Page Reviewed / Updated – July 17th, 2021

Best AI Integration

Setting the standard for hearing aid innovation, Starkey’s offers hearing aids that win the prize for best AI integration. Starkey’s artificial intelligence technology makes its hearing aids some of the best on the market due to their unique features. With its proprietary AI, Starkey’s hearing aids can act as a virtual assistant, offering translation, transcription and medication reminders. AI-enabled devices can also be used to track physical data such as steps and heart rate. They can even be programmed to detect falls and call for help.

What You Should Know About Starkey’s Hearing Aids

Starkey’s hearing aids integrate the best technology available to create superior sound quality and functionality. They come in a range of sizes, features and styles and are designed to work for people with mild to severe hearing loss. These hearing aids also provide relief to people with tinnitus. Starkey’s devices come with highly customizable technology options, ranging from classic and affordable to futuristic devices that help wearers stay connected with the world.

Livio AI

Z Series

Picasso

Hearing Loss

Mild – Severe

Mild – Severe

Mild – Severe

Style

Variety

Variety

in-canal, in-ear

Color Options?

Variety

Variety

Variety

Bluetooth / Wireless

Yes

Yes

Yes

Sound control with app

Yes

Yes (Receiver-in-canal option only)

Yes

Rechargeable

Yes

Yes

No

Livio AI

Starkey’s Livio AI line is made for people with mild to severe hearing loss. It comes in a range of styles, including behind-the-ear and custom-molded in-canal options. The Livio AI has many unique features not offered by other hearing aids. As the world’s first “healthable” hearing aid, the Livio AI can track brain health and physical exercise, providing valuable insight to users about their health.

The Livio AI’s physical tracking capabilities also enable it to turn off automatically when not in use, helping extend battery life. Livio AI also offers Thrive Assistant, which is a virtual assistant similar to Apple’s Siri or Amazon’s Alexa. It can answer questions, schedule reminders and adjust hearing aids upon voice command. Hearing aid users can also find their lost hearing aids with their phones and get remote hearing care from their audiologist through the Thrive app.

The Livio AI comes in a range of color options depending on the model chosen. Because it’s only sold by authorized retailers, costs can vary depending on the hearing center. Generally, Starkey’s hearing aids can cost between $1,500 and $3,100 per unit. In addition, for each pair of hearing aids purchased, Starkey donates a pair to someone in need.

Z Series

The Z Series also comes in a range of styles for people with mild to severe hearing loss. This rechargeable line is a little more traditional and doesn’t have the Livio’s physical sensing features. However, it still has a range of modern technologies that offer the wearer a smooth, clear listening experience.

Starkey’s Z Series runs on the BluWave 4.0 operating system, which automatically adjusts and optimizes sound levels. Voice IQ software helps filter background noise to help wearers focus on speech in noisy situations. Binaural Spatial Mapping software allows hearing aids to transfer data to each other in order to provide a realistic, 3D sound. Z Series hearing aids are also equipped with MultiFlex Tinnitus Technology designed to provide comfort to tinnitus sufferers.

Through Bluetooth, Z Series hearing aids can connect with mobile devices, tablets and Starkey’s SurfLink accessories. These include button controls for adjustments and microphones that make it easier for users to listen to conversations in noisy places. Users can also stream TV and music directly into their hearing aids.

Like Starkey’s other instruments, the Z series is only sold at hearing care centers and its price varies by retailer. As a simpler model, the Z Series is likely to be on the low end of the $1,500 to $3,100 range.

Picasso

Starkey’s Picasso line can be fully customized by the wearer. With a range of in-ear and in-canal styles, the Picasso is one of Starkey’s smallest hearing aid options and is specially formed to the ear of each wearer for optimal comfort. This line of hearing aids is available in six neutral colors. Picasso hearing aids are even available in an invisible model that sits entirely inside the ear canal. Unlike previous models, the Picasso uses replaceable batteries.

Picasso hearing aids are equipped with Starkey’s feedback cancellation technology for listener comfort. These hearing aids also help make soft sounds clearer while moderating loud noises. As well as offering tinnitus relief, the Picasso line delivers a crisp, clear music listening experience. Picasso hearing aids can also make phone conversations easier by streaming calls directly to the hearing aids.

Wireless Picasso hearing aids can connect to mobile apps for fine-tuning and troubleshooting. They can also connect to SurfLink’s range of remotes, microphones and streaming devices. Starkey’s Picasso costs between $1,500 and $3,100 per hearing aid. The cost of these hearing aids varies substantially depending on user customization and retailer prices.

Starkey’s Warranties and Return Policy

Warranties

New Starkey hearing aids come with a limited manufacturer’s warranty. This warranty covers remakes for hearing aids that don’t fit well. It further covers external damage and repairs for internal component failure. Because Starkey’s products are sold through authorized hearing care centers, individual retailers might offer their own warranties with expanded terms.

Starkey also offers a comprehensive Worry-Free Warranty for those who prefer extended coverage. This policy is available even for hearing aids not made by Starkey, offering protection for loss, damage and malfunctions. Buyers interested in this type of protection plan should consult their Starkey retailer.

Return Policy

All Starkey hearing aids come with a minimum 30-day return policy that includes a 30-day trial period for its devices. The hearing care centers selling Starkey’s instruments may offer a longer return window. Returns and exchanges should be done at the audiology center where the hearing aids were originally purchased.

Starkey’s FAQs

How long does Starkey’s hearing aids charge last?

Starkey’s rechargeable hearing aids have a battery life of up to 24 hours. All rechargeable models come with a portable charging case. Models with replaceable batteries can last from 3 to 22 days, depending on battery size.

What is Starkey’s best hearing aid?

Starkey’s most powerful hearing aid is the Livio Edge AI. This hearing aid is also equipped with smart technology to keep wearers in tune with their health. Those who like customization may prefer the Picasso, which can be tailored to meet the needs of any wearer.

Does Starkey sell Bluetooth hearing aids?

Most of Starkey’s hearing aids are Bluetooth-enabled. This allows users to connect wirelessly with apps, devices and accessories to expand the functionality of their hearing aids.