Starkey Genesis AI hearing aids: review

The Starkey Genesis AI IIC (Invisible-in-Canal) is one of the most discreet and technologically advanced hearing solutions currently available. Custom-made from an ear impression, it is designed to sit deep within the ear canal, making it virtually invisible.

Despite its compact size, the IIC integrates Starkey’s powerful AI-based neuro-processor, capable of performing millions of sound adjustments per hour. This delivers natural, personalised listening, even in acoustically challenging environments.

Key advantages include:

• A fully invisible appearance
• Custom-fit comfort and secure wear
• Smart audio performance from Starkey’s flagship technology

However, the small size means some limitations:

• No Bluetooth streaming or app control
• Battery-operated using size 10 batteries, typically requiring replacement every 5–7 days

The Genesis AI IIC is ideal for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss seeking maximum discretion without compromising on sound quality. However, it may not be suitable for users who require app-based controls or advanced connectivity, and it requires good dexterity for daily handling.

The Starkey Genesis AI CIC 312 is the completely-in-canal (CIC) wireless version of the award-winning Genesis AI range. This fully custom-made hearing aid harnesses the power of the Starkey Neuro Processor and Bluetooth connectivity, while maintaining a discreet profile deep within the ear canal.

🔧 Key Technical Features

• Channels: 24 channels for highly precise sound processing
• Battery: Replaceable size 312 battery, offering an average lifespan of 7–8 days without streaming
• Wireless Connectivity: Direct streaming from iPhone and Android devices, full Bluetooth compatibility, Edge Mode+ accessible via button, and complete control via the My Starkey app
• Durability: IP68 rating with Pro8 HydraShield™ coating, ensuring resistance to dust and water up to 1 metre (rechargeable models only)

✅ Benefits

• Near-invisible appearance thanks to discreet CIC design
• Advanced AI technology capable of adjusting sound millions of times per second for enhanced speech clarity
• Convenient wireless connectivity for calls, music, and full customisation via smartphone

⚠️ Limitations

• Compact size means shorter battery life compared to rechargeable RIC or ITC models, and requires more delicate handling
• May be challenging to insert or remove for those with limited dexterity, and needs regular cleaning to maintain performance
• In summary, the Genesis AI CIC 312 is ideal for those seeking maximum discretion combined with intelligent audio performance, wireless streaming, and cutting-edge AI technology. However, users should carefully consider battery life and ease of daily use to ensure the best possible experience.

The Starkey Genesis AI ITC R is a rechargeable in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aid from the Genesis AI range. Custom-moulded to fit snugly within the ear canal, it features a discreet outer profile that remains partially visible when worn.

These devices offer a secure, personalised fit using ear impressions for optimal comfort. They incorporate the powerful Starkey Neuro Processor, which enables intelligent audio processing with over 80 million sound adjustments per hour—enhancing speech clarity and reducing background noise.

The outer shell is IP68-rated, providing robust protection against dust and water (up to 1 metre), thanks to Pro8 HydraShield™ technology. The built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery delivers up to 42 hours of use without streaming, and approximately 36 hours with streaming—performance that is comparable to other ITE/ITC models in the Genesis AI line-up.

The device is compatible with the Creator/Custom charger and includes advanced features such as Edge Mode+ for adaptive listening, full control via the My Starkey app, and health tracking capabilities.

✅ Key Benefits

• Custom-fit design tailored to each user’s ear anatomy
• Advanced AI processing for clear, adaptive sound in real time
• Long battery life, ideal for all-day use
• Smart features and wireless app control for added convenience

⚠️ Considerations

• As an ITC model, Bluetooth streaming capabilities are more limited compared to larger RIC devices
• Its smaller form factor may require more frequent maintenance and careful handling to ensure durability
• In summary, the Starkey Genesis AI ITC R is an excellent choice for those seeking a rechargeable, discreet and custom-fit hearing solution, enhanced by AI-driven performance and a suite of smart features. However, users should weigh up streaming needs and maintenance expectations when choosing this model.

The Starkey Genesis AI RIC range features Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) hearing aids designed to deliver comfort, discretion, and advanced technology. Equipped with the innovative Starkey Neuro Processor, these devices perform over 80 million sound adjustments per hour using deep neural network processing—ensuring optimal speech clarity, even in noisy environments.

The Genesis AI RIC is available in three rechargeable variants:

• RIC RT – offering up to 51 hours of battery life per charge
• mRIC R – a more compact option with around 41 hours of use
• RIC 312 – uses replaceable size 312 batteries for those who prefer disposable power solutions
• All RIC models are ergonomically designed to sit comfortably behind the ear and are virtually invisible when worn.

Thanks to Pro8 HydraShield™ technology, these hearing aids are IP68-rated, providing resistance to dust, moisture and water immersion up to 1 metre. Bluetooth connectivity allows for direct audio streaming, hands-free calls (iOS only), and full access to the My Starkey app, which includes remote control, health monitoring (step tracking, fall detection), and Edge Mode+ for instant acoustic fine-tuning.

