Starkey released a brand new family of hearing aids in late February of 2023. Starkey Genesis AI replaces Starkey's Evolv AI lineup which was intruduced just a year earlier. Genesis is re-built from the ground up in a home-makeover-style transformation.
Before we dig into what changed, here’s what stays the same.
- Starkey Genesis AI still comes with optional disposable or rechargeable batteries (now with longer life).
- Starkey Genesis AI is; still Bluetooth enabled for iPhone and Android devices with hands-free calling for iPhone. You will need to keep your phone close if you use an Android to pick up your voice. No changes here.
- Starkey Genesis AI will keep some important underlying technology, including the deep neural network that manages background noise and the incredibly popular edge mode. The deep neural network is now more powerful with the capability to make 80M adjustments per hour (mostly imperceptible of course).
So what is new with Starkey Genesis AI?
We’ll start with the new form factor.
The Genesis AI hearing aids have a completely new design compared to their predecessors, including both receiver and canal and custom models.
The receiver in canal version has a smoother exterior that I prefer to the ridges and corners in previous generations.
Genesis should also be smaller than previous generations due to the smaller components throughout. Overall, the exterior updates seem like a win.
Another major hardware update in Genesis is the battery life.
Genesis now boasts the longest-lasting rechargeable battery on the market, with up to 51 hours on a single charge.
The smaller Genesis mini RIC cuts down on battery size and still maintains 41 hours. Most people are fine with 20 hours, but this extra battery life could mean a weekend camping trip without a charge. That’s new.
Starkey’s larger in-the-ear devices are also available in rechargeable styles. Their in-the-ear style hearing boasts an impressive 36 hours as well.
At the moment, Starkey just took the lead in the battery department.
Let’s take a look under the hood. Starkey updated the chip inside their new hearing aids and made some big improvements to speed and capacity.
The Genesis AI hearing aids feature the smallest and fastest processor that Starkey has ever made, with 6X more transistors than past models.
This processor is critical to handling the AI inside Starkey devices. Starkey’s new Edge Mode+ cleans up audio in real-time with more advanced compression to reduce listening effort.
The powerful processor also enabled even more intelligent features within health tracking and the Starkey personal assistant.
If Tony Stark were picking a hearing aid, it seems like he would probably pick this one (and not just for the name).
Let’s talk about apps.
Starkey has sometimes been criticized for overly complex app controls. It appears they are starting fresh with a brand new Starkey App that puts the most-used features front and center.
The new app will also have new abilities to update hearing aid firmware and some helpful how-to videos. All welcome changes in my book.
Overall Pros and Cons
If you are looking for top-of-the-line hearing aids, Starkey is a safe choice. They are the 5th largest maker of hearing aids globally and the only major U.S.-based maker of hearing aids. Of course, their new Genesis hearing aids won't be for everyone.
👍 Starkey Genesis AI Pros
All-around premium hearing aid with Bluetooth connectivity, strong customization and quality sound.
Genesis now boasts the longest-lasting batteries on the market.
New faster processing and increased memory means Starkey can add in extra features like fitness tracking and transcription.
Available in a full family of products from invisible to receiver in canal. Appropriate for mild to severe hearing loss.
👎 Starkey Genesis AI Cons
Starkey Genesis AI requires a visit with a local doctor (not available through Telehealth or OTC).
Genesis AI will cost an average of $6,500/pair (we've found the devices for as low as $4,598/pair).
Some customers are overwhelmed by Starkey's additional features like fitness tracking and personal assistant.
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Starkey Genesis AI offers a completely new processing chip and and boosted processing capabilities. It's an impressive feat of engineering. Here are some of the technological highlights:
Important Features
- All technology levels allow streaming from iPhone and Android devices. iPhones enable hands-free calling, and Androids use the phone to capture your voice but send the audio through your devices.
- Genesis AI gives up to 51 hours on one charge, and a quick 7-minute recharge gives you an additional 3 hours. The battery power in this device is nothing short of impressive.
- Genesis AI has an onboard deep neural network that uses an enormous dataset to detect your sound setting and make instantaneous adjustments. The devices can make up to 8 million adjustments per hour.
- Genesis AI is Telehealth enabled after your first visit. The hearing aids have an onboard troubleshooting feature that lets your doctor detect tech issues remotely.
- Genesis AI offers some fun extras like language translation in 70 languages and a personal assistant who can offer reminders, fall detection, and step tracking.
2 hearing aids
Charger, or 1 year supply of batteries
Free appointments for the first year
3 year factory warranty
Face-to-face, in-person fitting and programming
"There's a lot to love."
"Starkey offers a range of hearing aids to accommodate different lifestyles, levels of hearing loss and budgets."
"Starkey is the Winner of the 2022 BIG Innovation Award for its groundbreaking technology."
What people are saying:
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The breakdown
If you've been a hearing aid wearer for long you'll know that new generations of hearing aids often come with minor updates. Genesis is a complete overhaul.
From the form factor to the app and processing power inside, Starkey went all-in with this new version of their product. If you are a Starkey fan, there's little doubt that this new version is good news. Is the latest tech in Genesis enough to win over new users?
That depends. We like this product for someone who wants hearing aids with superpowers. If you want something more straightforward (without fitness tracking and crazy long battery life), you might consider Jabra Enhance Select or Widex Moment Sheer.
The tech inside
You'll fine a full list of features in Starkey's Genesis AI above. Suffice it to say that this hearing aid is one of the most intelligent on the market. The tech inside Genesis comes from a new ultra-fast chip and increased hearing aid memory.
For day-to-day users this means you get fancy features like fitness tracking and clearer sound in tough listening situations with Edge Mode.
Getting up close
Starkey Genesis AI comes in seven colors: tech black, white, graphite grey, caramel, beige, chestnut, and silver. The new form factor is sleeker than the older Starkey Evolv, with fewer ridges and more of a minimal button set. Genesis tech is available in both behind-the-ear style hearing aids and in-the-ear hearing aids.
Overall notes:
Starkey Genesis AI has more tech than any other brand of hearing aid on the market. If you can afford the premium price and lead an active lifestyle, this product is a great choice.
Starkey is a solid receiver-in-canal hearing aid option. It is jam-packed with technology; any techy or tinkerer would love it.
Starkey is more than a hearing aid. It's also a smart device that helps track your physical activity and overall health.
