Starkey Edge AI: Audiologist Review, Features, and Lab Testing Results

Starkey's latest hearing aids, Edge AI, integrate advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology to improve background noise handling and allow users to control their hearing aids through voice commands.

We were impressed with the Edge AI platform and G2 Neuro Processor. The platform delivers clear speech, and the My Starkey app adds a unique blend of customization and health features. Introduced in October 2024, Edge AI is physically identical to the company's previous Genesis AI family, but it has subtle enhancements that should appeal to users seeking the latest in hearing aid technology.

In performance testing at the independent HearAdvisor lab, Edge AI achieved exceptional scores, earning a SoundGrade of "A" and the lab's 2025 Expert Choice Award. It also achieved a HearingTracker Score of 4.2—placing it among the top 25% of all hearing aids on the market.

Below, I review our test results from the independent HearAdvisor lab and provide observations from my personal use of the Edge AI hearing aid. Specifically, this testing involved the Starkey Edge AI RIC RT 90, which is a receiver-in-canal (RIC) model in Starkey's highest technology level. However, you should be aware that Starkey offers many other styles and models in the Edge AI product line, which we'll also cover in this review.

Hands-on review of Edge AI

One of the best elements of Edge AI hearing aids is that you are guided through the setup and fitting process by your hearing care provider. With the rise of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, direct provider care is sometimes overlooked or even perceived as a drawback. However, proper audiologic guidance offers you the greatest access to care, information, and good outcomes.

For example, your hearing care provider will walk you through the programming and setup, including real-ear verifications to optimize Edge AI for your hearing (top-quality hearing care providers follow best practices and perform these measurements). Other forms of customization, such as dedicated music programs, custom earmolds, and wireless accessories can also be adjusted in the office based on your lifestyle.

Pairing Edge AI with my iPhone 12 and the My Starkey mobile app was straightforward. This may be due to Starkey’s recent shift from proprietary protocols to standard Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) protocols. The pairing process took less than a minute without the rigamarole of power-cycling apps and devices that I often experience with other hearing aids. Your provider will likely complete this for you before the end of your fitting appointment. I cover the My Starkey app and its features further along in this article.

Once Edge AI was programmed, I found them very easy to use. They are small enough to sit behind your ears discreetly without being difficult to handle. You will find two buttons on the back of Edge AI, which can be programmed to various setting changes (e.g., volume increase/decrease). The buttons are rather small, which can make them difficult to feel if you have larger fingers or limited sensation in your fingertips. I did find myself preferring the larger buttons on devices like Resound hearing aids for their ease and feel, although in practice, I found myself using the app more than the physical buttons.

What does Edge AI sound like?

Now for the big topic—how is the sound quality? Modern hearing aids have significantly improved in sound quality, and Edge AI is no exception. I found Edge AI to offer very crisp and impressive audio quality. From my subjective listening experience, I did not notice a revolutionary difference between Edge AI and their previous Genesis generation. However, their initial fit was more accurate in my testing, meaning if your hearing care provider is not committed to performing best practices, like real-ear measurements (REMs), Edge AI will still likely get closer to what you need compared to previous generations.

I still hear room for improvement when streaming music and making phone calls; if you're expecting audio streaming on-par with the best hi-fi headphones, you'll likely be disappointed. However, this is the case with most prescription hearing aids, and there are many changes your provider can make to improve the quality, including custom earmolds tailored for your unique ear canal (which we recommend you discuss with your provider). Overall, audio streaming was very functional, and the ease of use eclipsed my complaints of it being lower quality. Simply put, hearing aids are optimized for speech, and trade-offs in music streaming quality are inevitable. Those seeking true audiophile sound should look to audio devices specialized for music.

What HearAdvisor testing of Edge AI revealed

In independent testing at the HearAdvisor lab, the Starkey Edge AI RIC RT90 performed well enough to earn an "A" SoundGrade and be listed in the "Expert Choice" Awards.

The table below shows lab scores for Starkey Edge AI in the five test parameters and two test conditions evaluated at HearAdvisor. The “Initial Fit” can be considered the results you'll get if the hearing care provider uses the manufacturer's "first fit" programming and the device is not optimized with procedures like real-ear measurement (REM); the “Tuned Fit” is the best fit a hearing provider is typically able to achieve using best practice techniques that optimize hearing aid performance (REM, etc).

