Starkey hearing aid models, prices, and reviews
The sound barrier has been broken
Released by Starkey on March 28, 2023, Genesis AI is Starkey’s newest, most complete line of hearing aids suitable for all hearing losses. Genesi... READ MORE
Say hello to the next big thing in better hearing
Released by Starkey on March 19, 2024, Starkey Signature Series is Starkey’s newest and best line of custom in-the-ear hearing aids. The Signatur... READ MORE
Starkey’s most exceptional sound yet
As of February 28, 2023, Evolv AI is a slightly outdated model. If you're interested in Evolv AI, we'd recommend checking out the next generation mode... READ MORE
Jeff Hall
President at ZipHearing
Brad Ingrao
Editor & Doctor of Audiology
The Inside Scoop on Starkey Hearing Aids: What You Need to Know
Starkey, unique as the only American company in the top six global hearing aid brands, stands out for its innovative products and its distinction as the choice of several U.S. presidents since its founding in 1970.
Key Takeaways
- Starkey hearing aid prices range from $2000-$7,000 for the pair, and the costs vary based on the model, style, technology level, service package included (if any), and retailer.
- There are several ways to buy Starkey aids, but Starkey recommends purchasing from an in-person retailer, as buying from a remote-care provider could result in purchasing an ineffective hearing instrument for your loss, or worse, damaging your hearing further.
- Starkey’s best hearing aid is the Starkey Genesis AI, and wearers praise it for a clear and crisp sound quality, and a user-friendly MyStarkey app.
Starkey: Pioneering Invisible Hearing Aids and Setting Industry Standards for Comfort, Discretion, and Customization.
A Leader in Custom Hearing Aids
Starkey has long been at the forefront of innovation in the hearing aid industry, particularly noted for being the first company to introduce invisible-in-canal models. This pioneering development revolutionized the market, setting new standards for both discretion and comfort in hearing aids. Most recently, Starkey became the first manufacturer to offer a completely-in-canal style rechargeable model, with their Signature Series hearing aids.Most hearing care providers today recognize Starkey as the leading manufacturer in custom hearing aid solutions, a reputation solidified by their continuous commitment to advanced technology and understanding of individual needs. Their range of in-ear styles, catering to various hearing losses and cosmetic preferences, reflects this dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction.
Proudly American: Starkey's commitment to U.S. manufacturing and innovation.
Proudly American
Starkey, the only major American-owned prescription hearing aid manufacturer, proudly emphasizes its commitment to American manufacturing, with a substantial portion of its products being made in the U.S. This has endeared the brand to a domestic audience, particularly those who take pride in supporting American companies and jobs.Established in Minnesota in 1970, Starkey stands out among the top global hearing aid brands for its focus on customization and advanced technology integration. Its reputation for quality and innovation has made it the choice of several U.S. presidents, solidifying its position in the industry as a proud American brand.
Starkey's comprehensive selection: hearing solutions tailored to your preferences and needs.
Diversity in Design and Functionality
Starkey offers a wide selection that caters to various preferences, including discreet in-the-ear models and powerful behind-the-ear devices. The brand also provides options like rechargeable or disposable batteries, telecoils, and CROS compatibility.In a consumer-friendly move, Starkey consolidates this variety of products within a single model line, Genesis AI, simplifying the selection process and catering to virtually any user's preference or needs within the same product family.
Revolutionizing hearing: Starkey's AI-powered Edge Mode delivers precision and customization for enhanced listening.
Intelligent Hearing with AI-Powered Edge Mode
Starkey takes hearing aids into the realm of AI with its innovative Edge Mode, a feature that enables on-demand sound optimization, providing enhanced clarity and comfort in various listening environments.Whether you're grappling with the challenges of face masks or ambient noise, activating Edge Mode allows for real-time, situation-specific adjustments, showcasing how this kind of granular control is a game-changer in adapting to different auditory scenarios and elevating your hearing experience to a new level of precision and customization.
Starkey hearing aids excel in many aspects but face Bluetooth connectivity limitations, requiring Android users to use an additional accessory and restricting all users to pairing with one device at a time.
