Starkey hearing aid models, prices, and reviews
Starkey Edge AI: The Future of Hearing is Here, and I've Tested It
With the October 2024 release of the Starkey Edge AI, it’s hard to believe that Starkey is now on their fourth generation hearing aid that uses deep... 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
Leading AI-driven hearing aid
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
Jeff Hall
President at ZipHearing
Brad Ingrao
Editor & Doctor of Audiology
The Inside Scoop on Starkey Hearing Aids: What You Need to Know
Take a look at the full line of Starkey models, ranging from discreet in-ear models to fully featured receiver-in-canal models.
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 EdgeAI, which is the smallest DNN-powered hearing aid on the market.
Starkey: Pioneering Invisible Hearing Aids and Setting Industry Standards for Comfort, Discretion, and Customization.
A Leader in Custom Hearing Aids
Interested in custom molded, in-the-ear hearing aids? Your search should probably start and end with Starkey. The hearing aid behemoth actually got their start producing custom ear molds, so, custom products are sort of "their thing." In fact back in 2010, Starkey actually pioneered the first invisible-in-canal (IIC) hearing aid, introducing the brand new style that now all hearing aid manufacturers also produce.If IIC hearing aids aren't your cup of tea, Starkey has every other in-the-ear style hearing aid available, complete with in-demand features like Bluetooth and rechargeability. When it comes to in-the-ear, you can never go wrong with Starkey.
Proudly American: Starkey's commitment to U.S. manufacturing and innovation.
Proudly American
Starkey is proud to be the only major American-owned prescription hearing aid manufacturer that is based in the United States. This has endeard them to a domestic audience that takes pride in supporting American companies. It's also likely part of the reason that several U.S presidents have chosen Starkey for their hearing aids. Like most hearing aid manufacturers, some production is handled overseas, but Starkey still produces a large share of their hearing aids right at their headquarters in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
Starkey's comprehensive selection: hearing solutions tailored to your preferences and needs.
Diversity in Design and Functionality
A lot of hearing aid manufacturers have this annoying habit: they release a new hearing aid, and they only make it available in one style, a receiver-in-canal (RIC). When Starkey comes out with a new technology, they typically make it available in all styles, so a wider cohort of wearers can benefit from it. Case in point, Starkey's newest line, Edge AI, available in 6 different styles.This simplifies the product selection process for both hearing aid wearers and hearing care providers, and caters to virtually any user's preferences 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 Technology
Starkey will never be accused of not pushing the envelope when it comes to innovation. They were one of the first manufacturers to use AI technology in their hearing aids. Back in 2017 Starkey hired former Intel executive Achin Bhowmik, Ph.D., to spearhead their global hearing health technology and innovation.This resulted several innovation awards for their first AI-powered hearing aid which debuted in 2020. The hearing aid industry is currently experiencing somewhat of a technological revolution thanks in part to AI, and Starkey has been and continues to be at the forefront.
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
There's no denying, Starkey hearing aids check a lot of boxes, for a lot of people. But there's also no denying, they have some glaring shortcomings, especially in the area of Bluetooth. To be fair, most other hearing aid manufacturers do as well. Apple/iOS users can effortlessly pair their Starkey hearing aids to their devices and stream audio to their hearing aids. For Android users, it's a different story. Android users will often have to buy an additional accessory called the Mini Remote Microphone to enjoy all the Bluetooth functionalities.Furthermore, like most 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 is a privately held, US-based hearing aid company with humble beginnings, and they seem to have never lost that startup and customer-friendly mentality. Starkey never seems to forget who they work for, the wearers of their products first and foremost, and then their vast retail network. It's this focus on customer service that has earned Starkey probably the most diehard fanbase among hearing care providers, and keeps Starkey customers coming back for set after set of new hearing aids over the years. Are they perfect? No, but who is? They're a gutsy company willing to take the big swings to bring the most innovative solutions to their customers, and to that, we'll always tip our hats.
Based on pricing data published by HearingTracker.com
2024: Edge AI, Signature Series
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.
2024: Edge AI, Signature Series
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
Compared to other hearing aid manufacturers, it is actually quite easy to determine which Starkey model you should buy. This is due to the fact that when Starkey comes out with a new technology, they make it widely available in all of their various styles, and in a single family of hearing aids, so you don't have to sort through various generations of products to find exactly what you need. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule, so the guide below will help you sort through the models available.