✅ Key Benefits

• AI-powered clarity through real-time neural processing
• Multiple rechargeable and battery-powered options to suit user preferences
• Discreet, ergonomic design for long-lasting comfort
• Advanced connectivity, including app control and health tracking features
• Reliable moisture and dust resistance for everyday durability

⚠️ Considerations

• While professional reviews highlight excellent noise reduction and speech enhancement,
• some user forums report occasional inconsistencies in streaming quality or background noise—issues that are often resolved with proper fitting adjustments.
• A qualified audiologist is essential for fine-tuning and ensuring the best performance.
• In summary, the Starkey Genesis AI RIC models offer a premium hearing solution that combines high-level performance, modern design, and long battery life. Ideal for individuals with mild to severe hearing loss, they provide an intelligent, connected experience—provided that professional fitting is carried out for optimal results.

The Starkey Genesis AI BTE represents the behind-the-ear evolution of the Genesis AI range—ideal for those seeking high-performance sound, full connectivity, and maximum amplification. Like all devices in the Genesis line-up, these models are powered by the Starkey Neuro Processor with a DNN (Deep Neural Network) accelerator, enabling over 80 million sound adjustments per hour for a truly natural and lifelike listening experience, even in challenging environments.

The BTE design provides a lightweight, discreet and ergonomic fit behind the ear, ensuring all-day comfort and stability.

These hearing aids feature rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, delivering up to 51 hours of use on a single charge. Fast charging and a portable charging case with extra charges are also available for added convenience. Integrated Bluetooth connectivity allows for direct audio streaming, hands-free calls (especially with iPhone), and full access to the My Starkey app, which includes advanced functions such as:

• Edge Mode+ for on-demand sound optimisation
• Health tracking, including step counting and fall detection
• “Find my hearing aid” feature
• Remote adjustments and support

The devices are IP68-rated for dust and water resistance, with Pro8 HydraShield™ coating that protects against moisture (up to 1 metre deep).

According to a review by Wired, the Genesis AI BTE RIC RT models offer "phenomenal performance", superior comfort, and no background hiss. However, the price range—between £2,750 and £4,500 per pair—positions them in the premium segment. Audiologists agree: while sound quality is truly top-tier, achieving optimal results requires a professional fitting.

✅ Key Benefits

• Exceptional sound processing powered by AI and deep neural networks
• Up to 51 hours of battery life, with fast and portable charging options
• Robust Bluetooth functionality for streaming and smart control
• Advanced health and safety features, including fall alerts and wellness tracking
• Discreet and ergonomic BTE design, ideal for those needing high power

⚠️ Considerations

• Premium pricing reflects cutting-edge technology and performance
• Professional audiologist fitting is essential to unlock full benefits
• Slightly larger profile compared to CIC or ITC models
• In summary, the Starkey Genesis AI BTE hearing aids are a top-tier solution for those requiring maximum amplification, extended battery life, and smart connectivity in a reliable, discreet format. They are particularly suited to individuals with moderate to profound hearing loss who value both performance and innovation.

• Most advanced technology level
• Maximum channel resolution and full AI capabilities
• Edge Mode+ for instant sound optimisation
• Automatic environment adaptation
• Health tracking features: step count, fall detection
• Ideal for active users and complex listening environments (social events, meetings, outdoor settings)

• Balanced performance for everyday use
• Excellent speech enhancement and noise management
• Supports Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free calling (iOS)
• Compatible with the My Starkey app for remote control and adjustments
• Suitable for users in moderately noisy environments (restaurants, public spaces)

• Entry-level model with core features
• Basic directional microphones and noise reduction
• Ideal for quiet environments and routine conversations
• More limited AI and app functionality
• Great for first-time users or those with simpler hearing needs

• At the heart of Genesis AI is the new Neuro Processor, built with six times more transistors and four times the speed of the previous generation.
• Equipped with a Deep Neural Network (DNN) accelerator, it performs over 80 million adjustments per hour, enhancing real-time sound processing for improved speech clarity and background noise reduction.

• Genesis AI supports binaural streaming to smartphones (iOS and Android), televisions, music, and hands-free calls.
• It also supports Bluetooth Low Energy Audio (LE Audio), offering greater efficiency and future compatibility with emerging technologies like Auracast.

The intuitive My Starkey app provides full control and a wide range of smart features, allowing users to:

• Adjust hearing settings
• Activate/deactivate Edge Mode+ for instant sound optimisation
• Monitor health (step tracking, fall detection)
• Use Smart Assistant, live translation, and transcription
• Locate lost hearing aids
• Access remote support via TeleHear

• In the RIC RT version, Genesis AI offers up to 51 hours of battery life.
• With the StarLink Charger, just 7 minutes of charging provides around 3 additional hours of use.

• Rechargeable Genesis AI models automatically power on when removed from the StarLink Charger after a brief delay and power off when returned. Some models also feature a user control button for manual activation or programme changes.
• Low battery notifications are given via voice alerts, such as "battery," approximately 30 minutes before shutdown.

