With more seniors enjoying new technology more than ever,1 many older adults are searching for high-tech hearing aids with advanced features; Starkey is a leading hearing aid provider that fits the bill. With Starkey, sound quality and AI features make their hearing aids a premium choice comparable to other top-rated brands we've tested, including Phonak. The company offers several different styles of hearing aids, ranging from behind-the-ear to invisible-in-the-canal, so users can find the fit that is most comfortable for their lifestyle.
While Starkey doesn't advertise prices on their website and customers will need to visit a hearing care specialist for a quote, you can expect to pay between $1000 and $3500 per hearing aid with this premium provider. If you're on a tight budget, there are other hearing aids to consider; however, we believe that Starkey's industry-leading technology and customizable solutions for mild to profound hearing loss are worth the cost. Now, let's take a closer look at everything Starkey has to offer!
What We Like About Starkey
Innovative technology: Starkey is a leader in innovative hearing aid technology like fall detection,2 AI features, and invisible hearing aids. With this technology, Starkey strives to make life safer and improve hearing for seniors.
Sound quality: From replicating a warmer, more natural sound to outperforming competitors with sound technology3 that makes it easier to hear in all types of environments, Starkey knows that sound quality is essential.
U.S.-based: Starkey prides itself on being one of the world's only major hearing aid providers based in the U.S.
Things to Keep in Mind About Starkey
Can be expensive: As one of the industry's top-tier hearing aid providers, Starkey's devices can get pricey, especially for those who want to add extra features. Insurance doesn't always offer full coverage for hearing aids, so it's important to consider your budget upfront.
Battery life: Bluetooth streaming and advanced AI features can drain batteries between charges or changes. While this is typical for these types of features, it does mean battery life will vary based on your use.
Starkey Hearing Aids Lineup
Comparing Starkey to Other Hearing Aid Brands
There’s no question that Starkey offers high-end hearing aids with the latest in tech and features. However, they may not be for everyone. If you’re an older adult on a tight budget, you may want to opt for a more affordable device. Additionally, Starkey hearing aids don’t offer the longest battery life out there, which may be a deal-breaker for some seniors. So, if you want to shop around before making a decision, check out some of the top-rated alternatives that we have reviewed.
Before we get into Starkey's product lineup, let's look at where the brand got its start. The Starkey family of brands has been specializing in hearing aid technology since 1967. What began as a grassroots startup has grown to a global leader in the hearing aid industry. Today, the Starkey family of brands includes familiar faces like Audibel, MicroTech, and NuEar. Starkey is the only member of the “Big Six” hearing aid providers, a group that manufactures the majority of the world's hearing aids, based in the U.S. Today, the company is headquartered in Minnesota and employs over 5,000 people across their 26 facilities worldwide.
Starkey Hearing Aid Styles
Below is a look at some of Starkey's hearing aids. They come in a variety of styles to fit your needs. Just a reminder: Starkey prices will vary by location and dispenser, so the best way to determine the cost of a pair of Starkey hearing aids is to visit a local Starkey provider.
Starkey Hearing Aids
Model
Styles available
Rechargeable options
Bluetooth
App compatible
AI tech
Livio
Behind-the-ear,
receiver-in-canal,
In-the-ear, and
in-the-canal
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Livio AI
Behind-the-ear,
receiver-in-canal,
in-the-ear, and
in-the-canal
Yes
Yes
Yes
Sensors for hearing performance, health tracking, and intelligent assistance
Livio Edge AI
Behind-the-ear,
receiver-in-canal, in-the-ear, and
in-the-canal
Yes
Yes
Yes
Sensors for hearing performance, health tracking, and intelligent assistance
Evolve AI
Behind-the-ear,
receiver-in-canal,
in-the-ear, and
in-the-canal
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Picasso
In-the-ear, in-the-canal, completely-in-canal, and
Invisible-in-canal
No
Yes, limited Bluetooth capabilities
No
No
Livio AI
According to Starkey, Livio AI is the world's first “Healthable” hearing aid. That means this hearing aid does more than just improve your hearing; it also comes with features that track your health and wellness. These devices track things like your daily steps, overall physical and mental activity, and time spent engaging and actively listening, giving you a detailed snapshot of your health over time. Users can view and track these metrics through the companion mobile app. You simply won't find these unique features with competitors we’ve reviewed, including Oticon. Users can also control their hearing aids through a mobile app, take calls, and stream music and entertainment, thanks to built-in Bluetooth technology. Whether you're a runner, golfer, cyclist, or you just want to keep a closer eye on your health, Livio AI is an excellent choice for active users.
Quick Tip: Starkey offers a more basic Livio model without the Healthable features for those who want a more simple or less expensive hearing aid. It provides the same sound quality, rechargeable battery options, and Bluetooth compatibility.
Livio Edge AI
Livio Edge AI features many of the same health tracking technology as Livio AI, and it even adds in fall detection. With one-in-four seniors experiencing a fall every year,4 having safety measures in place can help prevent serious injury. If your hearing aids detect a fall, your pre-programmed emergency contacts will be notified immediately. Fall detection is something you don't see very often in the hearing aid industry, so Livio Edge AI is a game-changer. In addition to the health and safety features, these hearing aids offer natural, crisp, and clear sound, even in complex listening environments. Whether you're at a noisy dinner party, bowling alley, or enjoying coffee with your spouse at home, Livio Edge Ai hearing aids will automatically adjust to fit the setting.
Did You Know: All of Starkey's hearing aids come equipped with features to relieve symptoms from tinnitus. If you suffer from ringing in the ears, this will be very useful.
