A Simple Guide to Omega AI, Edge AI, Genesis AI, and Evolv AI
Starkey offers a wide range of wireless accessories designed to enhance hearing aid performance in everyday situations. These include TV streamers, remote microphones, table microphones, and remote controls. While the lineup is robust, compatibility can be confusing because Starkey now supports two different wireless technologies and offers two generations of many accessories.
Why Starkey Has Two Generations of Accessories
The main reason Starkey released new versions of accessories is a shift in wireless technology.
- Older Starkey hearing aids use traditional Bluetooth (Made for iPhone / MFi).
- Newer Starkey hearing aids use LE Audio with Auracast, a more advanced Bluetooth standard.
Because these two technologies are not interchangeable, accessories designed for one will not work with the other (with one notable exception covered later).
Newer Hearing Aids: Edge AI and Omega AI (Auracast / LE Audio)
Starkey’s newest hearing aid platforms are Edge AI and Omega AI. These models use LE Audio with Auracast, which allows for improved sound quality, lower power consumption, and broadcast-style audio streaming.
Accessories with “Edge” in the Name
Any Starkey accessory that includes “Edge” in its name is designed for Auracast-enabled hearing aids.
Important clarification:
Despite the name, Edge accessories are compatible with BOTH Edge AI and Omega AI.
This often causes confusion, as many people assume “Edge” accessories only work with Edge AI hearing aids. In reality, Edge AI and Omega AI share the same Auracast technology, which is why the accessories work with both platforms.
Examples of Edge-Compatible Accessories
These accessories will not work with Genesis AI or Evolv AI hearing aids.
Older Hearing Aids: Genesis AI and Evolv AI (MFi Bluetooth)
Genesis AI and Evolv AI hearing aids use traditional MFi Bluetooth, not Auracast. Because of this, they require older-generation Starkey accessories.
Legacy Starkey Accessories
These accessories do not include “Edge” in the name and are designed specifically for MFi Bluetooth hearing aids.
Examples include:
- StarLink TV Streamer (legacy version)
- StarLink Mini Remote Microphone
- StarLink Table Microphone (legacy version)
- StarLink Remote Microphone +
These accessories will not work with Edge AI or Omega AI hearing aids.
The One Exception: Remote Control 2.0
The StarLink Remote Control 2.0 is compatible with all Starkey hearing aid platforms, including:
- Edge AI
- Omega AI
- Genesis AI
- Evolv AI
This is because the Remote Control 2.0 does not rely on Bluetooth audio streaming. It uses a simple wireless control signal, allowing it to function across generations.
Compatibility Overview
Edge AI and Omega AI
- Require accessories with “Edge” in the name
- Use Auracast / LE Audio
- Not compatible with legacy MFi accessories
Genesis AI and Evolv AI
- Require legacy Starkey accessories
- Use MFi Bluetooth
- Not compatible with Edge accessories
Remote Control 2.0
- Works with all Starkey hearing aid models
- Bluetooth audio not required
How to Choose the Right Starkey Accessory
Before purchasing any Starkey accessory, confirm:
- Which hearing aid platform you have
- Whether your hearing aids use Auracast or MFi Bluetooth
- Whether the accessory includes “Edge” in the name
If your hearing aids are Edge AI or Omega AI, you must choose Edge accessories.
If your hearing aids are Genesis AI or Evolv AI, you must choose legacy accessories.
When in doubt, compatibility matters more than appearance or name similarity.
Final Takeaway
Starkey’s accessory lineup makes sense once you understand the technology shift behind it. The move to Auracast required new accessories, and while the “Edge” naming can be misleading, it simply indicates compatibility with Starkey’s newest platforms.
Choosing the correct accessory ensures reliable performance, clear sound, and the best possible hearing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Starkey Accessory Compatibility
Are Edge accessories only for Edge AI hearing aids?
No. Despite the name, accessories with “Edge” in the title are compatible with both Edge AI and Omega AI hearing aids. These platforms share the same Auracast (LE Audio) technology, which is why the accessories work with both models.
Why did Starkey release new versions of accessories?
Starkey introduced new accessories to support Auracast / LE Audio, a newer Bluetooth standard used by Edge AI and Omega AI hearing aids. Older accessories were designed for MFi Bluetooth and are not compatible with this newer technology.
Will my older Starkey accessories work with Edge AI or Omega AI?
No. Legacy Starkey accessories designed for Genesis AI or Evolv AI use MFi Bluetooth and will not connect to Edge AI or Omega AI hearing aids.
Can I use Edge accessories with Genesis AI or Evolv AI hearing aids?
No. Accessories with “Edge” in the name require Auracast and are only compatible with Edge AI and Omega AI hearing aids.
How can I tell which Starkey hearing aids I have?
Your hearing aid model name is typically:
- Listed on your purchase receipt or fitting paperwork
- Visible in the Starkey app
- Available through your hearing care provider
If you are unsure, it’s best to confirm before purchasing an accessory.
Why won’t my Starkey accessory pair with my hearing aids?
In most cases, pairing issues occur because:
- The accessory is designed for a different Bluetooth technology (Auracast vs. MFi)
- The hearing aids and accessory are from different generations
- The accessory has not been properly reset before pairing
Always verify compatibility first, as accessories from different generations cannot be forced to pair.
What should I do if I’m unsure which accessory I need?
If you’re unsure, confirm your hearing aid platform first. Choosing the correct accessory based on technology compatibility is essential. When in doubt, consult your hearing care provider or retailer before purchasing.
You can always contact us for help as well! A picture usually speaks 1000 words 🙂
