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Amy Sarow, AuD, CCC-A
Dr. Amy Sarow is a practicing clinical audiologist and serves as Audiology Lead for Soundly. Her expertise and experience span topics including tinnitus, cochlear implants, hearing aid technology, and hearing testing. She holds a doctoral degree in audiology from the University of Iowa. During her residency at Mayo Clinic, Dr. Sarow was inspired by the three-tiered, patient-centered approach, incorporating clinical work, teaching and research.
Blake Cadwell
About Soundly
i
Soundly is an independently owned hearing health research tool. Our reviews are conducted by hearing aid wearers and audiologists. We physically review the leading hearing aids on the market for sound quality, comfort, durability, and more. Our review process starts with hands-on unboxing and days, weeks, or months of wear. We also record live sound demos using a calibrated binaural microphone (read more here). We experiment with backend fitting software for prescription products and use test box measures to measure prescriptive accuracy and flexibility. Our work is funded through reader support. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Read more about our story here.
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Behind the Ear
Bluetooth
Rechargeable
PROFESSIONAL FITTING
$4,798.00 / pair
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Simulation
Starkey released a brand new family of hearing aids in late February of 2023. Starkey Genesis AIreplaces Starkey's Evolv AIlineup which was intruduced just a year earlier. Genesis is re-built from the ground up in a home-makeover-style transformation.
Before we dig into what changed, here’s what stays the same.
- Starkey Genesis AI still comes with optional disposable or rechargeable batteries (now with longer life).
- Starkey Genesis AI is; still Bluetooth enabled for iPhone and Android devices with hands-free calling for iPhone. You will need to keep your phone close if you use an Android to pick up your voice. No changes here.
- Starkey Genesis AI will keep some important underlying technology, including the deep neural network that manages background noise and the incredibly popular edge mode. The deep neural network is now more powerful with the capability to make 80M adjustments per hour (mostly imperceptible of course).
So what is new with Starkey Genesis AI?
We’ll start with the new form factor.
The Genesis AI hearing aids have a completely new design compared to their predecessors, including both receiver and canal and custom models.
The receiver in canal version has a smoother exterior that I prefer to the ridges and corners in previous generations.
Genesis should also be smaller than previous generations due to the smaller components throughout. Overall, the exterior updates seem like a win.
Another major hardware update in Genesis is the battery life.
Genesis now boasts the longest-lasting rechargeable battery on the market, with up to 51 hours on a single charge.
The smaller Genesis mini RIC cuts down on battery size and still maintains 41 hours. Most people are fine with 20 hours, but this extra battery life could mean a weekend camping trip without a charge. That’s new.
Starkey’s larger in-the-ear devices are also available in rechargeable styles. Their in-the-ear style hearing boasts an impressive 36 hours as well.
At the moment, Starkey just took the lead in the battery department.
Let’s take a look under the hood. Starkey updated the chip inside their new hearing aids and made some big improvements to speed and capacity.
The Genesis AI hearing aids feature the smallest and fastest processor that Starkey has ever made, with 6X more transistors than past models.
This processor is critical to handling the AI inside Starkey devices. Starkey’s new Edge Mode+ cleans up audio in real-time with more advanced compression to reduce listening effort.
The powerful processor also enabled even more intelligent features within health tracking and the Starkey personal assistant.
If Tony Stark were picking a hearing aid, it seems like he would probably pick this one (and not just for the name).
Let’s talk about apps.
Starkey has sometimes been criticized for overly complex app controls. It appears they are starting fresh with a brand new Starkey App that puts the most-used features front and center.
The new app will also have new abilities to update hearing aid firmware and some helpful how-to videos. All welcome changes in my book.
Overall Notes
If you are looking for top-of-the-line hearing aids, Starkey is a safe choice. They are the 5th largest maker of hearing aids globally and the only major U.S.-based maker of hearing aids. Of course, their new Genesis hearing aids won't be for everyone.
Pros 👍
- All-around premium hearing aid with Bluetooth connectivity, strong customization and quality sound.
- Genesis now boasts the longest-lasting batteries on the market.
- New faster processing and increased memory means Starkey can add in extra features like fitness tracking and transcription.
- Available in a full family of products from invisible to receiver in canal. Appropriate for mild to severe hearing loss.
Cons 👎
- Starkey Genesis AIrequires a visit with a local doctor (not available through Telehealth or OTC).
- Genesis AIwill cost an average of $6,500/pair (we've found the devices for as low as $4,598/pair).
- Some customers are overwhelmed by Starkey's additional features like fitness tracking and personal assistant.