As shown above, Starkey Edge AI scored well in most of the tested categories, but the scores were significantly improved after the device was programmed and fine-tuned using best practices. This emphasizes the value of working with a skilled hearing care professional. It should be noted that testing in noise was conducted while the device was in “Automatic Mode” and not in the special "Edge Mode+" (discussed below) which is designed to boost hearing-in-noise capabilities; however, even in Automatic Mode (with the device possibly switching into Edge Mode) the scores are well above average.

It’s important to note that HearAdvisor testing currently focuses on moderate hearing loss. Testing inside a lab can be different from what you may experience in real life. Also, different configurations of hearing devices, including combinations of rubber domes or custom earmolds, can cause your performance to vary widely.

In terms of the overall HearingTracker Score, which considers a much wider range of product attributes, including overall comfort, battery life, Bluetooth connectivity, app features, etc., Edge AI scored 4.2 out of 5—placing it in the top 25% of all prescription hearing aids we've tested to date. The device was judged exceptional in comfort, design and build quality, audio streaming, and battery life. It scored below average in value (due to its price tag). For all the HearingTracker scores, click "View Scoring Breakdown" in the sidebar of this page.

Key features of Starkey Edge AI

Below I'll give you my thoughts about Starkey Edge AI and their main distinguishing features.

Advanced sound processing with AI

Starkey Edge AI hearing aids feature Deep Neural Network (DNN) technology embedded directly on the chip. This "G2 Neuro Processor" allows for advanced sound processing that mimics the way a healthy human brain interprets sound. The company claims that by utilizing DNN, Edge AI can enhance speech clarity and reduce background noise more effectively—providing up to 13 decibels (dB) of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) improvement—the highest we're aware of for any hearing aid performing in challenging listening environments.

Among the first hearing aid manufacturers to incorporate AI in hearing aid processing, Edge AI is actually Starkey's 7th-generation of AI products. The company says the new DNN Enhanced Sound Manager is nine times faster than competitive co-processor architectures (taking aim at Phonak Sphere Infinio). It's trained with millions of different sound environments and monitors the environment 60 times per second; the new chip architecture is designed to provide 100 times more processing power than the previous Genesis AI platform.

Starkey says that the integrated neural processing unit—the AI combined with all the other functions on the chip—also makes it more compact, resulting in a micro receiver-in-canal (mRIC), one of the smallest RICs available. Edge AI's motion-sensor system also helps monitor the environment and accurately identify your listening situation (e.g., quiet, noise, walking down the street, etc.) and improve speech detection by up to 30% over Genesis AI in challenging acoustic environments.

Wide range of styles for most hearing losses and lifestyles

A side benefit of having only one chip is a compact design that can be employed in almost all hearing aid styles, including tiny custom hearing aids.

Starkey Edge AI hearing aids are available in receiver-in-canal (RIC) rechargeable and size 312 disposable batteries, in-the-ear (ITE) and in-the-canal rechargeables, and completely-in-canal (CIC) with a size 312 battery. The hearing aids come in 3 technology tiers (24, 20, and 16) and cover the entire gamut of hearing loss from mild to severe. Additionally, two models are CROS-compatible for people with single-sided deafness: the RIC RT and RIC 312 models. Starkey does not currently offer a behind-the-ear (BTE) style in the Edge AI product line, but we're guessing this is in their product pipeline.

The table below shows the different models available, along with a checklist of major features.

Starkey ranks highly among our picks for the best hearing aids. The Starkey Edge AI CIC, for example, is one of the best invisible hearing aids.

Bluetooth and wireless controls

Edge AI utilizes the latest Bluetooth^® Low Energy (LE) Audio standard, providing improved connectivity and audio streaming for compatible iOS and Android devices. Unlike previous protocols like Made for iPhone (MFi) and Android Streaming for Hearing Aid (ASHA), LE Audio is standardized across various devices and should ease your pairing experience.

It also means Edge AI is Auracast-ready and capable of receiving a broadcast stream from an appropriate Auracast Transmitter and Assistant; however, a pending firmware update is needed from Starkey in order to do this. You can also use Starkey’s latest StarLink Edge TV Streamer to broadcast one Auracast stream to an unlimited number of Bluetooth LE audio-enabled hearing aids. Because Auracast is not yet widely available, the RIC RT model includes a telecoil that allows you to receive broadcasts from venues that feature induction loop systems.

You can also control Edge AI using an Apple Watch, meaning you can change programs and adjust the volume quickly using either the app or the watch.

Wireless streaming and control are available in almost all of Starkey hearing aid styles, but not available in its very smallest completely-in-canal (CIC) or invisible-in-canal (IIC) models. Visit Starkey’s device compatibility webpage for more information and to check your current mobile devices.

