Starkey Edge AI and Genesis AI hearing aids: an audiologist's review

Genesis AI and Edge AI: what changed

Genesis AI introduced Starkey's Neuro Processor, a redesigned chip with an on-board deep neural network that constantly adjusts the sound to the room you are in. Edge AI keeps that foundation and puts more of the processing power into separating speech from background noise.

• Speech in noise. The deep neural network is trained to pick voices out of busy surroundings. You notice it most in restaurants, meetings and family gatherings.
• Edge Mode+. A tap or app control that tells the aids to optimise for the current moment, for example a loud dinner, giving extra clarity when the automatic setting is not quite enough.
• Battery life. The rechargeable models are designed to last a full day of wear, including streaming.

For a plain-English explanation of how this kind of technology works, see our AI hearing aids guide.

Invisible and custom styles

This is where Starkey stands out. As well as the familiar receiver-in-canal style, which sits discreetly behind the ear, Starkey makes a wide range of custom in-ear devices from an impression of your ear, including invisible-in-canal (IIC) models that sit deep in the canal.

Invisible styles are not right for everyone. They depend on the size and shape of your ear canal, the level of your hearing loss and how easily you can handle a small device. We check this honestly at your assessment. Our invisible hearing aids guide explains the options in more detail.

Phone streaming and the app

Edge AI streams calls and audio from compatible iPhones and Android phones. The My Starkey app lets you adjust volume and programmes discreetly, and offers optional extras such as activity tracking and fall alerts. Compatibility varies by phone model, so we check yours at your fitting. Our Bluetooth hearing aids guide covers streaming in more depth.

Who Starkey Edge AI suits best

• People who want discretion: custom in-ear and invisible styles are a real strength.
• Busy professionals who struggle in meetings, restaurants and work events.
• Upgraders whose current aids are four or more years old.
• People who like simple controls and an app that does more than adjust volume.

Where another brand may suit you better

No single brand is best for everyone. Phonak can be a better match for some people who stream from many different devices, and GN ReSound is often preferred for a very natural sense of space. Because Drummond Hearing is independent, Scott can compare them side by side. See our best hearing aid brands compared guide and our Phonak Eon review.

Trying Starkey Edge AI in Kensington

Every fitting starts with a full hearing assessment with Scott. If hearing aids will help, he programmes the devices to your results and checks them in your own ears with real-ear measurement, the gold standard for accurate fitting. You then have a 60-day trial, so you decide in your own home, office and favourite restaurant. Appointments take place at our Kensington clinic at Bupa Cromwell Hospital and at Visit Health in West London.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Starkey Edge AI and Genesis AI?

Genesis AI introduced Starkey's Neuro Processor and Neuro Sound Technology. Edge AI builds on the same platform with a more powerful deep neural network (DNN) for speech in noise, and a stronger Edge Mode+ setting you can switch on when a room gets loud. If you already wear Genesis AI there is usually no urgency to change; if you are buying now, Edge AI is Starkey's current flagship.

Are Starkey hearing aids available as invisible hearing aids?

Yes. Starkey is one of the strongest manufacturers for custom in-ear styles, including invisible-in-canal (IIC) and completely-in-canal (CIC) models made from an impression of your ear. Whether an invisible style suits you depends on the size and shape of your ear canal and your level of hearing loss, which we check at your assessment.

Are Starkey Edge AI hearing aids rechargeable?

Most Edge AI styles, including the receiver-in-canal models and several custom in-ear styles, are available rechargeable and are designed to last a full day on one charge. The very smallest invisible models use small disposable batteries because there is no room for a rechargeable cell.

Do Starkey hearing aids work with iPhone and Android?

Yes. Edge AI streams calls and audio from compatible iPhones and Android phones, and is controlled through Starkey's My Starkey app, which also offers optional activity and health tracking features. Exact compatibility depends on your phone model, so we check it at your fitting.

Can I try Starkey Edge AI before buying?

Yes. After a full hearing assessment, Scott programmes the devices to your hearing, verifies them with real-ear measurement, and you have a 60-day trial to use them at home, at work and in the places you find hardest.