Starkey is one of the hearing aid brands we fit at Alto. Its small custom aids can be worth considering if you want to keep the space behind your ears clear. For calls and music streamed from a phone, you’ll need a wireless model.
We start with the conversations you’re missing and what you need your hearing aids to do. Then we work through the practical choices with you, from the earpiece and controls to charging and cleaning.
Choosing the style and earpiece
A custom aid needs enough room in the ear canal for the components and the amplification you need. Its fit also has to allow you to insert, remove and clean it comfortably.
With a receiver-in-canal aid, we choose the dome or custom earpiece alongside the receiver strength and venting. Those choices affect the sound, including your own voice, as well as comfort. Our hearing-aid treatment plans explain the appointments and ongoing care around the fitting.
In this article
Are Starkey hearing aids good?
We fit Starkey when its models offer the amplification, physical fit and features you need. We also check that you can insert, clean and use the aids comfortably.
What are Starkey hearing aids known for?
Starkey’s range includes AI sound processing, rechargeable and disposable-battery styles, phone streaming and small custom aids. Selected models also offer activity tracking and reminders through My Starkey. The available functions vary with the model, style and technology level.
The physical choices can be as significant as the software. A rechargeable receiver-in-canal aid puts a small speaker in the ear and the main body behind it. A small non-wireless custom aid sits in the canal but gives up direct phone streaming.
Current Starkey hearing aid ranges
Omega AI+ is Starkey’s latest range. Omega AI and Edge AI are earlier generations, while Signature Series concentrates on small custom aids. G Series AI includes receiver-in-canal and behind-the-ear options. You may also come across Genesis AI in an existing fitting or quote.
A quote should give the full model name, style and technology level. Omega AI+ and Omega AI are distinct names; “Starkey AI” alone does not identify the hearing aids.
Starkey Omega AI+
Omega AI+ adjusts its processing as the listening situation changes. Enhanced Edge Mode lets you request an extra sound-processing adjustment when a conversation is difficult.
Supported wireless styles can stream calls and music from compatible devices using Bluetooth LE Audio. The My Starkey app controls volume and programmes and can help you join an Auracast broadcast. It can also notify you if you leave your hearing aids behind.
Starkey quotes up to 51 hours of battery life for the Omega AI+ RIC RT. That figure applies to that specific style. Runtime varies with use, streaming, settings and battery condition.
Starkey Omega AI
Omega AI offers Edge Mode+ for on-demand processing, Bluetooth LE Audio and the My Starkey Auracast assistant on supported models.
An existing Omega AI wearer does not need to replace their aids because a newer name has appeared. A review can establish whether adjustments, a different earpiece or an accessory would address the difficulty before considering replacement.
Starkey Edge AI
Edge AI uses AI processing to classify sounds and adjust speech and noise processing. Edge Mode+ provides an on-demand adjustment for a difficult listening situation.
It supports Bluetooth LE Audio on compatible devices. Starkey quotes up to 51 hours for the Edge AI RIC RT; other styles vary. The exact model and technology level determine the remaining functions.
A comparison with Omega AI or Omega AI+ should include the physical style, controls, phone connection and care in the quote.
Starkey Signature Series
Signature Series includes invisible-in-canal (IIC), completely-in-canal (CIC) and rechargeable CIC styles. Starkey quotes up to 38 hours for the rechargeable CIC, with actual runtime depending on use and settings.
These are non-wireless hearing aids. They do not provide direct Bluetooth streaming or My Starkey app control. Wireless programming by an audiologist is a different function.
An in-ear aid leaves the space behind the ear clear for glasses. The smaller parts still need to be manageable to insert, remove and clean. Ear-canal space and the amplification required affect which custom style is possible.
Our custom hearing aids guide explains those fitting differences.
Starkey G Series AI and Genesis AI
G Series AI includes receiver-in-canal and behind-the-ear options. Starkey lists directional processing, wireless streaming, My Starkey controls and a rechargeable option, with functions varying by style.
It works with compatible StarLink microphones, a TV Streamer and Remote Control 2.0. These belong to a different accessory family from StarLink Edge, so the connection needs checking against the exact hearing aids.
Genesis AI is an earlier generation. If you already wear these aids and are struggling, a fitting review can establish what is causing the difficulty and whether the aids can be adjusted.
Comparing the Starkey models
| Range | Main distinction |
|---|---|
| Omega AI+ | Enhanced Edge Mode for on-demand sound adjustment. LE Audio on supported styles; up to 51 hours for RIC RT. |
| Omega AI | Separate earlier range with Edge Mode+, LE Audio and an Auracast assistant on supported models. |
| Edge AI | AI processing and Edge Mode+, with LE Audio. Its 51-hour maximum is also specific to RIC RT. |
| Signature Series | Small non-wireless custom aids. Rechargeable CIC and disposable-battery styles; no direct Bluetooth streaming. |
| G Series AI | Receiver-in-canal and behind-the-ear options, with style-specific streaming, controls and battery choices. |
| Genesis AI | Earlier generation. Features and connections depend on the physical style and technology level. |
Can Starkey hearing aids help in background noise?
Hearing aids can improve access to speech in noise. Overlapping voices, distance and room acoustics still affect what you hear.
At Alto, speech-in-noise testing, including QuickSIN, helps us investigate the difficulties you describe. We consider those results alongside your audiogram, ear fitting and the situations where you need help.
A remote microphone can pick up speech closer to the person speaking. That may help when distance is part of the difficulty, such as a meeting or a conversation across a table.
Starkey app, Bluetooth and accessories
My Starkey lets you adjust volume and programmes on supported hearing aids. Other functions include finding misplaced aids and selected activity and reminder features. Availability varies by model and location.