Room for Improvement
While Starkey checks many boxes, it does have some shortcomings, especially in the area of Bluetooth connectivity. Though iOS users can effortlessly connect their devices, Android users may require an additional accessory called the Mini Remote Microphone to enjoy all functionalities.Furthermore, like other brands, Starkey hearing aids can only pair with one device at a time, which can make the Bluetooth experience cumbersome for those juggling multiple gadgets.
Conclusion
Starkey distinguishes itself through its custom solutions, American roots, and technological innovations. While it does have some limitations in Bluetooth connectivity, the brand stands as a strong choice for those who prioritize customization, American manufacturing, and state-of-the-art features.
Based on pricing data published by HearingTracker.com
2023: Genesis AI
2021: Evolv AI
2020: Livio Edge AI
2018: Livio, Livio AI
Not sure which model you have? Check your user guide, or call the Starkey provider who sold the devices to you.
Pairing Instructions
1. Make sure that your phone's Bluetooth is on. Go to Settings > Bluetooth, and make sure the toggle switch is set to On.
2. Open and close the battery doors on your hearing device. Or, if you use rechargeable Starkey hearing aids, switch the hearing aids off and on again, by pressing and holding the toggle button for 3 seconds to turn them off, and repeating to turn them back on.
3. On your Apple device, go to Settings > Accessibility > Hearing, and select Hearing Devices.
4. Your Apple device will search for your hearing device.
5. Under MFi Hearing Devices, tap the name of your hearing device.
6. Tap Pair when you see the pairing request on the screen. If you have two hearing devices, you'll get two requests. Pairing could take up to a minute.
7. You can start using your hearing device when you see it under MFi Hearing Devices with a check mark.
2023: Genesis AI
2021: Evolv AI
2020: Livio Edge AI
2018: Livio, Livio AI
Please note that not all Android devices can directly stream to Starkey hearing aids. Check compatibility
Pairing Instructions
1. Go to the Android phone’s home screen and tap on the “Settings” icon.
2. In the settings menu, tap on the Bluetooth icon.
3. Tap on the slider button to turn Bluetooth on.
4. Open the battery doors of your Starkey hearing aids for 5 seconds and then close them. If you use rechargeable Starkey hearing aids, switch the hearing aids off and on again, by pressing and holding the toggle button on the hearing aid for 3 seconds to turn the hearing aid off, and repeating to turn it back on.
4. The hearing aids that are available to pair will now appear in the Available Devices list.
5. Select only one hearing aid, and wait 30 seconds.
6. After 30 seconds has elapsed, select the second hearing aid.
1. Wait 30 seconds, and both hearing aids will be paired to your Android device.
Starkey hearing aid models compared
Understanding the variety of Starkey hearing aid models can be challenging for those not familiar with hearing aids. To simplify the process, it's helpful to know that Starkey currently offers four models. These include in-the-ear styles, powerful behind-the-ear designs, and the widely favored receiver-in-canal (RIC) models.
To narrow down your choices, it's a good idea to ignore the older models because they're not as relevant anymore. That leaves you with just two model to consider, Starkey Genesis AI, and Starkey Signature Series.
To decide between those two models, first determine whether you want an in-the-ear, or receiver-in-canal style hearing aid. When selecting the right style, you’ll want to consider the severity of your hearing loss, your dexterity, and your cosmetic preferences. If you’re not sure which style you prefer, this comparison video showcasing different hearing aid styles might be helpful. The receiver-in-canal are much more popular, and in that case, you'd want to select a model from the Starkey Genesis AI family of hearing aids. If you want an in-the-ear model, you'll want to choose from the Signature Series line of hearing aids, with the exception being if you want an in-the-ear model with Bluetooth, in which case you'd want to select one of the in-the-ear models from the Genesis AI family, as Signature Series models do not have Bluetooth compatibility.
