Starkey Edge AI Hearing Aids: Technology Levels Compared

starkey edge ai hearing aids

Starkey Edge AI Offers Three Technology Levels

Edge AI hearing aids utilize Starkey’s G2 Neuro Processor, which incorporates a neural processing unit (NPU). This technology mimics the brain’s auditory cortex, classifying complex soundscapes, enhancing speech, and reducing noise in real-time. The result is improved clarity and reduced listening effort, even in challenging environments. The Edge AI comes in a 24, 20, and 16 technology level.

Starkey 24 (Premium Level)

Best For:

  • Highly active individuals
  • Professionals in dynamic environments
  • Frequent travelers and socialites
  • Tech enthusiasts

Why:
The Edge AI 24 level includes the full suite of Starkey’s AI capabilities, delivering the best in speech enhancement, noise reduction, and automatic adaptation to complex environments. It’s designed for those who are constantly on the move or frequently engage in conversations in various and noisy settings (e.g., offices, restaurants, airports). It also includes the most customizable user settings via the Starkey app, advanced directional microphones, and real-time health and wellness monitoring.

Key Features:

  • Maximum processing channels for precise sound shaping
  • Edge Mode+ for on-demand AI-assisted tuning
  • Advanced tinnitus relief tools
  • Full health tracking: steps, engagement, and fall detection
  • Best-in-class streaming with Bluetooth LE Audio

Starkey 20 (Advanced Level)

Best For:

  • Moderately active users
  • People with routine group interactions
  • Outdoor enthusiasts
  • Those balancing cost and performance

Why:
Edge AI 20 offers a strong balance between performance and price, making it ideal for users with moderately active lifestyles who still encounter a range of acoustic environments, such as community centers, meetings, or outdoor sports. While not as customizable as the 24 level, it still includes impressive speech processing and robust noise management.

Key Features:

  • Strong AI-driven sound classification
  • Edge Mode+ support (less customizable than 24)
  • Good noise reduction in moderate-to-difficult environments
  • Health tracking with limited features
  • Rechargeable and Bluetooth streaming capabilities

Starkey 16 (Standard Level)

Best For:

  • Homebodies
  • People in quiet or predictable environments
  • First-time hearing aid users
  • Budget-conscious buyers

Why:
Edge AI 16 is designed for users whose hearing needs are mostly limited to one-on-one conversations, watching TV, or using the phone at home. It provides reliable amplification and some intelligent features, but does not offer the depth of automatic adjustments or environmental analysis found in higher levels.

Key Features:

  • Core AI processing for simple sound environments
  • Basic Edge Mode functionality
  • Minimal health tracking
  • Rechargeable options available
  • Good for speech in quiet settings
Feature Edge AI 24 Edge AI 20 Edge AI 16
Processing Channels Highest Medium Essential
Edge Mode+ Full Limited Basic
Noise Reduction Advanced Moderate Basic
Health & Wellness Tracking Full Suite Limited Minimal
App Personalization Extensive Moderate Basic
Tinnitus Masking Advanced Good Basic
Bluetooth Streaming Best Strong Standard
Rechargeable Options Available with Best Battery Life Available Available
Directional Microphones Advanced Good Basic

What Do These Features Mean For You?

What It Is: Processing channels are the frequency bands that the hearing aid divides sound into for fine-tuning.

What It Means for the Wearer:
  • More channels = More precise sound adjustments.
  • Tailors amplification for specific frequencies where hearing loss occurs.
  • Helps avoid distortion and enhances clarity for speech and environmental sounds.

Benefit: Better sound quality, especially in complex listening environments like restaurants or group conversations.

What It Is: An on-demand artificial intelligence (AI) feature that makes instant sound adjustments for challenging environments.

What It Means for the Wearer:

  • Tap your hearing aid or activate via app to improve sound instantly.
  • Ideal for sudden noisy environments (like an unexpected crowd or wind noise).

 

Benefit: Quick and easy personalized sound optimization in the moment — reduces listening effort and improves speech clarity.

What It Is: AI-driven suppression of unwanted background noise while enhancing speech.

What It Means for the Wearer:

  • Filters out distractions like fan noise, traffic, or restaurant clatter.
  • Focuses on voices and conversation.

 

Benefit: Less fatigue from trying to “tune out” noise — clearer conversations and easier social interactions.

What It Is: Built-in activity tracking features similar to fitness devices.

Features Include:

  • Step counting.
  • Engagement tracking (monitors how much you engage in conversation).
  • Fall detection (alerts emergency contacts if a fall is detected).

 

Benefit: Encourages physical activity, supports health goals, and provides safety for seniors or at-risk users.

What It Is: A smartphone app that gives wearers control over their hearing aids.

What It Means for the Wearer:

  • Create custom listening programs (like “Coffee Shop” or “Concert”).
  • Adjust volume, noise reduction levels, and microphone direction.
  • Save preferred settings for specific locations (geo-tagging).

 

Benefit: Empowers users to take control of their hearing experience — leading to better comfort and satisfaction.

What It Is: Therapeutic sound stimulation that masks ringing or buzzing (tinnitus).

What It Means for the Wearer:

  • Customizable soothing sounds.
  • Reduces perception of tinnitus symptoms.

 

Benefit: Improves quality of life for people suffering from tinnitus by reducing the annoyance and awareness of the ringing.

What It Is: Direct wireless audio streaming from smartphones, TVs, or other Bluetooth devices.

What It Means for the Wearer:

  • Music, phone calls, podcasts, or TV audio streamed directly into hearing aids.
  • Higher tiers offer better sound quality and more stable connections.

 

Benefit: Convenient, hands-free listening experience that integrates hearing aids with everyday technology.

Final Thoughts: Which Starkey Edge AI Level Is Right for You?

Choosing the right technology level comes down to your lifestyle, hearing environment, and budget:

  • Go for Edge AI 24 if you demand top-tier performance, live a fast-paced life, or have complex hearing needs.
  • Choose Edge AI 20 for a well-rounded experience that handles both quiet and busy environments affordably.
  • Pick Edge AI 16 if your needs are basic, your environments are predictable, and you’re just starting your hearing journey.

 

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