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- Background noise
- Quiet and TV
- Music Streaming
If you are looking for a custom-molded, in-the-ear hearing aid, Starkey is the undisputed leader.
Each new custom Starkey release quickly takes the lead, and Genesis AI is no exception.
The Starkey Genesis line of custom products was released in February 2023 and is already well reviewed by experts.
Four Sizes
Starkey offers four sizes of custom hearing aids, from their completely invisible hearing aid to a full shell product that comes with more power (more on that below).
Four Technology Levels
Once you've selected a hearing aid size you'll also be given the choice between four technology levels: 24, 20, 16, and 12. The top-end Starkey 24 technology level has all advertised features and 24 channels of customization while the budget option loses some features like Edge Mode and has only 12 channels. Read more about technology levels here.
About Starkey
Starkey is the 5th largest hearing aid manufacturer globally and the only major manufacturer based in the U.S. The Minnesota-based company has set itself apart by turning its hearing aids into full health tracking devices complete with fall detection, steps tracking, and an overall health score.
Think Fitbit meets hearing aids. Starkey hearing aids aren't just about health tracking, though; they also come with some of the industry's most powerful A.I. sound algorithms.
Pros
- Proven track record in custom-mold technique
- Bluetooth available in half-shell sizes
- Comfortable, invisible and out of the way
Cons
- Invisible options lose some features like rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth connection
- Ordering and repairs take longer for custom devices
- Requires multiple visits to a local doctor (compared to OTC and Telehealth)
Get started
This product is custom programmed by Soundly's local clinic network partner. Add your information and we'll get someone in touch with you to answer your questions and coordinate care in your area. Don't want to wait? Call 866-216-8797 to talk to someone now.
Get started
Soundly is an educational site and does not sell prescription hearing aids directly.
Instead, we research and connect you with care providers with the best reviews and prices.
To get custom Starkey Genesis AI hearing aids with local care, we recommend you work with ZipHearing.
ZipHearing represents a network of 600+ hearing professionals around the country and offers pre-negotiated pricing at 25%-40% below the national walk-in average for the same product.
Click the "find care" button above to be connected with a local clinic.
Using ZipHearing, you can access the same clinics found in the phonebook at a reduced rate due to the negotiating power of ZipHearing's thousands of customers.
If you have questions about your hearing health and want to talk to a doctor from home, we suggest you book time with Tuned. Tuned is a non-biased, 3rd-party group of audiologists that charge only for their time and can talk to you about any questions or needs you have, from tinnitus to hearing aids. Book with Tuned here.
Soundly is reader supported. We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.
Starkey is the fifth largest manufacturer of hearing aids globally. The brand's custom hearing aids are often compared to Phonak Virto, Oticon Own, and Signia Silk.
While there is a lot we could say about the nuanced differences between each product, Starkey is the clear leader on a few fronts.
Choose Your Size
Starkey's IIC and CIC devices are not Bluetooth enabled but the next step up in size (called ITC or half shell) is the Bluetooth enabled with fitness tracking.
Innovative Extra Features
Starkey Genesis AI is the most feature-rich hearing aid on the market. From AI sound processing to fitness tracking, rechargeable batteries for larger sizes, fall detection, and even real-time language translation, Starkey sets itself apart for anyone who wants the absolute smartest device. The downside is that all these features can be confusing for less tech-savvy customers.
U.S. Based
Starkey is the only major global manufacturer with headquarters in the U.S.
Starkey's custom hearing aids come in 4 sizes, from invisible to full-shell. The overall sound processing is the same throughout the line, but some technology like Bluetooth and rechargeable batteries is only available in larger sizes.
Genesis AI Invisible Hearing Aid (only available at the 2400 tech level)
- Tiny size makes it truly invisible,
- Uses a disposable size 10 battery
- Best for mild to moderately-severe hearing loss
- Does not allow Bluetooth streaming
- Allows remote programming after your first in-person visit
- Includes fitness tracking and personal assistant options
Genesis AI Completely In Canal Hearing Aid (available at all tech levels)
- Slightly larger than the entirely invisible style
- Uses a disposable size 10 or 312 battery
- Best for mild to moderately-severe hearing loss
- Does not allow Bluetooth streaming
- Includes fitness tracking and personal assistant options
Genesis AI Half Shell and Full Shell Hearing Aid (available at all tech levels)
- The larger size that fills half of the ear or the full ear
- Includes a rechargeable battery
- Best for mild to severe hearing loss
- Allows Bluetooth streaming and two-way phone audio
- Allows remote programming after your first in-person visit
- Includes fitness tracking and personal assistant options
Your care provider will assist you in making final decisions.