Using the MyStarkey App

The My Starkey app is one of the most multifaceted hearing aid apps available, with features that help you adjust and learn about using the hearing aid, provide health and fitness tracking, notify loved ones if you fall, get telecare directly from your hearing provider, and more. The app is available for both iOS and Android platforms and is available for free through both the App Store and Google Play.

Note that you can only pair the hearing aids with one compatible Bluetooth device at a time. This means, when pairing to a different device, you'll need to turn off the Bluetooth connection with the previous device. The My Starkey app currently has a 2.6 rating (out of 5) on Google Play (Andoid) and a 3.6 rating on the App Store (Apple), partly due to this restriction (which is also common in other hearing aids). Lower ratings are not unusual for hearing aid apps where myriad connectivity issues can arise, but these problems are often fairly simple to fix via presets and other adjustments. In the app reviews, you'll see that Starkey is good about responding to concerns and offering suggestions.

Installation and pairing should take a few minutes, and below is a video by my colleague Matthew Allsop in case you run into issues (pairing instructions for Starkey Genesis AI and Edge AI are the same).

The My Starkey App allows you to adjust settings, stream calls, track lost devices, manage your Personalized Health Monitoring, and optimize your hearing aid’s audio performance with Edge Mode+—which uses AI to analyze your environment and apply better settings. Much of this can now also be controlled from your wrist with a compatible Apple Watch.

Getting started in the Home Tab (shown below) is straightforward, as you will find access to the most useful controls, such as volume and program changes. This is also where you can analyze your environment with Edge Mode+, which we will cover shortly. Be sure to explore the various tabs and familiarize yourself with features like custom presets, the 3-band equalizer, and Find My Hearing Aids within the My Hearing section. With that out of the way, let’s explore some of the more notable features of the My Starkey app.

Smart Assistant

Starkey’s Smart Assistant can be engaged by selecting the microphone icon at the top-right of the Home Tab. Once enabled, you can use your voice to adjust settings, set reminders, and access other helpful features. As Starkey uses their hearing aid microphones for 2-way audio, you can speak at a normal volume without needing to hold your phone to your mouth.

Edge Mode+

Edge Mode+ is accessible on the Home tab. It uses AI to help optimize your hearing aids based on your listening environment. When you need more hearing help in a challenging listening situation, simply select the Edge Mode+ icon. The app quickly analyzes what you are hearing and automatically adjusts settings. You can then select between various modes for Best Sound, Enhance Speech, and Reduce noise. My Starkey also allows you to manually adjust and save your settings.

Note that with Edge AI, DNN is always on and automatically employs its speech-in-noise processing when needed. However, the Edge Mode+ program provides for more aggressive use of the system in scanning and adapting to the changes in the listening environment. This mode remains intelligently engaged until switched off by the user.

Health

The Health tab provides several metrics to monitor and estimate physical activity, such as steps, standing time, exercise, and other daily goals. You can set up custom goals based on your lifestyle and track your progress with their Weekly hearing report. This is all part of Starkey’s Wellness philosophy, which is backed by ongoing research and emphasizes the importance of both hearing and physical health.

Although we find hearing aid apps that offer health and fitness metrics helpful for approximating physical activity, our experience is that they are generally not as accurate as dedicated fitness trackers (i.e., don't throw out your Fitbit just yet). The ear is a great place to track this data, and we think these hearing aid features will improve in accuracy with time.

Fall Alerts and Balance Assessments

Fall Alerts are part of Starkey’s wellness philosophy and can be set up within the Health tab. The additional feature can automatically send a text message to your contact(s), with your location, if a fall is detected. The app allows you to manually trigger alerts and cancel one should it not be necessary, and it will even notify you when your contact(s) open your message—reassuring you that help is on the way. This is all possible due to Starkey’s AI and onboard motion sensors.

Related to this is Starkey's new Balance Assessment feature, developed in collaboration with Stanford University. This feature uses motion sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) to measure factors related to fall risk. It's designed to give users real-time insights into their risk for falls and fall-related injuries, a leading cause of injury for older adults.

Learn

Learn is your pocket-hearing care provider. It provides useful information about hearing health and technologies. The content can be personalized based on your experience with hearing aids and interests. Starkey has included an impressive library of video guides and step-by-step prompted lessons in this tab.

TeleHear

The My Starkey app offers TeleHear, which is a video chat-based remote care solution. This allows you to connect virtually with your hearing professional so that adjustments can be made from the comfort of your home. It is available for all Bluetooth-compatible Starkey hearing aids and can also be found in their previous-generation models.

