Starkey Edge AI hearing aids: A game changer in technology
When you think of a hearing aid, what comes to mind? Most people imagine a small, discreet device designed to amplify sound. But in the case of the Starkey Edge AI, what you’re looking at is much more than just a hearing aid—it’s an entirely new approach to how we experience sound.
Back in October 2023, Starkey introduced the Genesis AI hearing aid family, which was widely touted as the most advanced hearing aid technology on the market. The PR machine was in full force, and it seemed like everywhere you looked, Starkey was making bold claims about how revolutionary their new hearing aids were. But fast forward to 2024, and things have gone a bit quieter. At least for those of us who try to stay on top of the latest tech releases. So, what gives? Why the silence from Starkey?
No need to worry—I’ve been digging deep to uncover the details, and I’m here to introduce you to Starkey’s latest breakthrough: the Edge AI family of hearing aids.
The new Starkey Edge AI family of hearing aids
At the time of writing this post, Starkey’s Edge AI family includes seven distinct models, catering to a wide range of hearing needs and preferences. These include:
- Completely-in-Canal (CIC) model
- In-the-Canal (ITC) or half-shell rechargeable model
- In-the-Ear (ITE) rechargeable model
- Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) disposable battery model
- Micro Receiver-in-Canal (M-RIC) disposable battery model
- RIC Rechargeable with Telecoil model
- CROS System
While these models may look similar to the previous Genesis AI family, Starkey is quick to point out that the real changes are happening under the hood, thanks to their latest technological advancements.
Starkey’s G2 Neuroprocessor
The star of the show is Starkey’s G2 Neuroprocessor, the seventh generation of AI-driven technology designed to enhance your listening experience. The G2 processor incorporates artificial intelligence in a way that is unlike anything we’ve seen in hearing aids before.
The key to this innovation is the integration of a neural processing unit (NPU), which enables the device to process sound at an incredible speed and efficiency, almost mimicking the way the human brain processes sound. This means a significant improvement in real-time processing, allowing the hearing aids to keep up with even the most complex listening environments.
Starkey boasts that the G2 processor delivers 100 times more processing power than the previous Genesis AI models and is trained with millions of sound environments. The result? A hearing aid that can monitor your environment 60 times per second and adapt its settings for a truly personalized listening experience.
Improved speech detection and noise reduction
One of the standout features of the Edge AI hearing aids is improved speech detection and noise reduction. Starkey claims that the G2 processor can detect speech 30% more accurately than previous models, even in noisy environments.
But perhaps the most impressive stat is the 13 dB signal-to-noise ratio improvement. For context, a 13 dB improvement is significant and represents one of the largest claims we’ve seen in the hearing aid industry. While manufacturers often tout inflated numbers, Starkey seems to be offering something truly remarkable in terms of real-world performance.
Three key features in the Edge AI family
Beyond superior speech detection, Starkey has focused on enhancing daily listening comfort with three built-in features that work quietly in the background to improve your listening experience:
- Transient noise reduction: This feature helps reduce sharp, sudden sounds (like a door slamming or dishes being washed) by quickly compressing them. The system adapts based on your environment, offering more reduction in quieter situations and less in noisier ones.
- Binaural wind noise management: Anyone who has worn hearing aids in windy conditions knows how annoying wind noise can be. Starkey’s binaural wind noise feature reduces wind noise by up to 35 dB, making outdoor experiences much more comfortable.
- Binaural machine noise reduction: Starkey’s system can also detect and reduce machine sounds like road noise, vacuum cleaners, or hair dryers by up to 22 dB, ensuring you’re not overwhelmed by unwanted background noise.
Record-breaking battery life
Another standout feature of the Edge AI family is its impressive battery life. Starkey claims that the Edge AI hearing aids offer a record-breaking 51 hours of battery life on a single charge, even with significant streaming usage. This represents a 20% increase over the industry standard and sets a new bar for hearing aid longevity.
But while the tech world celebrates this breakthrough, it raises the question: Why are hearing aid manufacturers so focused on battery life? In reality, most users simply want their hearing aids to last a full day. If the answer is yes, that’s all most users care about. Regardless, Starkey’s record-setting battery life is certainly worth noting.
Starkey’s Edge AI is poised to set a new standard in the hearing aid industry, combining cutting-edge artificial intelligence with user-centric features that promise to enhance comfort, clarity, and overall listening experience like never before.
The NEW Starkey Edge AI Hearing Aids: Full Feature Review Video
Matthew Allsop is a Partner at Harley Street Hearing and the content creator for Hearing Tracker, where he shares his honest opinions on all things to do with hearing health and hearing aid technology. Hearing Tracker is the world’s first truly independent resource for hearing aid customers. You can watch his video on Starkey’s Edge AI hearing aids below.
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