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Soundly Scorecard
+
Hearing Loss Level 🔊
Mild - Severe
- Starkey Genesis AIis a fully customizable, prescription hearing aid appropriate for mild-severe hearing loss
- If you have severe hearing loss, your care provider may fit you with a custom earmold to reduce feedback
- If you have profound hearing loss, you may be a better fit for a BTE style (currently available in Starkey's previous generation, Starkey Evolv AI)
Care Type 🏥
Prescription
- Starkey Genesis is a prescription device fit and programmed by a professional
- After an initial fitting, you can connect with your care provider remotely through the Starkey app
Sound Quality 🔊
Strong in Background Noise
- Starkey Genesis uses a deep neural network to effectively manage background noise. Starkey's devices are capable of making 80Madjustments per hour to match your environment
Comfort 🦻
Very Comfortable For All-Day Wear
- Genesis AI's receiver-in-canal models are very comfortable for all-day wear. Your care provider will help you choose an earmold style that promotes comfort and effectiveness
Style💫
Behind The Ear
- StarkeyGenesis AIhearing aids sit behind the ear or inside-the-ear (read more on in-the-ear styles here)
- GenesisAI has a brand new futuristic design with smoother edges than previous models
- Choose between six faceplate colors: Brown, Chestnut, Medium Brown, Pink, Light Brown, and Black
Battery🔋
Rechargeable Or Disposable
- Starkey’s Genesis AI RIC RT is currently the industry’s longest-lasting lithium-ion rechargeable battery with up to 51 hours on a single charge (without streaming)
- The battery life is shorter, but still impressive at up to 41 hours with their smaller mRIC R style
- Starkey offers a disposable battery version of their devices with a 312 battery (changed every 7-10 days)
Connection📡
Bluetooth Available
- GenesisAIallows Bluetooth streaming, music listening, and phone calls across all models. iPhone users can take calls hands-free, while Android users must keep their phones close to pick up outbound audio.
- GenesisAIuses Apple's MFIconnection and Android's ASHAconnection to stream content through Bluetooth
DexterityLevel 🤏
- Genesis is reasonably easy to handle but does require the wearer to place the hearing aid behind their ear and insert the receiver into the ear (consistent across all behind-the-ear styles)
- Genesis recharging case uses a non-traditional configuration which may take some getting used to
Waterproof Level 💦
IP68
- Genesis AI is water resistant with an IPrating of 68
- This hearing aid can withstand dust and water submersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes
App features📱
Has An App, Telehealth Capable, Find My Hearing Aids
- Remote care: available through the app with care provider coordination
- Customization: Edge Mode and adjustments in the app
- Tinnitus masking: programs can be created by your hearing healthcare provider
- Find my hearing aid: yes
- Health tracking: activity tracking
Pricing and Process
+
Pricing
The national average price for Starkey Genesis AI24 hearing aids is around $7,350 per pair.
Our research indicates that the best pricing and care packages are currently available through ZipHearing. ZipHearing offers a pair of Starkey Genesis AI24 hearing aids with one year of unlimited care for $4,798 per pair.
Process
ZipHearing will match you with a local clinic near your zip code and pre-negotiate a lower price (typically 25% less than the national average).
Fill out the form on this page to get matched with a local clinic.
Our readers are consistently happy with ZipHearing's offering and give the company 97% 5-star ratings on Trustpilot.
How to choose a technology level
+
Starkey comes in four technology levels. Around 70% of people choose the top-of-the-line Genesis AI24 while 20% choose Genesis AI20. Here is a summary of differences in technology.
Genesis AI24
- Has 24 programming channels for more refined customization
- Offers 35dB wind noise reduction
- Offers 22 dB speech in noise reduction
- Offers all special features like Edge Mode, fitness tracking, tap control, translation, assistant, and transcription
Genesis AI20
- Has 20 programming channels for customization
- Offers 19dB wind noise reduction
- Offers 12 dB speech in noise reduction
- Does not offer tap control or translation but does offer Edge Mode, transcription and assistant
Genesis AI16
- Has 16 programming channels for customization
- Offers 10 dB wind noise reduction
- Offers 8 dB speech in noise reduction
- Does not offer transcription, tap control or translation but does offer Edge Mode and assistant
Genesis AI12 (big feature drop off)
- Has 12 programming channels for customization
- Offers 10 dB wind noise reduction
- Offers 8 dB speech in noise reduction
- Does not offer Edge Mode, assistant, transcription, translation or tap control
See the full feature breakdown from Starkey here.