For starters, the vast majority of people are going to want to buy their newest model, Edge AI. Edge AI came out in October 2024 and is Starkey's best and most popular model, and there's really something for everyone in Edge AI. Unless...
You want an IIC (invisible-in-canal) hearing aid, or a CIC (completely-in-canal) hearing aid, which is rechargeable (the CIC that is). In either of those cases, you'd want to look at the Signature Series model, which came out in March of 2024. Keep in mind, though, if you want an in-the-ear model with Bluetooth, you'd actually want to select one of the in-the-ear models from the Edge AI family, as Signature Series models do not have Bluetooth compatibility.
| Reviews | 10 reviews • 4 video reviews | 1 reviews • 0 video reviews |
| Sales popularity | 94.5% | 1.1% |
| Return rate | 22.4% | 47.6% |
| Released date | Oct 10, 2024 | Mar 19, 2024 |
| Hearing loss | Mild-Moderate | Mild-Moderate |
| Styles | CIC, ITC R, ITE R, RIC 312, mRIC R, RIC RT, CROS RIC RT | CIC NW R, CIC NW, IIC NW |
| Battery | Rechargeable or disposable | Rechargeable or disposable |
Starkey hearing aid reviews
Before buying Starkey hearing aids, you want to make a comprehensive assessment of what people are saying about their hearing aids. To do that, read what Starkey hearing providers are saying about their products (below), but also what users are saying about their latest generation of products (Edge AI), also linked below.
Our opinion of Starkey is as follows: If you want an in-the-ear model, Starkey is definitely the best option for you. If you have a high frequency hearing loss, and feedback (whistling) of hearing aids has been a problem you've had with hearing aids in the past, Starkey is definitely the best option. If you want a truly invisible-in-canal hearing aid, Starkey is definitely the best option. If you have a "run-of-the-mill" hearing loss and want a receiver-in-canal hearing aid (like most people do), Starkey is one of the best options, but it's hard to call it the best option right now, because there are newer models from other brands with expanded functionality beyond what Starkey RICs have to offer...but it all depends on your needs.
Overall, Starkey is an excellent brand, and we highly recommend their product. But, our best advice when choosing a hearing aid brand is to make sure it checks most of the boxes for your situation, and then find a local hearing care provider that you like (in that order), to make your final product selection, and perhaps try a few different products out, as that is really the only way to know which brand/product is going to be best for you.
Expert reviews
Read what a few of our favorite ZipHearing providers have to say about Starkey
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!
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 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
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.
User reviews
Watch and read what our hearing aid users have to say about Starkey.
Starkey hearing aid prices
Hearing aid price-tracking website HearingTracker, recently conducted a survey of hearing aid wearers and found that the average customer spends $5,348 for a pair of Starkey hearing aids. That's pretty much in line with the cost of the majority of prescription hearing aids available on the market. Now, that's the price you can expect to pay if you just phone up your local hearing care providers who sell Starkey.
Of course, there are certainly more affordable ways to buy Starkey hearing aids. 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. For most wearers, we wouldn't recommend this "no lifeguard on duty" approach to buying hearing aids.
Using a discount network: Discount networks offer a balance between lower prices and local support. Companies like ZipHearing will offer much more competitive prices on Starkey hearing aids, and will still refer you to a local Starkey affiliate with whom they have a relationship, who will provide you with the local care you need.
| Model | National Average Pair Price * | Our Discount | Available Styles | % of sales |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starkey Edge AI 24 | $6,478 | 36.7% | mRIC R, RIC RT, ITC R, CIC, RIC 312, CROS RIC RT, ITE R | 84% |
| Starkey Edge AI 20 | $5,302 | 28.4% | mRIC R, RIC RT, ITC R, CIC, RIC 312, CROS RIC RT, ITE R | 10.3% |
| Starkey Edge AI 16 | $4,126 | 22.5% | mRIC R, RIC RT, ITC R, CIC, RIC 312, CROS RIC RT, ITE R | 5.3% |
| Starkey Signature Series 24 | $7,766 | 36.9% | CIC NW R, IIC NW, CIC NW | 100% |
| 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 | 71.7% |
| 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 | 17.4% |
| 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 | 9% |
| 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 | 1.9% |
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