- Background noise
- Quiet and TV
- Music Streaming
Starkey's AI-Powered Flagship
Starkey launched its new flagship hearing aid platform, Edge AI, in late 2024. The release builds on Starkey’s reputation for pushing the boundaries of what hearing aids can do—blending assistive technology with smart-device features.
What's New?
Known for experimenting with innovations like fall detection and even live translation, Starkey now adds a self-guided balance assessment to its toolkit. But the biggest step forward is in how these hearing aids process sound.
At the heart of Edge AI is a rebuilt neuro-processing unit that uses deep neural network (DNN) technology to classify and optimize speech in real time. To access the new sound-processing capabilities, users can switch into Edge Mode+—the feature scans your environment and makes AI-powered updates to the soundscape.
Edge Mode+ applies more aggressive noise reduction, which can significantly improve hearing in loud environments. Some users online rave about the clarity this mode provides, while others feel it can sound a bit overproduced and prefer the more natural sound of Starkey's standard settings.
Styles and Fit Options
Edge AI is available in a range of styles, including:
- A mini receiver-in-canal (RIC) model for maximum discretion
- A larger RIC version with longer battery life (up to 51 hours per charge)
- A RIC with disposable 312 batteries
- Several in-ear options, including custom-molded styles that fit fully inside the ear
Highlights
- 🔋 Up to 51 hours of battery life
- 🧠 New health-tracking features, including a balance assessment
- 🎧 Always-on Edge Mode with optional Edge Plus for noisy environments
- 📶 Updated Bluetooth 5.3 with support for Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast
- 👂 Same discreet form factor as previous generations
- 🇺🇸 The only American-based manufacturer among the global “Big 5”
Who Is Edge AI Best For?
Starkey may be the smallest of the Big 5 hearing aid manufacturers, but it’s earned a loyal following among early adopters and tech-savvy users. If you're looking for professionally fit hearing aids with a full suite of smart features, Edge AI could be a strong match.
- All-around premium hearing aid with Bluetooth connectivity, strong customization and quality sound
- Edge AI boasts some of the longest-lasting batteries on the market
- Improved sound quality with always-on AI
- Available in a full family of products from invisible to receiver in canal. Appropriate for mild to severe hearing loss
- Starkey Edge AI requires a visit with a local doctor (not available through Telehealth or OTC)
- Starkey Edge AI costs an average of $6,500/pair
- Some customers are overwhelmed by Starkey's additional features like fitness tracking and self-assessments.
- Starkey Edge AI is a fully customizable, prescription hearing aid appropriate for mild-severe hearing loss
- If you have severe hearing loss, your care provider may fit you with a custom earmold to reduce feedback
- Starkey Edge AI is a prescription device fit and programmed by a professional
- After an initial fitting, you can connect with your care provider remotely through the Starkey app
- Starkey Edge AI uses a deep neural network to effectively manage background noise. Starkey's devices are capable of making 80M+ adjustments per hour to match your environment
- Edge Mode+ offers an additional boost in the toughest background noise situations
- Edge AI's receiver-in-canal models are very comfortable for all-day wear. Your care provider will help you choose an earmold style that promotes comfort and effectiveness
- Starkey Edge AI hearing aids sit behind the ear or inside-the-ear (read more on in-the-ear styles here)
- Edge AI shares the design and form-factor of the previous generation from Starkey, Genesis AI
- Choose between six faceplate colors: Brown, Chestnut, Medium Brown, Pink, Light Brown, and Black
- Starkey’s Edge AI RIC RT is currently the industry’s longest-lasting lithium-ion rechargeable battery with up to 51 hours on a single charge (without streaming)
- The battery life is shorter, but still impressive at up to 41 hours with their smaller mRIC R style
- Starkey offers a disposable battery version of their devices with a 312 battery (changed every 7-10 days)
- Edge AI supports Bluetooth streaming, music listening, and phone calls across all models. iPhone users can take calls hands-free, while most Android users need to keep their phone nearby to transmit their voice during calls.
- The hearing aids use Apple’s MFi protocol and Android’s ASHA to stream audio over Bluetooth. They also come equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, which makes them Auracast-ready for future shared audio experiences—once the technology becomes more widely available.
- Edge AI is reasonably easy to handle but does require the wearer to place the hearing aid behind their ear and insert the receiver into the ear (consistent across all behind-the-ear styles)
- Edge AI recharging case uses a non-traditional configuration which may take some getting used to
- Edge AI is water resistant with an IP rating of 68
- This hearing aid can withstand dust and water submersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes
- Remote care: available through the app with care provider coordination
- Customization: Edge Mode and adjustments in the app
- Tinnitus masking: programs can be created by your hearing healthcare provider
- Find my hearing aid: yes
- Health tracking: activity tracking
- Experimental features: Fall detection, live translation, self-guided balance assessment
Pricing
The national average price for Starkey Edge AI hearing aids is around $6,500 per pair.
Our research indicates that the best pricing and care packages are currently available through ZipHearing. ZipHearing offers a pair of Starkey Edge AI hearing aids with one year of unlimited care for $3,998 per pair.
Process
ZipHearing will match you with a local clinic near your zip code and pre-negotiate a lower price (typically 25% less than the national average).
Fill out the form on this page to get matched with a local clinic.
Our readers are consistently happy with ZipHearing's offering and give the company 97% 5-star ratings on Trustpilot.
Starkey comes in four technology levels. Around 70% of people choose the top-of-the-line Edge AI 24 while 20% choose Genesis AI 20. Here is a summary of differences in technology.
Edge AI 24
- Has 24 programming channels for more refined customization
- Offers 35dB wind noise reduction
- Offers 22 dB speech in noise reduction
- Offers all special features like Edge Mode, fitness tracking, tap control, translation, assistant, and transcription
Edge AI 20
- Has 20 programming channels for customization
- Offers 19dB wind noise reduction
- Offers 12 dB speech in noise reduction
- Does not offer tap control or translation but does offer Edge Mode, transcription and assistant
Edge AI 16
- Has 16 programming channels for customization
- Offers 10 dB wind noise reduction
- Offers 8 dB speech in noise reduction
- Does not offer transcription, tap control or translation but does offer Edge Mode and assistant
See the full feature breakdown from Starkey here.
Read our full guide to choosing a technology level here 👈
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Reviews for Older Starkey Products