Read our full guide to choosing a technology level here 👈
What people are saying:
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"I couldn't be happier with my Evolv hearing aids. It's great to understand people and the T.V. again."
— John
"This is my 4th set of hearing aids and I can say these are the best ones I've had."
— Mike
"The hearing aids are great. Easy to use…with excellent sound quality. First time with rechargeable hearing aids…found it hassle free. The devices pick up higher ranges much more clearly than my prior devices."
— Keith
"The hearing aids are great. Easy to use...with excellent sound quality. First time with rechargeable hearing aids...found it hassle free. The devices pick up higher ranges much more clearly than my prior devices."
— Phillip
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— Name
Reviews for Older Starkey Products
- Overview
- New Features
- Final Thoughts
Full Review
Written by
Blake Cadwell
This week Minnesota produced more than just news about some epic winter storms.
MN-based Starkey Labs released a brand new line of hearing aids with a new form factor, app, underlying technology, and event audiologist interface.
Quick Background
Starkey is the only major U.S.-based hearing aid manufacturer. They famously fit Ronald Reagan with a hearing aid during his presidency and have long been considered the leader in custom-mold and invisible products.
Starkey made some big moves in the hearing health space a handful of years ago. They started by hiring a top engineer from Intel and began experimenting with AI processing in their devices. Soon they added fitness tracking, fall detection, and even a language translation feature (it kind of works).
Starkey remains the leader in custom-molded devices with the smallest Bluetooth-enabled device on the market, but they are now also seen as one of the most feature-rich hearing aids on the market.
Maybe even too many features for some people’s taste. 🤷♂️
The New News - Starkey Genesis AI
Hearing aid brands often launch new products with smaller innovations to their chips or add a couple. Sometimes the hearing aid body looks identical, and the app stays mostly the same.
Genesis AI appears to be a home-makeover-style transformation.
Before we dig into what changed, here’s what stays the same:
- Starkey Genesis AI still comes with disposable and rechargeable batteries (now with longer life).
- Starkey Genesis AI is; still Bluetooth enabled for iPhone and Android devices with hands-free calling for iPhone. You will need to keep your phone close if you use an Android to pick up your voice. No changes here.
- Starkey Genesis AI will keep some important underlying technology, including the deep neural network that manages background noise and the incredibly popular edge mode. The deep neural network is now more powerful with the capability to make 80M adjustments per hour (mostly imperceptible of course).
Ok, let’s talk about the significant changes. There are lots of them.
We’ll start with the new form factor and battery system.
The Genesis AI hearing aids have a completely new design compared to their predecessors, including both receiver and canal and custom models. The receiver in canal version has a smoother exterior that I prefer to the ridges and corners in previous generations. Genesis should also be smaller than previous generations due to the smaller components throughout. Overall, the exterior updates seem like a win.
Another major hardware update in Genesis is the battery life. Here are the highlights:
Genesis now boasts the longest-lasting rechargeable battery on the market, with up to 51 hours on a single charge. The smaller Genesis mini RIC cuts down on battery size and still maintains 41 hours. Most people are fine with 20 hours, but this extra battery life could mean a weekend camping trip without a charge. That’s new.
Starkey’s larger in-the-ear devices are also available in rechargeable styles. Their in-the-ear style hearing boasts an impressive 36 hours as well.
At the moment, Starkey just took the lead in the battery department.
Let’s take a look under the hood.
Starkey updated the chip inside their new hearing aids and made some big improvements to speed and capacity.
The Genesis AI hearing aids feature the smallest and fastest processor that Starkey has ever made, with 6X more transistors than past models. This processor is critical to handling the AI inside Starkey devices. Starkey’s new Edge Mode+ cleans up audio in real-time with more advanced compression to reduce listening effort.
The powerful processor also enabled even more intelligent features within health tracking and the Starkey personal assistant.
If Tony Stark were picking a hearing aid, it seems like he would probably pick this one (and not just for the name).
Let’s talk about apps.
Starkey has sometimes been criticized for overly complex app controls. It appears they are starting fresh with a brand new Starkey App that puts the most-used features front and center. The new app will also have new abilities to update hearing aid firmware and some helpful how-to videos. All welcome changes in my book.
That’s what we know so far.
I’ll report back once I have reviewed the product for myself. On its face, this is an impressive and ambitious launch for Starkey. If you are a Starkey wearer, the new Genesis line will give you some smart upgrades. If you are new to hearing aids and looking for something with lots of smarts, Starkey should be on your shortlist.
Written by
Blake Cadwell
Reviewed by
Soundly Staff
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