Audibel Hearing Aids: Audiologist Review of Products, Services, Performance, and Pricing

Audibel is a network of hearing aid retail centers that is part of Starkey, a privately owned company that is one of the “Big 5” global hearing aid manufacturers. Starkey is the only American-owned "Big 5” hearing aid company and a world leader in hearing aid technology. It develops and manufactures innovative hearing solutions and has a presence in 100+ global markets.

Starkey owns numerous hearing aid brands, including the Starkey-labeled products Audibel, NuEar, and Microtech. It also makes hearing aids for private labels, such as AGX hearing aids. Starkey sells the hearing aids it manufactures only through professional sales channels, including company-owned/operated retail centers like Audibel and other retail brands, such as Starkey HearCare, iHear, NuEar, and New Sound Hearing Centers. However, Starkey is the only global manufacturer that doesn't offer its hearing aid technology through Costco.

Under the Audibel umbrella of retail stores, you may also find stores in your area under the names of U.S. Hearing Aid Centers and U.S. Hearing Solutions. The company noted to HearingTracker that Starkey/Audibel products may be found at 70+ differently named stores. Overall, the Audibel brand includes 1,000+ corporately-owned and independently-owned stores and a network of 3,700+ professionals.

While Audibel hearing aid and store branding may be confusing, it does mean that if you purchase an Audibel product, odds are you will have no trouble finding someone locally to service the hearing aids when needed.

What Hearing Aids Does Audibel Offer?

Starkey private labels their products for Audibel and offers hearing aids to fit most types and degrees of hearing loss. However, you may find that some Audibel stores simply sell the Starkey-branded products instead. This may be a simple preference of the hearing care provider or because third-party networks provide a benefit for Starkey products. For example, some Medicare Advantage plans that have hearing aid benefits and may list Starkey products as an option as opposed to Audibel.

Audibel notes that stores can sell other hearing aid manufacturers’ hearing aids if that is what the customer requests and it is the best fit for the person. However, you’ll likely find that Audibel has a hearing aid that will suit your needs.

Below, we detail Audibel’s current hearing aid offerings.

VITALITY AI

Audibel’s newest product, VITALITY^AI, was introduced in the fall of 2024 and is available in Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) and custom products. Based upon Starkey’s flagship product, EDGE^AI, it offers an advanced processing chip featuring the company’s newest Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology.

VITALITY^AI RICs are available in rechargeable models or with a standard hearing aid battery. In-ear custom products are rechargeable except for the smallest Completely-In-Canal (CIC) model. The products come in a wide array of colors to match your preferences or skin and hair color.

VITALITY^AI is available in 3 different technology levels. You can think of this as a “good, better, best” system where features and price are increased as you move up levels. You have the choice of “Premium” (24), “Advanced” (20), or “Select” (16). The numbers reflect the number of channels—areas within the frequency response of the hearing aid that allow for processing and control. The more channels, the more discreet control over the sound processing.

However, keep in mind that a large number of channels doesn’t necessarily mean better hearing. In general, once you reach about 9-12 channels, adding more becomes less significant. Be sure to discuss your options and which product(s) best match your hearing loss and listening needs.

Starkey was one of the first companies to introduce AI into hearing aids, and EDGE^AI is their 7th generation of AI product. This new “G2 Neuro Processor” incorporates a type of processing called “Deep Neural Network” (DNN) technology that allows for advanced sound processing across hundreds of different listening environments.

As with most advanced hearing aids, the goal is to analyze your listening situation, apply amplification features to improve speech clarity while, at the same time, minimizing background noise. This DNN is designed to mimic how a person with normal hearing would interpret sound, and overall, EDGE^AI (VITALITY^AI) does a good job of amplifying in most situations. It received a HearingTracker overall score of 4.6—placing it in the top 20% of all products tested to date in the HearAdvisor lab.

VITALITY^AI hearing aids incorporate numerous other features, including the latest Bluetooth^® LE wireless functionality, which allows for hands-free calling with compatible phones and audio streaming. The hearing aids further include directional microphones (most models) and the highest levels of waterproofing (IP68).

Motion sensors are also employed in VITALITY^AI, which tells the audio processor when you are in motion, like moving your head, walking, or running. This information then allows the chip to further determine the best sound settings for that environment. In addition, when using the My Audibel smartphone app, those motion sensors can be used to track activity, provide fall alerts to loved ones, and even provide a balance assessment.

HearingTracker provides a comprehensive look at this technology on our Starkey EDGE^AI product review.

