Perhaps one of the most well-known hearing aid brands in the world, Starkey has been around for nearly half a century. With origins going back to 1967 as a hearing aid repair shop, Starkey has since blossomed into an innovative leader in hearing aid technology. In particular, the brand specifically focuses on helpful—and wellness—features like personal assisting and fitness tracking. Which means you can totally manage your iCal, engage with Siri, and work on your well-being.
Read on to get deeper insights on Starkey, including a brand overview, new tech and products, and how they compare to other offerings on the market.
Here’s the Intel on Starkey Hearing Aids
About Starkey
One fun fact about Starkey? This brand is the only (yep, it’s true) United States-based company in the top 5 hearing aid innovators. Moving on from their roots as a hearing aid repair shop, Starkey began to manufacture hearing devices in 1970 (plus, the brand was a pioneer in offering 90-day trial periods).
Fast forward to the 1980s and Starkey was on the map: Ronald Regan was spotted wearing their hearing aids during his tenure as president.
Starkey Hearing Aids and Latest Technology
Consumers can expect new technology innovations—and products—from Starkey every few years. For example, in late 2021 the brand released the Evolv AI line which blends a hearing aid with a digital assistant and health tracker. It’s like an Apple Watch but for your ears.
So, how exactly are these hearing aid devices like a fitness tracker? Well, the Evolv Al counts steps, sends meeting reminders, detects falls, and even transcribes conversations. And that’s not all: Evolv Al has a beta translation feature that can translate conversations in real time.
Starkey Evolv Al Offerings
Below, we’ll break down Evolv Al’s full line up. With a range of sizes and styles, take a look at the most common fit types Starkey offers.
Invisible In the Canal (smallest option)
- Small size makes it essentially invisible
- Uses a size 10 disposable battery
- Fitness tracking and virtual assistant features
- For mild to moderately-severe hearing loss
- Remote programming via audiologist (after an in-person visit)
- No Bluetooth capabilities
In Canal Hearing Aid (somewhat larger option)
- Larger than the invisible in the canal option
- Uses size 10 or 312 disposable battery
- For mild to moderately-severe hearing loss
- Bluetooth capabilities
- Fitness tracking and virtual assistant features
- Remote programming via audiologist (after an in-person visit)
- Two-way phone audio for iPhones
Evolv Al Full and Half Shell Hearing Aid
- Larger size fills the full ear or half ear
- Includes a rechargeable battery
- For mild to moderately-severe hearing loss
- Bluetooth capabilities
- Fitness tracking and virtual assistant features
- Remote programming via audiologist (after an in-person visit)
- Two-way phone audio for iPhones
Behind the Ear
- Bluetooth capabilities
- Includes a rechargeable battery
- Fitness tracking and virtual assistant features
- Capability for audiologist to make live remote adjustments
Technology Levels
Interested in any of the above models? You’re in luck, Starkey offers the models with four technology levels to suit your needs and lifestyle. Keep in mind, if you choose to go up a level with a hearing aid, the price will also increase. (Note: This price model can be a bit confusing, so review each level carefully.
Starkey technology levels:
Starkey Evolv AI 2400. Looking for a top-end option? This offering encapsulates fine precision in sound processing and programming. Evolv AI 2400 offers 24 programming channels, and this option includes robust sound processing capabilities. If your lifestyle includes spending time in groups—think, teaching, going to concerts, et cetera—and traveling the top-end level is right for you (and will be worth the cost).
Starkey Evolv AI 2000. Moving on to the second offer in the line, Evolv AI 2000 features 20 programming channels and comes with mid-level A.I. capabilities. Spend more time at home and in smaller groups? This product is just the ticket.
Starkey Evolv AI 1600. Next is the third option and Evolv AI 1600 has 16 programming channels. This product comes with most of the same mid-level capabilities as the 2000 model with slightly less customization.
Starkey Evolv AI 1200. Last but not least, Evolv Al 1200 comes with 12 programming channels. However, this level misses several features like directionality and wind noise management. If you tend to work from home and spend more time in one-on-one settings, then this product is a good fit.
Curious? If you’re intrigued and want to know more, check out this detailed Starkey Evolv AI review from Dr. Cliff Olson.
Purchasing Starkey Hearing Aids
Ready to purchase a set of Starkey hearing aids? The brand is only sold through an audiologist. Below, here are the available purchasing options for Starkey.
1. Find a local audiologist on Google or Yelp.
Discover local providers with good reviews in your immediate area that match your hearing health goals. From there, schedule an appointment and meet with the professional. What can you expect from an audiologist intake visit? The audiologist will guide you through every step which includes an intake, hearing test, and product recommendations. As for pricing, you can expect to pay around $5,000-$7,000 for a pair of Starkey Evolv AI hearing aids (and you will not know the price until the end of the process). A word of advice: Call your audiologist prior to the meeting to inquire if they work with Starkey products or not.
2. Get a pre-negotiated price via a network.
Looking to save on hearing aid costs? Many national network care providers can offer lower prices at typically 25 to 40 percent cheaper. While these networks often work with medical providers and clinics you can find online, but will lower the cost before your initial visit. Want to compare pricing? Check out this link.
Starkey Hearing Aid Prices
Similar to other brands like Phonak, Oticon, and Signia, Starkey prices are in the same range. That being said, when you speak with an audiologist directly, they will typically quote between $5,000 and $7,5000 for a pair (based on the technology level).
Want to know more about pre-negotiated prices? Check out a sample across Starkey Evolv AI technology levels below.
Starkey Eolv AI 2400 Price Per Pair - $4,598
Starkey Evolv AI 2000 Price Per Pair - $3,598
Starkey Evolv AI 1600 Price Per Pair - 2,998
Starkey Reviews
Good news, Starkey reviews rate high, and their latest products on Hearing Tracker score 4.8/5. We combed through some product reviews, and the feedback was nothing less than stellar. However, we did encounter some complaints about the app’s user experience and intricacy. Knowing this bit of feedback, we suggest asking your audiologist to walk you through the app.
I couldn't be happier with my Evolv hearing aids. It's great to understand people and the T.V. again.
John, OK
The hearing aids are great. Easy to use…with excellent sound quality. First time with rechargeable hearing aids…found it hassle-free. The devices pick up higher ranges much more clearly than my prior devices.
Keith, SD
This is my 4th set of hearing aids and I can say these are the best ones I've had.
Mike
Starkey vs. Oticon, Starkey, Phonak, Widex, and Signia
There are five large companies manufacturing the majority of hearing aids on the market. To boot, the brands all offer comparable levels of technology at similar prices.
Essentially, compare hearing aid pricing to buying a car. Just like most cars come from a few major auto retailers, hearing aids are also largely designed and sold by a few big brands. Think of Phonak, Widex, and Starkey as the BMW, Ford, and Jeep of hearing aid sellers and technology. And just like cars come in all shapes, sizes, and upgrades, major hearing aid brands have similar levels, sizes, plus bells and whistles.
In conclusion, hearing aids come in a range of technology that increase in price (much like a car). So while a car might have more expensive features like touch screens and Bluetooth capability, a hearing aid has other deluxe features (aka, robust sound processing and more).
So—what makes Starkey different from other competitors? Take a look:
- Starkey is made in the United States.
- Starkey stands out in custom molded products, where other brands cannot compare and do not pack-in nearly as much technology. This includes Bluetooth, rechargeable batteries, and other innovations.
- Starkey offers a berth of assistant and fitness services.
Ready to get started? If you’re in line with a premium price, want custom features, and need a product that elevates your lifestyle, Starkey products are simply a great fit.
