Starkey Omega AI
Starkey’s AI-Powered Flagship
Starkey launched its new flagship hearing aid platform, Omega AI, in late 2025. The release builds on Starkey’s reputation for pushing the boundaries of what hearing aids can do, blending traditional hearing technology with smart, connected features.
What’s new?
Starkey tends to release new hearing aids faster than most leading manufacturers, and Omega AI arrives just one year after Edge AI. From the outside, the two look nearly identical. The real changes are under the hood, with updates focused on sound processing and intelligent features.
- Omega AI introduces a new processing chip and expands how AI is used inside the device. Instead of only cleaning up sound, AI now helps steer the onboard directional microphones in real time, adapting more naturally to your environment.
- Starkey also used this launch to improve durability. The devices were already rated IP68, but they can now withstand even more moisture and exposure to the elements.
- One feature we especially love is the new AI smart assistant. You can access it through the app or with a simple tap on the hearing aids. It can change programs, adjust volume, or even set reminders, which then play directly through your hearing aids. It’s genuinely useful and surprisingly intuitive.
- Another standout feature is Edge Mode+. This is a situational tool you can activate in the app that scans your environment and creates a custom program on the spot. We’ve found it to be particularly helpful in the toughest listening environments, where standard programs sometimes fall short.
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, Omega AI should be on your shortlist.
- All-around premium hearing aid with Bluetooth connectivity, strong customization and quality sound
- Omega 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 Omega AI requires a visit with a local doctor (not available through Telehealth or OTC)
- Some customers are overwhelmed by Starkey's additional features like fitness tracking and self-assessments.
- Starkey Omega 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 Omega 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 offers some unique options for self-service adjustments through their app
- Starkey Omega AI uses advanced artificial intelligence and sound algorithms. 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
- Omega 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 Omega AI hearing aids sit behind the ear or inside-the-ear (read more about in-the-ear styles here)
- Omega AI shares the design and form-factor of the previous generation from Starkey, Genesis AI
- Choose between several faceplate colors: Beige, Silver, Grey, Tech Black, Chestnut, Caramel and White
- Starkey’s Omega 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)
- Omega 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.
- Omega 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)
- Omega AI recharging case is much easier to use than past generations and features a strong magnet to snap the devices in place
- Omega 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
- Omega AI now comes with even more durability including a tough-to-crack shell
- Remote care: available through the app with care provider coordination
- Customization: Omega 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, respatory tracking
- Experimental features: Fall detection, live translation, AI self-guided balance assessment
Pricing
The national average price for Starkey Omega 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 Omega AI 24 while 20% choose Omega AI 20. Here is a summary of differences in technology.
Omega 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
Omega 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
Omega 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
Read our full guide to choosing a technology level here 👈
