Starkey Rebranded Hearing Aids & Charger Compatibility Guide

The Many Faces of Starkey: A Peek Behind the Curtain of Hearing Aid Branding

Ever been shopping for hearing aids and then felt like you were seeing double, or even triple? That’s not your hearing playing tricks on you. Welcome to the world of hearing aid vertical chains, where in fact the same core technology wears different costumes depending on where you shop.  In this article, we are specifically going to talk about compatible Starkey brand charger and beyond for your ease in finding the accessory/charger you need.

What is a Vertical Chain?

In the hearing industry, a vertical chain refers to a company that controls everything from the manufacturing of hearing aids as well as the clinics that sell them. Starkey, an American, Minnesotan manufacturer known for innovation and quality, does this, but with a twist: they often sell the same product under different names although through different retailers and private labels.

This means your “brand new Miracle-Ear Bliss” might also be the same device as a Starkey Genesis or Edge AI.  Just with a different label, pricing model, or software features locked/unlocked.

Here are some of the alter-egos Starkey hearing aids go by:

• Audibel – This is Starkey’s own private label brand, although they are only sold through a network of authorized dispensers. Same guts, but different name.
• NuEar – Another Starkey brand that plays in specific geographic or franchise channels.
• MicroTech – A rebranded Starkey product line that’s now mostly legacy, but still in use in some markets.
• Audigy – Starkey aids rebranded for clinics under the Audigy network.
• Miracle-Ear – Historically associated with Signia/Siemens, but the latest Miracle-Ear Genesis is actually built by Starkey, not Signia! Surprise! It’s the same technology inside as the Starkey Genesis AI, just wearing a Miracle-Ear jersey.
• AGX Hearing – Sold through the Audigy Group, this is often Starkey tech (though it can also be from other manufacturers like ReSound depending on the clinic’s contract).

Why All the Secret Identities?

1. Business Strategy: Different names allow Starkey to offer exclusive products to different retailers, so they’re not directly competing on the same shelf.
2. Clinic Loyalty: Brands like Audibel or NuEar help providers feel like they have something unique to offer.
3. Pricing Control: Vertical integration gives Starkey control over the entire sales process, therefore allowing them to manage costs, bundling, and warranties with more flexibility.

Takeaway for Customers

Because of all this confusion, don’t be afraid to ask questions about what’s really inside your hearing aids. Different names don’t always mean also different tech! We are here to help you find your compatible Starkey brand charger! Ask us!

How to Spot a Starkey Edge Aid:

• If the aid has Edge Mode (a double-tap feature for environmental optimization), it’s an Edge-level product.
• If it doesn’t have that feature, then it isn’t an Edge.  Haha
• Edge aids will not pair with Genesis accessories due to design and firmware differences (but they do use the same chargers!)

Here is a table that will help find the correct Starkey brand charger.

Starkey Platform & Charger Compatibility Cheat Sheet

Quick Reference – Which Charger Do You Need?

• Edge = StarLink 2.0 Charger
• Genesis = StarLink 2.0 Charger
• Livio (non-Edge) = Thrive Charger
• Evolv = Thrive Charger
• Older models = SurfLink or battery-powered, depending on device

Charger Compatibility Gotchas

• Thrive vs. StarLink 2.0: The Thrive Charger and StarLink 2.0 are not interchangeable. Therefore, Edge & Genesis won’t charge on a Thrive.
• Genesis and Edge Charger: Only works for Genesis and Edge family. Nothing older will fit it.

Don’t feel it is only you that is confused!  This is a confusing issue.  So confusing we have even written a blog for you.  We are here to help you.