Starkey Edge AI Review: Features, Benefits, 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. In performance testing at the independent HearAdvisor lab, Edge AI achieved exceptional scores, earning a SoundGrade of "A" and the lab's Expert Choice Award. It also achieved a HearingTracker Score of 4.6—placing it among the highest-scoring hearing aids on the market.

Edge AI, introduced in October 2024, is physically identical to the company's previous Genesis AI family. However, Starkey has bolstered the water resistance of its rechargeable models to withstand a depth of one meter for 30 minutes, and these devices still offer the industry's best battery life: up to 51 hours per charge.

But the real eye-catching improvement that Starkey has unveiled with Edge AI concerns its speech-in-noise processing.

Putting Edge AI to the Test

In independent testing at the HearAdvisor lab, the Starkey Edge AI RIC 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.

In terms of the overall HearingTracker Score, which considers a much wider range of product attributes and goes beyond acoustical aspects, Edge AI scored 4.6 out of 5—placing it in the top tier of products tested to date. The device was judged exceptional in comfort, design, audio streaming, and battery life. It scored well, but slightly lower, in value (due to its price tag) and in SoundScore due to its performance in noise (albeit without Edge Mode+, as noted). For all the HearingTracker scores, click "View Scoring Breakdown" in the sidebar of this page.

Key Features of Starkey Edge AI

Let's dive deeper into what makes Starkey Edge AI one of the better hearing aid picks.

Advanced Sound Processing with Deep Neural Networks

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 (read 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) that is the industry's smallest rechargeable in this popular style. 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.

Edge Mode+

With Starkey's previous Genesis AI hearing aid line, the wearer engaged the DNN processing using a special "Edge Mode" via a double-tap to the ear or device or through the app. With Edge AI, DNN is always on and automatically employs its speech-in-noise processing when needed. However, there is also an "Edge Mode+" program that can be manually engaged, which 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.

Seamless Connectivity and Improved Streaming

Equipped with upgraded Bluetooth technology and the LC3 codec, the Edge AI hearing aids offer improved audio streaming quality from smartphones, tablets, and PCs. The devices also support Auracast technology, an upcoming standard that will enable users to stream audio directly from public venues like airports and restaurants. This enhancement aims to provide a more robust and clear audio experience, with up to twice the connectivity range compared to previous models.

Wide range of styles for most hearing losses

A side benefit of having one chip is a compact design, allowing the Edge AI microRIC to be the industry's smallest rechargeable RIC with a sensor. This means Starkey's AI technology can be employed in most hearing aid styles, including custom hearing aids.

Starkey Edge AI hearing aids are available now in the United States in almost all styles, including receiver-in-canal (RIC) rechargeable and size 312 disposable batteries, in-the-ear (ITE) and in-the-canal rechargeable, and a completely-in-canal (CIC) with size 312 batttery. 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 model and style options available, along with a check-list of major features.

Long battery life

AI-driven hearing aids with DNN systems can be power-hungry. However, Edge AI boasts some of the best battery life in the hearing aid industry, with the RIC RT (rechargeable + telecoil) model having up to 51 hours and the miniRIC having up to 41 hours per charge, according to Starkey. 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.

Battery life in rechargeable hearing aids is not only important for day-to-day use; it's important because lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, like those used in cell phones, tend to lose about 15% of their capacity each year. That means a hearing aid designed for 12 hours of average daily use when purchased may give you only 7 hours after 3 years. Although it's possible to have rechargeable batteries replaced, the extended battery life of Edge AI hearing aids, along with their durability (see below), gives them an extra dimension for those seeking a hearing aid that will last and perform well for a long time.

Enhanced Durability with Pro8 HydraShield™

Addressing concerns about device longevity and reliability, Starkey has introduced the Pro8 HydraShield™ feature in the Edge AI hearing aids. This technology comprises eight protective layers designed to target moisture ingress and corrosion, ensuring that the devices are waterproof (to 1m), sweatproof, and resistant to everyday wear and tear.

• Waterproof and Sweatproof Design: The hearing aids are rated with an IP68+ certification, the highest level of resistance to water and dust available for hearing aids. This makes them suitable for use in various conditions, including exposure to sweat during exercise or rain during outdoor activities.
• Multiple Protective Layers: The Pro8 HydraShield™ includes features such as a full silicone seal of case parts and charge contacts to repel moisture, a recessed and reinforced receiver cable to withstand daily handling, and internal microphone mesh barriers for added defense against foreign materials.
• Enhanced Reliability Testing: The devices have undergone rigorous testing, including salt mist and humidity tests, rain spray tests, and extended reliability assessments. These measures aim to ensure the hearing aids can withstand drops, dirt, and even brief submersion in water.

Controls and App features for Edge AI

You can control all models of Starkey Edge AI using the My Starkey app and onboard push-button(s), as well as tap controls for those models large enough to contain the accelerometer (i.e., all except the smallest custom in-ear aids). Push-button and tap controls include volume, 4 program settings, Edge Mode+, and manual on/off for most models. The Edge AI app now also supports controls from Apple Watch, as well.

The My Starkey App, currently rated 3.6 (out of 5) in the Apple App Store (iOS) and 2.5 on Google Play (Android), gives you control of the hearing aids, with more "extra" features than any other hearing aid app in the industry. Along with the above control functions, it offers language translation, a transcription tool, and handy Find My Hearing Aid and Find My Phone modes.

Health and Wellness Monitoring Features

In addition to sound enhancement, the Edge AI hearing aids incorporate health monitoring capabilities. As with Starkey's previous generation AI products, built-in motion sensors can detect falls and send text alerts to up to 3 people, providing greater security. It also lets you see and share information like step counting, hearing aid usage, and social engagement with pre-selected people.

With Edge AI, Starkey has added a new test that can assess the user's risk of falling using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) STEADI protocol. This feature enables users to evaluate their fall risk from the comfort of their homes and take proactive steps to improve their balance and prevent potential injuries.

Voice-Activated Assistant Powered by Generative AI

Edge AI comes with a voice-activated assistant that leverages generative AI technology. Users can control their devices through simple voice commands, adjusting volume, changing settings, and accessing real-time information without needing to use a smartphone app. The assistant also allows users to set reminders and engage in conversational queries, providing a more seamless and integrated user experience.

Starlink Edge TV Streamer

With the introduction of Edge AI, Starkey also made available its new StarLink Edge TV Streamer, which uses LE Audio. The new device is about 70% smaller than the company’s previous streamer and has a wireless range of 50 feet (15 meters). The new TV streamer is designed for easy set up, and can be used by an unlimited number of viewers who have LE Audio-compatible devices.