Is Starkey a good hearing aid brand?
Starkey is one of the major manufacturers and is well established in the UK, even if it is a less familiar name here than in the United States. It is headquartered in Minnesota and has stayed independent, while most other large brands now sit inside bigger groups. That independence does not make its hearing aids better or worse, but it does give Starkey its own way of doing things, especially in its app and its custom products.
Like every manufacturer, Starkey makes several technology levels. A premium Starkey and an entry-level Starkey are quite different products, so comparing brands only makes sense at a similar level.
Starkey’s current ranges
Current ranges include the families below. Starkey updates its line regularly, so your audiologist will show you the latest at your appointment.
Genesis AI
Genesis AI is Starkey’s recent platform, available in receiver-in-canal and custom styles. Starkey uses the term “AI” to describe how the hearing aid analyses sound and adjusts automatically. In practice, what matters is how it sounds to you in the places you go, which is what a home trial is for.
Edge AI
Edge AI is a related range that Starkey positions around performance in challenging listening situations. Whether you need it, or whether Genesis AI at a suitable level is enough, depends on your lifestyle.
Signature Series
Signature Series covers Starkey’s custom-made products, shaped from an impression of your ear. Starkey has a long history in custom in-the-ear hearing aids, and this is often where people first come across the brand.
Who might Starkey suit?
We do not pick brands by personality, but some patterns show up in clinic. Starkey is often worth a look if you:
- Prefer custom in-the-ear aids. If you want nothing behind the ear, perhaps because you wear glasses or a mask often, Starkey’s custom range is broad.
- Like using apps. Starkey’s app goes beyond volume control, with extra features that vary by model.
- Want a second opinion on a quote. Comparing a Starkey with another brand at the same level is a good way to check value.
It may matter less if you mainly want simple, automatic hearing aids and have little interest in a phone app. All the major brands handle that well.
What about the health features?
Starkey has made health and wellbeing features part of its pitch for some years. Depending on the model and your phone, these have included things like activity tracking in the app and the option of alerts to a chosen contact if the aids detect a possible fall. Features differ between models and change with app updates, so we would rather confirm exactly what your chosen model does than promise anything in advance.
These extras can be useful, but they are not a reason on their own to choose a hearing aid. The first job is clear, comfortable hearing. If the sound does not suit you, extra features will not make up for it.
If a relative is helping you choose, the app side is worth discussing together. Some families like the idea of alerts or shared settings; some wearers would rather keep things simple and private. There is no right answer, and most features can be switched off.
Custom in-the-ear Starkey: is it right for your ears?
Because Starkey is so often chosen for custom aids, it is worth knowing what the process involves. Your audiologist takes an impression of each ear canal, using a soft material that sets in a few minutes. The aids are then made to that shape, which is why they fit snugly and sit with nothing behind the ear.
Custom aids are not suitable for everyone:
- Very narrow or sharply curved ear canals may not leave room for the parts.
- Some hearing losses need more power or a more open fit than a custom shell can give.
- People who produce a lot of ear wax may find custom aids need cleaning more often.
- The smallest sizes use tiny disposable batteries, which can be hard to change.
We check all of this at your appointment. If a custom Starkey would not suit you, we will explain what would.
How does Starkey compare with other brands?
The other brands we fit, including Phonak, Oticon, Signia, ReSound, Widex and Unitron, all offer rechargeable receiver-in-canal aids, phone streaming and apps. The differences are in the detail: how each one handles background noise, the comfort of the shell, the design of the app and phone compatibility. Our guide to the best hearing aids in the UK sets out a way to compare by need. If phone streaming is your priority, read our guide to Bluetooth hearing aids too.
Buying Starkey hearing aids: what should be included?
When you compare quotes, look beyond the brand and model. Ask what happens after the fitting. At Sutton Hearing Care, every pair includes:
- Real ear measurement at fitting, which checks the sound reaching your eardrum matches your prescription
- Follow-up appointments in the first two weeks
- A 5-year manufacturer warranty
- 5 years of aftercare, covering adjustments, cleaning and servicing
- A 60-day money-back guarantee
Prices are by technology level: Essential from £1,595 a pair, Advanced from £2,845 and Premium from £3,445, as explained on our hearing aid prices page. If you already have a quote from elsewhere, we offer free second opinions.
See Starkey alongside other brands in Streetly
Book a free hearing test at our clinic on Sutton Oak Road. It takes up to 90 minutes and needs no GP referral. You can meet our HCPC-registered audiologists, see your results explained on the day and, if hearing aids would help, try a pair at home for 14 days free of charge. If Starkey is not the best match for your hearing, we will tell you what is and why.