Signature Series-Enhanced

The Audibel Signature Series-Enhanced hearing aids are all small, custom, non-wireless devices. They are offered in 3 different models, including what Starkey/Audibel claims to be the “world’s smallest custom rechargeable hearing aid.” Though the rechargeable is considered a CIC hearing aid, they also offer an even smaller CIC that utilizes a standard, disposable battery, and an Invisible-In-Canal (IIC), which also uses a standard, disposable battery.

These small custom products are available for those who want a hearing aid that is as cosmetically appealing as possible—that is, you prefer they not be seen. However, your hearing provider may also recommend a small custom product if you have dexterity issues and find other hearing aids like RICs more challenging to place on/in your ear. This is especially true of the models that utilize a rechargeable battery, making the need to change small, disposable batteries a non-issue.

The CIC styles are offered in the same 3 different technology levels as the VITALITY^AI products—Premium, Advanced, and Select. However, the IIC appears to only be available in the highest technology tier, or Premium. Again, you’ll find that numerous color options are available to match skin-tone and to help “hide” the hearing aids within your ear canals.

According to the company, these hearing aids can fit a wide range of hearing losses from mild to severe-to-profound. However, keep in mind that with more severe hearing losses, it can be difficult for this style of hearing aid to match your prescribed hearing loss target without the hearing aids feeding back (think microphone squelch).

Audibel's Signature Series-Enhanced uses the same chip as Starkey's previous-generation GENESIS^AI family, meaning they are no longer the newest technology sold by the company—although they still represent advanced hearing technology (GENESIS^AI was launched in February 2023). The “Enhanced” description refers to the automated Edge Mode+ as well as features that include transient noise reduction, wind and machine noise reduction, and music enhancements. The Signature series further offers an Ingress Protection (IP) rating of IP68+ on its rechargeable CIC and tinnitus features in the top-two technology tiers.

Note that the Enhanced Edge Mode+ is not available in IIC and only in the top two tech tiers of the other Signature Series products. According to Starkey, Edge Mode+ utilizes AI to choose the best hearing aid settings according to the listening environment. With some products (but not all non-wireless products), the wearer has further control of Edge Mode+ via the My Audibel app, allowing the wearer to adjust the processing to “enhance speech or reduce noise.” However, with the non-wireless products, this is only possible via a push button (CIC only) or an optional remote control.

The small size of the Signature Series means that you can’t have access to all of the technology that Audibel products offer. That is, there simply isn’t room for Bluetooth, directional microphones, and in some products, even a push button to control the hearing aid. Not having wireless functionality means that there won’t be direct connectivity to phones or other Bluetooth wireless devices, including the My Audibel smartphone app. Regardless, the hearing aids process sound automatically, and many people may find those controls aren’t necessary.

INTRIGUE AI

As with Signature-Enhanced products, INTRIGUE^AI uses Starkey’s GENESIS^AI chip platform (introduced February 2023). But as we've pointed out in our review of Starkey, the differences between feature sets in INTRIGUE^AI (EDGE^AI) and the premium VITALITY^AI (GENESIS^AI) product families are not huge. VITALITY^AI does not have "Always-on DNN" (but still has Edge Mode+), the very latest Bluetooth LE, and the self-guided balance assessment. However, it has almost everything else you could want in a premium hearing aid.

For example, INTRIGUE^AI includes AI, DNN, Edge Mode+, motion sensors that help adjust the parameters of the hearing aid, Bluetooth connectivity, and tinnitus features. In other words, like the Signature Series-Enhanced, we'd still consider this a premium prescription hearing aid; it’s simply not the latest technology offered by Audibel/Starkey.

INTRIGUE^AI hearing aids are available in numerous styles including 3 different RIC models (2 rechargeable and 1 using a standard disposable 312 battery).

Custom options are also available with rechargeable In-the-Ear (ITE) and canal (ITC) hearing aids, as well as a CIC option which uses a standard hearing aid battery. Interestingly, the INTRIGUE^AI does not appear to be available in an IIC, while the newer VITALITY^AI does have that option.

Another difference is that the INTRIGUE^AI is available in 4 different technology levels compared to only 3 with the VITALITY^AI. Tech level options are 24 (highest level), 20, 16, and 12 (lowest technology level). This means that you’ll have a wide choice of INTRIGUE^AI hearing aids to fit your hearing loss, lifestyle, and preferences.

Comparing Performance: INTRIGUE AI vs VITALITY AI

The Starkey GENESIS^AI, which the INTRIGUE^AI is based upon, doesn’t perform quite as well as the newer EDGE^AI, which VITALITY^AI is based upon, in independent audio testing completed by HearAdvisor.com. This independent lab tests and scores the hearing aids in different listening environments, including speech in noise, speech in quiet, own voice quality, feedback suppression (whistling/squealing), and music streaming. In these tests, GENESIS^AI receives an overall sound grade of B compared to an overall score of A for the newer EDGE^AI product.