Care Model 👩
- Starkey Genesis AI is a prescription product only available at local clinics.
- All in-the-ear styles from Starkey are custom molded to your ear. An ear-mold impression will be taken at a local clinic and shipped to the manufacturer to match.
- Starkey Genesis AI hearing aids come with built-in Telehealth capabilities that allow your hearing provider to make updates remotely after an initial in-person fitting.
Sound Quality Notes 🎵
- Starkey hearing aids have a robust underlying sound design that prioritizes speech over noise.
- Starkey's Edge Mode uses AI to eliminate background noise and boost clarity. Edge Mode is now available in the top three technology levels (24, 20, and 16)
Aesthetics 💫
- Starkey Genesis AI offers a range of custom mold sizes, including one of the smallest invisible hearing aids on the market.
- Choose between six faceplate colors: Brown, Chestnut, Medium Brown, Pink, Light Brown, and Black.
Battery 🔋
- Starkey Genesis AI, custom hearing aids, come with either rechargeable batteries (for the two larger sizes) or disposable batteries (for the two smaller sizes).
- The rechargeable battery inside the larger custom devices lasts an impressive 36 hours on a single charge.
Connection 📡
- The largest three models of Starkey hearing aids connect to iPhone and Android
- The IIC and CIC styles do not allow Bluetooth streaming at this time
- iPhone devices allow hands-free calling (your phone stays in your pocket)
- Android devices stream phone calls into your ears but require you to keep your phone close to act as a microphone
Dexterity 🤏
- Invisible and completely-in-canal style Starkey hearing aids can be tough for people with dexterity challenges. Both devices use a tiny size 10 battery that needs to be updated every 5-7 days.
- The larger rechargeable options are much easier to handle and do not require disposable battery changes.
Waterproof level 💦
We are researching the answer to this question for Starkey's custom products.
App features 📱
The Starkey app is available for Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids in the custom lineup. Here are the highlights:
Day-to-day: Adjust hearing aid settings, stream calls, and find lost hearing aids with a variety of hearing control features.
Wellness: Accurately count steps, track engagement, and help achieve well-being goals.
Extras: Translate languages, set reminders, and take advantage of an array of features that make life easier.
Accessories 🎚️
- Starkey offers various accessories, from chargers to remote controls, TV streamers, and microphones.
- Talk to your hearing professional about your goals; they can help you choose the right accessories.
- Review the full line of Starkey accessories here.
"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
Starkey is a clear leader when it comes to custom-molded hearing aids. The products aren't cheap, but they have excellent quality and the best feature set in on the market.
Starkey Genesis AI hearing aids offer robust features, including daily steps tracking, conversation tracking, and fall detection. Starkey also allows live transcription of your conversations with opt-in so that you can review later. Each of Starkey's Genesis AI hearing aids allows remote program changes, so you don't need to go into the audiology office after your initial appointment.
The tech inside
Your Genesis AI hearing aids can make up to 80 million tiny adjustments per hour to make sure you hear what you want.
Genesis AI has Bluetooth streaming (included in CIC, full shell and half shell), rechargeable batteries (included in half shell and full shell), and the ability for an audiologist to make live remote adjustments (included in all sizes).
Starkey Genesis AI offers fitness tracking fall detection, an intuitive app that allows for on-the-fly adjustments and helps you find your hearing aids if they are ever lost. Starkey even offers live language translation and transcribes conversations.
Getting up close
Starkey custom hearing aids sit entirely inside the ears at various sizes based on your needs.
Starkey Genesis AI custom hearing aids allow you to choose from 6 different shell and body colors including brown, light brown, pink and black.
Overall notes:
Starkey Genesis AI is broadly considered the best for custom mold hearing aids. If you can afford the premium price, want a custom mold, and lead an active lifestyle, this product is a great choice.