While the chart below provides a high-level comparison of Starkey models, your local Starkey provider is also a valuable resource. They can assist in determining the most suitable model for your specific needs and situation.
| Reviews | 31 reviews • 3 video reviews | 0 reviews • 0 video reviews |
| Sales popularity | 32.9% | 0.2% |
| Return rate | 21.2% | 0% |
| Released date | Mar 28, 2023 | Mar 19, 2024 |
| Hearing loss | Mild-Profound | Mild-Moderate |
| Styles | IIC NW, CIC NW, ITC R, ITE R, mRIC R, RIC RT, CROS RIC, RIC 312, CIC | CIC NW R, CIC NW, IIC NW |
| Battery | Rechargeable or disposable | Rechargeable or disposable |
Starkey hearing aid reviews
Finding reliable Starkey hearing aid reviews can prove challenging. While the internet is flooded with review sites, a closer examination reveals numerous shortcomings. Many of these reviews are authored by individuals lacking expertise in the hearing aid industry, and a substantial portion are essentially affiliate marketing content, offering minimal substantive evaluation.
Our mission is to elevate the quality of online reviews. To achieve this, we collaborate with seasoned Starkey experts who possess an in-depth familiarity with Starkey products due to their daily interactions with the models. These professionals provide comprehensive assessments, elucidating the advantages and drawbacks of Starkey hearing aids.
Our website takes pride in being an unparalleled resource for authentic Starkey reviews. We feature an extensive collection of firsthand user experiences, surpassing other online platforms in scope and depth. For detailed insights on a specific model, visit the model's dedicated page, where you'll find a wealth of video and written reviews contributed by actual users. Additionally, when available, we offer a concise AI-generated summary at the top of the model’s page, providing a quick and efficient means to grasp the product's strengths and weaknesses through the lens of real Starkey users.
Expert reviews
Read what a few of our favorite ZipHearing providers have to say about Starkey
What I like
Starkey hearing aids are made in Minneapolis Minnesota. Over the years Starkey has been one of the hearing aid manufacturers who has consistently created some of the best hearing aids on the market. The work Starkey has done in creating their hearing aids has given them a very prestigious honor of holding more patents on their hearing aids then their competitors. Starkey believes hearing aids are not just hearing aids but health devices. With the release of Livio AI Starkey introduced motion sensors and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. This helps the user to hear better and live better by enabling them to track physical activity and social engagement. Livio AI was the first hearing aid capable of automatic fall detection and text alerts to trusted contacts. Now with the release of the next generation of Livio Edge AI the hearing aids have even better benefits to the hearing aid user. When using the aids daily the Livio Edge AI continuously monitors the acoustic environment. This onboard learning technology dynamically applies appropriate levels of hearing to the user. Livio Edge AI has a “Edge Mode” that allows the hearing aid user to automatically access alternative settings to optimize comfort and clarity. Starkey Livio Edge AI allows the patient to optimize speech audibility in challenging listening environments. When looking for a hearing aid Starkey is at the pinnacle of innovation and technology.
What needs improving
No hearing aid is perfect, they all have their little bugs. One thing about Starkey hearing aids is they give a lot of high tone recovery. High tone recovery is the frequencies of 2,000 through 8,000. This poses a problem for some men and women who do not like their hearing aids to recover those frequencies. This would mean you have to spend more time working with the patient to get the sound quality they would like out of their hearing aids. The domes for fitting the hearing aids don’t work as well as other manufacturers; this can be a problem with some users.
What I like
Starkey has been doing some really incredible things lately. They’ve been able to pack an insane amount of technology - from fall sensors, to activity tracking, to literal (and incredibly accurate) artificial intelligence, to nearly real-time language translation - all connected to a growing number of compatible smartphones (not JUST iPhone). In other words, if you are looking for technology and an all-in-one (rechargeable) device, Starkey Livio Edge AI and Starkey’s accompanying Thrive App is the way to go - 10/10. Aside from the technology factor, Starkey has always been my go-to for the smallest, most powerful custom IIC’s (Invisible-In-the-Canal) and rechargeable custom hearing aids - Starkey makes it happen successfully and consistently!
What needs improving
Since there is SO much tech on-board, sometimes it is a distraction and people sometimes get “lost” in the technology. These days the ‘hearing correction’ function is so accurate and consistent, it is largely unnecessary to make any on-the-fly adjustments, however, when you have the option to control so much, it can be tempting to “over use” the adjustment features in the app.
What I like
I have been fitting hearing devices for over 30 years. Starkey is my go to as they have amazing noise reduction and strong feedback suppression. I especially appreciate the Artificial Intelligence features with Genesis. The unique AI features with the premium level include a fall detector, voice assistant, translate function, and Edge mode. Starkey makes great fitting custom devices too. The new My Starkey app is very flexible and useful. The streaming signal is very good if the phone isn't in a pocket or purse. The customer service is awesome when we do run into a problem with a device. That being said, I believe no one brand of hearing aid works best for every patient so it is important to have a line of brands to work with depending on an individual's needs.