However, in the Tuned condition (i.e., when fitted by a skilled professional who uses best practices), each received a high rating of 4.5/5, driving home the point that quality professional care makes a big difference. Although these are very good scores, neither product scored as well as some of its top competitors, including the Phonak Audeo Sphere and Oticon Intent, which also incorporate AI.

Arc AI

Arc AI hearing aids provide a more budget-friendly option within the Audibel hearing aid product portfolio. Based upon Evolv^AI hearing aids, which Starkey introduced in August 2021, they are offered in a wide range of technology styles and levels. Three different RIC models, with one being rechargeable, and three different Behind-the-Ear (BTE) models, including a rechargeable option and a power BTE. If you prefer a custom in-ear hearing aid, you also have that option, including rechargeable options and an IIC model.

With many styles to choose from, you also have the choice of 5 different technology levels (2400, 2000, 1600, 1200, and 1000 levels). Again, the higher the number, the more features and the higher the price. With so many hearing aids in this product line, there’s bound to be one that fits your hearing loss, listening needs, and lifestyle, and budget requirements.

As the name suggests, Starkey Evolv^AI hearing aids offer AI processing, but with an older-generation processor, which was first introduced about 4 years ago. However, you get a lot of technology at a lower price point. For example, Evolv^AI includes AI to help improve speech understanding in noise, but also fall detection sensors and other health information via the smartphone app. And, what has become almost standard in current hearing aids, Evolv^AI allows for wireless streaming to both Android™ and iOS^® phones. However, you’ll get the hands-free phone calls only with iPhones (check the Starkey compatibility website).

Audibel Pricing, Trial Periods, and Warranties

While exact pricing was not available for each product type, Audibel did provide me with a range of prices, stating that their prescriptive hearing aids cost between $800 and $8,500 per pair. Audibel also noted that the pricing is dependent on the consumer’s choice of in-office service plans and, obviously, the technology level chosen.

Accessories such as simple remotes, TV streamers, and remote microphones range in price from $149 to $399. The cost of your hearing aids may be at least partially covered by your insurance plan, and Audibel can assist you with determining your insurance hearing aid benefits.

Hearing aids usually come with a risk-free trial period, which can vary in range depending on the company, state laws, and even your insurance coverage. Audibel notes that the typical trial period for their hearing aids is 30 days, but can be up to 45 days. This means that you can try hearing aids that are fit specifically to your hearing loss and for your lifestyle needs, and return them during the trial period window without being obligated to purchase the hearing aids. However, the trial period may include a fee for the provider's time, so be sure to understand the terms of the trial period fully before agreeing to be fitted with hearing aids. It should be noted that 30 days is less than some of Audibel’s competitors, including Connect Hearing / AudioNova and Hear.com, which offer a 45-day trial period, HearUSA (60 days), and Costco (6 months).

When speaking with a local store, the price range that I was given was $5,600-$6,400 for higher technology hearing aids, which included a 4-year warranty including all in-office visits and repairs. Audibel recommends you be seen at least quarterly after the initial trial period, and those visits are included as part of an annual hearing exam.

The provider also discussed a “worry-free” warranty option, which costs $200 a year and allows for repair of the hearing aids, as well as replacement for a lost or damaged hearing aid without any deductible. However, once you’ve lost the hearing aid and it’s replaced, it’s $400 a year going forward with a $1000 deductible.

Audibel noted that all of their hearing aids come with a manufacturer's warranty for repairs and loss & damage coverage. You also have the option of extending the basic warranty for an additional cost. Audibel further noted that the “warranties range in length depending on the product.” It is often the case with retail hearing aid stores to provide longer warranty periods for high-end products and a 1-year warranty for lower-cost options, but I could not confirm this with Audibel. Unfortunately, warranty information also isn’t readily available on the Audibel website, so be sure to discuss what specific services and coverage are provided after your purchase of hearing aids and fully understand the time period and limitations of the warranty.

What Do Consumers Say about Audibel?

As you might expect, any company with 1000+ stores will have a wide range of reviews and Audibel is no exception. For example, Google reviews for my local Audibel stores ranged from 4.8 to 5.0 (out of 5), indicating that customers were very satisfied with their experiences. However, Trustpilot shows an overall score of only 3.0 (out of 5), indicating an average experience. It should be noted that many of the complaints found on Trustpilot centered on product difficulties like Bluetooth connectivity issues, and not with the professionalism of the staff.

Consumer Reports ranks Audibel very highly, placing it third among 17 hearing aid retailers and dispensing options. It received an overall satisfaction score of 85, just behind the Veterans Administration (95) and Costco (90), and ahead of Sam's Club (79), Hospitals/Clinics (78), and Connect Hearing and ENT/Otolaryngologist (75).

