: Do you use the My Starkey health monitoring features?
Tyson: I track steps, heart rate, calories – always pushing myself whether it’s hikes, bike rides, or yoga.
Q: What do you say to people who are on the fence about getting hearing aids?
Tyson: I share my story. I was born legally deaf – nothing to take for granted. Time is what we’re racing. Why handicap ourselves from people, connection, and community?
Q: How would your life be different without hearing aids?
Tyson: I wouldn’t be the same Tyson. Maybe no reality TV, probably no pro sports. Everything has been a test – and this tech let me be present, build character, and live fully.
Ready to hear your life more clearly?
- Fast access – typical bookings in about 3 weeks, compared with up to 6 months at some big-box providers.
- Local & convenient – visit us at CF Polo Park.
- Customer Care Guarantee (CCG) – free cleanings and lifetime warranties. Learn more on our CCG page.
Book your hearing test, explore our Tinnitus Hub, or call (204) 788-1083. Curious about the tech? Visit Starkey.