App control, audio streaming and hands-free calling have different compatibility requirements. Installing My Starkey does not establish that a phone supports every audio function.
Phone compatibility should always be checked before choosing. Starkey’s device compatibility information separates supported phone models, operating systems and audio functions. We check the exact hearing aids and phone together, including the functions you rely on.
Omega AI+, Omega AI and Edge AI support LE Audio on compatible devices. One-way Android ASHA streaming and two-way LE Audio calling are different connections. An operating-system version alone does not establish support.
Auracast broadcasts
The My Starkey Auracast assistant provides a way to join suitable broadcasts with supported hearing aids. A venue or transmitter must provide the broadcast, and the joining setup must be compatible. Our Auracast guide explains how this works.
Microphones, TV sound and computers
Starkey’s accessories include remote microphones for speech and streamers for television sound. The exact hearing aids determine which StarLink or StarLink Edge product connects to them. Our hearing aid accessories guide explains when these can help.
The StarLink Edge LE Adapter can connect supported Starkey LE Audio aids to compatible USB-C phones, tablets or computers. USB-C alone does not guarantee compatibility. With this adapter, calls are accepted and ended on the phone, tablet or computer.
How much do Starkey hearing aids cost?
Starkey hearing aid prices vary with the model, technology level, style and care included. For private hearing aids in the UK, £1,500 to £6,000 per pair is a broad budgeting guide, with options outside that range. It is not a Starkey model-specific price list.
Our guide to hearing aid prices in the UK explains the wider budget and care-package differences.
Two quotes for the same model can include different care. The written quote should set out:
- The full model, style and technology level, and whether the price is for one aid or a pair.
- The charger and accessories included or charged separately.
- The assessment, fitting and Real Ear Measurements.
- Follow-up appointments, adjustments and longer-term aftercare.
- Warranty, repair arrangements and costs outside cover.
- Whether it covers devices alone or a hearing-aid treatment plan.
How we check the fitting
The size and shape of your ear canal affect the sound reaching your eardrum. Real Ear Measurements measure that sound while you wear the hearing aids. The audiologist then uses the measurements to adjust the fitting towards the prescription target.
We also review speech clarity, your own voice, comfort and daily handling. Those checks help us decide whether to change the settings, earpiece or accessories.
Water protection and daily care
Starkey describes selected rechargeable Omega AI+, Edge AI and G Series AI styles as waterproof. Follow the care instructions supplied with your aids. Starkey advises against swimming while wearing any hearing aids.
Follow-up appointments give us a chance to review the conversations that are still difficult and how the aids feel and sound in daily use. Persistent discomfort or poor clarity deserves a review. Our hearing aid adjustment guide explains what can change after fitting.
Comparing Starkey with other brands
Hearing-aid models differ in their physical design, phone connections, accessories and sound processing. A small non-wireless custom model and a connected receiver-in-canal aid have different practical uses, whichever manufacturer makes them.
Our hearing aid brands comparison explains the wider differences. The individual ReSound, Widex, Phonak, Oticon, Signia and Unitron guides cover their models and connections.
Talk to Alto about your hearing
If conversations are becoming harder, we can discuss a Complete Hearing Assessment. Your audiologist will explain the results alongside the difficulties you have noticed and recommend hearing support and care that suit your needs.
Frequently asked questions
Read frequently asked questions
Are Starkey hearing aids good?
We fit Starkey when its models offer the amplification, physical fit and features you need. We also check that you can insert, clean and use the aids comfortably.
What is the newest Starkey hearing aid?
Omega AI+ is Starkey’s latest range. It includes on-demand sound adjustment and Bluetooth LE Audio on supported wireless styles. The full model and style determine the functions available.
What is Starkey Omega AI?
Omega AI is an earlier Starkey range, separate from Omega AI+. It offers Edge Mode+, Bluetooth LE Audio and an Auracast assistant through My Starkey on supported models.
What is the difference between Starkey Omega AI and Edge AI?
Both ranges offer AI sound processing and Edge Mode+. Their physical styles, controls and other features vary by model and technology level. Omega AI+ is a separate newer range; a quote should identify the full name and style.
Are Starkey hearing aids rechargeable?
Many styles are rechargeable, including the RIC RT models in Omega AI+ and Edge AI and the Signature Series rechargeable CIC. Other styles use disposable batteries, so the battery format needs checking for the individual aid.
Are Starkey hearing aids waterproof?
Some rechargeable styles are described by Starkey as waterproof. Follow the care instructions supplied with your model. Starkey advises against swimming while wearing any hearing aids.
Do Starkey hearing aids work with iPhone and Android?
Supported models work with compatible iPhone and Android devices. App control, streaming and hands-free calling have different requirements. The exact phone, software and hearing-aid model should be checked together.
What is the My Starkey app?
My Starkey provides volume and programme controls on compatible hearing aids. Other supported functions include finding misplaced aids, reminders and selected activity features. Installing the app does not establish that all phone audio functions are supported.
Are Starkey hearing aids good for background noise?
Directional microphones and noise processing can help with speech in noise. The benefit also depends on hearing loss, the fitting, the room and the listening situation. A remote microphone may help when distance is part of the difficulty.
How much do Starkey hearing aids cost?
The price depends on the model, technology level, style and care included. A written quote should identify whether it covers one aid or a pair, the charger and accessories, fitting verification, follow-up, warranty and repair arrangements.
Are Starkey hearing aids better than ReSound, Widex, Phonak or Oticon?
The models differ in their physical design, sound processing, phone connections and accessories. An assessment helps establish which features address your hearing needs and which style you can manage comfortably.