Evolve AI
Evolve AI, Starkey's latest model, features the company's best sound quality and technology to date. According to Starkey, Evolve AI offers 40 percent more reduction in noise energy to reduce the wearer's listening effort. This model also has upgraded connectivity, featuring a better connection and sound quality when paired with smartphones or TVs. These hearing aids are designed to provide realistic and natural sound, no matter what listening environment you're in. Evolve AI features all of the same health tracking features as Livio Edge AI, including fall detection. If you're looking for a top-of-the-line product (with a price tag to match) we'd recommend Evolve AI.
If you're less interested in the advanced AI technology and health tracking features, Picasso is a simple, small model that still packs powerful Starkey technology. These hearing aids offer a personalized hearing solution built specifically for your ear anatomy. Picasso devices come in several in-the-canal models, meaning they sit entirely in your ear; they won't get caught on glasses or a mask, and they'll be less visible than other styles of hearing aids. Like Starkey's other models, Picasso devices come equipped with Bluetooth technology, so you can wirelessly stream music, phone calls, or TV.
Starkey Hearing Aid Accessories
In addition to hearing aid devices packed with the latest in sound and AI technology, Starkey offers many accessories to help users get the most out of their devices. We'll cover a few of our favorites below.
Starkey Accessories
TV Streamer: This device connects to your cable box to stream straight to your hearing aid. The streamer eliminates many of the negative impacts of watching TV with hearing aids the traditional way, such as reverberation and background noise.
Remote Microphone +: This device can help you focus on one-on-one conversations when in noisy environments. It also comes in a Mini version that can be clipped to your clothes, and it also doubles as a TV streamer.
Remote: For those who don't want to control their hearing aid through a mobile app, this portable remote makes it easy to adjust your settings with a press of a button.
Is Starkey the Right Fit for Your Needs?
In the world of hearing aids, you will find a wide range of prices and levels of service. For those who want a quick, straightforward solution that can be purchased online and shipped directly to you, bargain options like MDHearingAid are available. However, if you're looking for a top-of-the-line solution custom-fitted to your unique needs, it's best to consult a hearing care professional in-person. With Starkey, you'll need to visit a hearing clinic for a consultation, hearing test, and fitting to find the right solution for you.
To sum it all up, if you're looking for a simple, inexpensive provider that offers hearing aids for purchase online, Starkey won't be the right fit for you. But for those who want professional diagnostics, custom fittings, and higher-quality devices, Starkey hearing aids are an excellent option.
Purchasing Your Starkey Hearing Aids
Does Starkey sound like the right provider for you? If so, here's how to get your hands on a pair of their hearing aids.
Start With an Online Hearing Test Assessment
If you think you might be experiencing hearing loss, you can start with a simple online hearing test, which Starkey offers on their website. This test is a self-diagnostic tool that will let you know if it's time to head to a hearing specialist for a more formal evaluation. If that's the case, your next step will be finding a hearing care professional near you.
Pro Tip: Want to learn more about hearing assessments? Visit our 2023 hearing aid guide for more information.
Find a Starkey Hearing Specialist in Your Area
Starkey hearing aids are available through a network of hearing professionals. The shopping process can be overwhelming, so trained professionals from Starkey are available to get you started. You can book an appointment with a hearing care provider by filling out an online contact form on Starkey's website or giving them a call.
Visit Your Local Specialist
At your appointment, a Starkey hearing center professional will perform a complete visual and diagnostic screening. Expect to spend around two hours at this appointment for testing and reviewing your results. There is no commitment required to get your hearing tested. The provider will also ask questions to understand your lifestyle and help you choose the device that best meets your needs.
Money Saving Tip: Many Starkey hearing centers will offer free hearing screenings as a regular or promotional offer. Be sure to ask about this when booking your appointment.
The Follow-up
Your hearing specialist will schedule a thirty-day follow-up appointment to check the fit and performance of your device since it takes some time to get acquainted with new hearing aids. If you decide that the size or style isn't working for you, Starkey offers a 60-day exchange program to get a different size or model.
A Commitment to Our Veterans
As an American-founded company, Starkey makes a special commitment to our veterans.
When you think of the injuries that veterans suffer from, hearing loss is probably not the first thing that comes to mind; however, hearing problems, such as hearing loss and tinnitus, are the leading cause of medical disability among our veterans.5
Starkey is dedicated to providing our veterans with industry-leading hearing aid technology to improve their quality of life after they have served our country. While VA benefit coverage varies by individual benefits packages, veterans can contact their local VA facility to inquire about eligibility. Starkey hearing aids may be free for veterans who qualify.
Final Thoughts on Starkey Hearing Aids
Starkey embraces new technology to bring older adults the latest custom hearing solutions with advanced AI features like fall detection, health and wellness tracking, and voice assistance. The company has a full line of hearing aids for mild to profound hearing loss with various styles to meet most seniors' needs and lifestyles. Though on the more expensive side for the industry, in this year's Starkey review, we found that the price indicates the quality of hearing aids and level of service you'll receive. If Starkey hearing aids are right for your budget, we'd highly recommend this premium provider.
Yes, you’ll need to visit a hearing care specialist to purchase Starkey hearing aids. A hearing specialist or audiologist will be able to diagnose your hearing loss condition, recommend the most appropriate device, and make sure it fits and works properly.
Models that sit in the ear or completely in the canal may be prone to earwax buildup. There are products on the market that can help users clean their hearing aids at home, or a hearing specialist at one of Starkey’s centers can remove excess earwax buildup.
Hearing tests are offered complimentary at many locations. However, prices and services may vary by provider, as each location is independently owned and operated.
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