The Audibel website notes several awards in the 2024 Consumer Affairs Buyer’s Choice Awards, but these were actually won by Starkey, not Audibel specifically. It should be noted further that many of these “awards” are simply paid marketing by the companies winning them.

In general, you will likely find that your Audibel store is rated well, but at HearingTracker we always recommend that you do your research first. Be sure to look up your local store online, and if you make an appointment with the store, arrive armed with questions about services, cost, warranty, trial period, and ask if they adhere to best practices.

Other Products/Services Available at Audibel

Like most full-service clinics, you'll find more than just hearing aids at Audibel. Here are some of them.

TeleHear Remote Services

It’s not always possible to see your hearing provider in person, and especially since the pandemic, remote care options have become quite common. These options are also popular with consumers, allowing you to connect with your provider from the comfort of your own home.

TeleHear works by allowing you to connect to remote care either via your smartphone app or by telephone, and many hearing aid manufacturers have remote care built into their hearing aids and apps. Via the My Audibel app, you can video chat with your provider (or other Audibel professional) and have your hearing aids updated/adjusted as needed.

You can also ask questions and get help troubleshooting your hearing aids. The Audibel TeleHear team is available from 7 AM to 7 PM CST.

Audibel notes that the TeleHear team is extension of their clinics for their existing patients. It consists of a team of audiologists and hearing aid dispensers, who can provide a second opinion, offer advice or, as mentioned above, help with reprogramming your hearing aids (via the app).

While not every problem can be solved remotely, TeleHear is a great support service and another option for care when needed.

SoundGear Hearing Protection

Starkey, and by extension Audibel, has been at the forefront in providing hearing protection options for many years. Offering both electronic and non-electronic options, Starkey and Audibel offer a full line of products aimed at preserving hearing in a variety of environments. While appropriate for anyone looking to protect their hearing from excessive noise, the line is most often marketed to police, fireman, hunters, and those working around noisy equipment. If you’re a fan of concerts or work/play in noisy situations, you may want to check out their lineup of hearing protection devices.

Over-The-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids

In the last few years, OTC hearing aids have become a viable option for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. Most hearing aid manufacturers make at least one OTC option available, and Starkey/Audibel is no exception—although Starkey has always been adamant about the importance of professionally administered hearing care.

From Audibel, you have the option of choosing a basic RIC from Start Hearing, which is a third-party provider working with Audibel. More advanced features are not built into this hearing aid, but the Start RIC does provide noise management, feedback control, and directional microphones to help your hearing in noisy listening environments.

Unfortunately, you cannot order these hearing aids online and need to make an appointment at an Audibel retail office. According to Audibel, while Start hearing aids are certainly available and offer a “value-priced” option, they are used more as an educational tool about how hearing aids improve hearing. This author was told that once the patients “were educated on their options,” most consumers chose a prescriptive hearing aid. Pricing was not made available.

Final Verdict

Audibel and its related brands of hearing aid retail stores offer a wide range of hearing aids at various price points. They also offer a large nationwide network of professionals to meet your specific hearing healthcare needs. Supported by Stakey technology, Audibel offers some of the most sophisticated products available and also offer hearing protection solutions. However, the overall cost and limited trial period and sales approach may not be ideal for everyone.

Alternatives to Audibel

Alternatives to Audibel are many. While Audibel offers high-end technology and in-person care, you have numerous choices to address your hearing healthcare needs. For example, every hearing aid manufacturer owns/operates retail outlets including GN ReSound (Beltone and Audigy), WS Audiology (HearUSA and others), and Sonova (AudioNova/Connect Hearing and others). Manufacture-owned stores will likely steer you toward their products, but many offer multiple products outside their portfolio, as needed.

You can also purchase hearing aids from independent hearing care providers or big-box retailers such as Costco and Sam’s Club—all of which provide personalized care, often, at a lower cost point. These retailers also offer a range of manufacturers and product types.

Online retailers are another option, such as Zip Hearing and Yes Hearing, which connect you to local hearing care professionals in your area. These companies again provide a range of products and in-person care.

If you believe you are a candidate for OTC hearing aids, you again have numerous choices. However, it’s important to remember that you will not have the same level of expert care provided, and the hearing aids will not be precisely fit to your hearing loss or for your specific listening needs. Examples of OTC hearing aids include Apple AirPods Pro 2, Sony, Lexie Powered by Bose, and Jabra Enhance Select hearing aids. Again, for a review of top-rated OTC products, please see the HearingTracker article The Best OTC Hearing Aids of 2025 and What They Cost and Best Amazon Hearing Aids.