Translate & Transcribe

The Translate feature is nearly buried within the final hamburger-menu tab. It has been available since the launch of Livio AI, though it has seen various updates, not the least of which is the expansion of the available languages to an impressive 71.

Translate & Transcribe allows you to choose your language and that of someone you are speaking to so that the app can offer real-time text and audio translation. This feature's accuracy is impressive and can be extremely useful for travelers, those learning new languages, or people who face language barriers in their daily activities. The only downside is the several-second delay between incoming audio and the app's final translation, but that is easily forgivable given the complexity and usefulness of this process.

You can also find a Transcribe feature offering quicker real-time speech-to-text assistance.

Recharging & power for Starkey Edge AI

Starkey Edge AI RIC RT devices have internal Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries that last an astonishing 51 hours per charge, less with audio streaming. You can charge your Edge AI hearing aids using the standard StarLink Charger, which requires connection to a wall outlet via a standard wall plug. The StarLink Premium Charger is also available, including an onboard battery pack for on-the-go charging.

Both chargers have an updated docking slot for a more reliable connection. They also have a new turbo-charging feature where just 7 minutes in the case can provide an additional 3 hours of hearing aid use. It will take roughly 3.5 hours to fully charge Edge AI devices from a depleted battery.

According to Starkey, the miniRIC model has up to 41 hours per charge. Custom ITE and ITC rechargeable aids provide for up to 42 hours of use. The hearing aids with the disposable size 312 batteries are also long-lasting: the RIC 312 and CIC supply up to 6 and 7 days, respectively, before the batteries need replacement. Note that the battery life you experience may vary based on factors such as your hearing loss, streaming, environmental noise levels, and more.

Wireless accessories

Starkey currently offers two useful wireless accessories that pair with Edge AI hearing aids:

• StarLink Edge TV Streamer: StarLink Edge TV Streamer is Starkey’s latest TV streamer offering future-proof Auracast capabilities and a smaller footprint than their previous model.
• StarLink Remote Control 2.0: Provides fast, easy control of hearing aid settings like volume and program changes. Remote controls like this can be more accessible than phone apps.

The Edge AI family has fewer accessories than the previous Genesis AI and Evolv AI platforms, probably due to the company's move to Bluetooth LE Audio. However, we expect to see more accessories for this newer Bluetooth standard in the future.

Final Verdict

Edge AI are Starkey’s latest flagship hearing aids offering several advantages over similar traditional hearing aids. You can expect some of the industry’s best AI implementation for speech enhancement with their new G2 Neuro Processor and other useful integrations like health tracking and fall detection—a feature still unique to Starkey hearing aids.

As these are prescription devices, your hearing care professional should optimize audio performance to your needs in the office, helping you hear your best. These hearing aids are a great option if you seek the latest generation technology, industry-leading rechargeable battery life, and a mobile app full of features for personalization.

What other products might I consider?

If AI integration is of particular interest, you may want to consider Phonak’s latest flagship hearing aid, Audeo Infinio Sphere. Sphere arguably offers some of the industry’s best speech enhancement, thanks to its new DEEPSONIC chip and AI-powered denoising. Similar to Starkey’s Edge AI, you can also expect a host of mobile app features, customization options, and wireless accessories tailored to your needs.

While Sphere may have a slight edge over Edge AI with its AI-based speech enhancement, Starkey still leads in health-tracking features. One potential downside to Sphere is its form factor, which is notably larger than Edge AI due to its duel-chip architecture versus Starkey's integrated chip.

If you have mild-to-moderate hearing loss and are a DIY warrior, or just prefer to avoid the doctor’s office, you may want to look into an over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid. If self-fitting and convenience are priorities yet you do not want to compromise on quality, consider the Jabra Enhance Select 500. Jabra sources their devices from prescription hearing aid manufacturer GN Resound and redesigns them for the direct-to-consumer market. There are many considerations when choosing an OTC device, so be sure to check out our full review of Jabra Enhance Select 500.

If cost is a concern but you still want the benefits of prescription hearing aids, speak with your hearing care provider. Many clinics offer older-generation devices and multiple technology tiers at a lower price point. For example, Starkey’s previous-generation Genesis AI and Evolv AI  hearing aids are still excellent options that may be available for lower costs. While there’s always hype around the latest releases, most advancements in hearing technology are incremental rather than revolutionary. In short, older-generation models can offer exceptional value, so don’t overlook them just because they aren’t the newest flagship product.