What needs improving
I can’t imagine what they’d be able to improve at this point. Genesis is such a step up from any other technology I have used!
User reviews
Watch and read what our hearing aid users have to say about Starkey.
Starkey hearing aid prices
The price of Starkey hearing aids varies greatly, ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 each, depending on where and how you buy them. Here's a simplified explanation of your options:
Buying online (direct-to-consumer): If you have a recent hearing test, you can send the results to online retailers who sell Starkey hearing aids. They'll program and mail the hearing aids to you. Some offer remote programming for future adjustments. This is usually the cheapest option initially, but be cautious as Starkey does not endorse retailers selling without an in-person consultation.
Purchasing from a local Starkey provider: Buying directly from a local distributor can be more expensive. For instance, the Starkey Genesis AI 24 model averages $7,416 for a pair. However, the higher cost often includes several years of follow-up service at no extra charge. To explore this option, use this tool on Starkey’s website to locate nearby providers and arrange a consultation.
Using a discount network: For experienced hearing aid buyers, discount networks offer a balance between lower prices and local support. Companies like ZipHearing can offer competitive Starkey Genesis AI prices, and refer you to a local Starkey affiliate who they work with to service their customers, potentially saving you up to 50% off retail prices.
| Model | National Average Pair Price * | Our Discount | Available Styles | % of sales |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starkey Genesis AI 24 | $7,666 | 37.4% | mRIC R, RIC RT, ITC R, IIC NW, CIC, RIC 312, CROS RIC, CIC NW, ITE R | 72.6% |
| Starkey Genesis AI 20 | $6,570 | 42.2% | mRIC R, RIC RT, ITC R, IIC NW, CIC, RIC 312, CROS RIC, CIC NW, ITE R | 17.9% |
| Starkey Genesis AI 16 | $5,476 | 41.6% | mRIC R, RIC RT, ITC R, IIC NW, CIC, RIC 312, CROS RIC, CIC NW, ITE R | 8.6% |
| Starkey Genesis AI 12 | $4,500 | 37.8% | mRIC R, RIC RT, ITC R, IIC NW, CIC, RIC 312, CROS RIC, CIC NW, ITE R | 1% |
| Starkey Signature Series 24 | $7,766 | 36.9% | IIC NW, CIC NW R, CIC NW | 100% |
| Starkey Evolv AI 2400 | $7,666 | 40% | RIC R, ITC R, CIC, RIC 312, IIC NW, CIC NW, ITE R, BTE 13, RIC R CROS, micro RIC 312, BTE R, Power Plus BTE 13, RIC 312 CROS, BTE 13 CROS | 64.2% |
| Starkey Evolv AI 2000 | $6,570 | 42.2% | RIC R, ITC R, CIC, RIC 312, IIC NW, CIC NW, ITE R, BTE 13, RIC R CROS, micro RIC 312, BTE R, Power Plus BTE 13, RIC 312 CROS, BTE 13 CROS | 17.2% |
| Starkey Evolv AI 1600 | $5,476 | 41.6% | RIC R, ITC R, CIC, RIC 312, IIC NW, CIC NW, ITE R, BTE 13, RIC R CROS, micro RIC 312, BTE R, Power Plus BTE 13, RIC 312 CROS, BTE 13 CROS | 14.9% |
| Starkey Evolv AI 1200 | $4,500 | 37.8% | RIC R, ITC R, CIC, RIC 312, IIC NW, CIC NW, ITE R, BTE 13, RIC R CROS, micro RIC 312, BTE R, Power Plus BTE 13, RIC 312 CROS, BTE 13 CROS | 3.2% |
| Starkey Evolv AI 1000 | $3,068 | 21.8% | RIC R, ITC R, CIC, RIC 312, IIC NW, CIC NW, ITE R, BTE 13, RIC R CROS, micro RIC 312, BTE R, Power Plus BTE 13, RIC 312 CROS, BTE 13 CROS | 0.3% |
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