Available for iOS and Android, the app allows users to:

• Adjust volume and listening modes
• Enable Edge Mode+
• Monitor battery life
• Track health metrics (step count, fall detection)
• Access tools like transcription, live translation, and Smart Assistant
• Locate lost hearing aids
• Receive remote support from hearing care professionals

• Edge AI features the new G2 Neuro Processor, equipped with an integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) and offering significantly enhanced Deep Neural Network (DNN) performance.
• This results in approximately 30% more accurate speech recognition in complex listening environments compared to Genesis AI.
• In contrast, Genesis AI uses the original Neuro Processor, which provides strong performance but with less DNN capacity and slower adaptation rates.

• Edge AI delivers superior speech enhancement and noise suppression, particularly in group settings or difficult environments, due to improved neural classification and real-time sound processing.
• Users of Genesis AI report generally satisfactory performance, though it may be less consistent in highly variable or noisy settings.

• Edge AI supports Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio, enabling Auracast broadcast streaming, multi-device pairing, and low-latency audio transmission.
• Genesis AI supports standard Bluetooth streaming and hands-free calling, but it does not support LE Audio or Auracast, limiting future connectivity options.

• Both models offer up to 51 hours of battery life in the RIC RT format. Other versions, such as mRIC R or ITC, offer between 41–42 hours of use, depending on conditions and streaming.
• Both Edge AI and Genesis AI are IP68-rated, featuring Pro8 HydraShield™ technology for resistance against dust, sweat, and water immersion up to 1 metre.

Both Edge AI and Genesis AI integrate with the My Starkey app, allowing:

• Volume and programme adjustments
• Edge Mode+ activation
• Health tracking (step counting, fall detection)
• Live transcription and translation
• “Find My Hearing Aids” function
• Remote adjustments via TeleHear

Edge AI extends functionality with Apple Watch support, offering added convenience through wrist-based control.

The Edge AI is a significant upgrade over Genesis AI, offering:

• A more powerful processor with faster, more accurate AI sound adaptation
• Greater speech clarity in challenging acoustic situations
• Future-ready connectivity via LE Audio and Auracast
• Extended app control and Apple Watch integration

Meanwhile, Genesis AI remains a reliable and well-performing solution with excellent battery life and AI-based sound processing—particularly suitable for users in more predictable or quieter environments.

• The Oticon Intent, launched in February 2024, introduces 4D Sensor technology—combining head/body motion, conversation activity, and acoustic settings to interpret the user’s listening intent and adapt sound accordingly via DNN 2.0 processing. It delivers up to 22% better access to speech cues in typical noise, and up to 45% in more complex settings.
• Starkey Genesis AI, released earlier in late 2023, uses the original Starkey Neuro Processor to perform over 80 million sound adjustments per hour, delivering real-time AI adaptation for natural, personalised sound.

• Oticon Intent is available in a single miniRITE R form factor, with four technology levels.
• Genesis AI offers a broader range: RIC RT, mRIC R, RIC 312, and multiple custom rechargeable/in-ear formats. It comes in three technology tiers (24, 20, and 16), with the top tier offering full AI and connectivity features.

• Oticon Intent offers around 20 hours per charge (± depending on usage), and supports fast charging.
• Genesis AI—especially in the RIC RT variant—provides up to 51 hours per charge. Other formats typically offer 41–42 hours or 6–7 days with replaceable batteries.

• Both devices support Bluetooth Low Energy Audio (LE Audio) and are Auracast-ready. They accommodate iOS, Android, and future broadcast streaming.
• Genesis AI further includes robust health-tracking features (step counting, fall detection), and remote professional support via TeleHear, along with personalised streaming modes such as Edge Mode+.

• Oticon Intent excels in speech-in-noise comprehension, with clinical lab data ranking it highly (e.g. 4.9/5 SoundScore, and top scores for speech in noise) after professional fitting.
• Genesis AI delivers reliable clarity via continuous AI processing, while Edge Mode+ tuning can help manage complex environments—though some reports suggest it may be slightly less precise in fluctuating noise.

• Evolv AI was introduced prior to Genesis and featured Starkey Sound with up to 55 million personalised sound adjustments per hour, delivering more natural and clearer listening experiences with less effort in noise.
• Genesis AI, released in late 2023, upgraded to a fully re-engineered platform, offering up to 80 million adjustments per hour via Neuro Sound Technology for improved speech clarity and environmental adaptation.

• Evolv AI was available across custom in-ear, RIC, and BTE styles, with fewer tiers of technology.
• Genesis AI offers expanded options including RIC RT, mRIC R, RIC 312, and custom rechargeable devices. It comes in technology tiers such as 24, 20, and 16, aligning performance features like Edge Mode, live translation, and more.

• Users migrating from Evolv AI to Genesis AI report clearer speech perception, especially in noisy environments. Genesis adapts better to sudden acoustic changes and ambient sounds.
• Genesis AI’s sound processing enhances clarity in situations where Evolv AI was already performing well.

• Evolv AI used the older Thrive app, offering volume control, basic Edge Mode, and activity tracking features.
• Genesis AI introduced the improved My Starkey app, offering enhanced control, Edge Mode+, translation, transcription, and more intuitive noise-shaping options. Many users find it more adaptable and user-friendly.

• Both models offer long battery life, customisable form factors, and ergonomic fit. Genesis AI devices benefit from slightly refined ergonomics (e.g. wire geometry), which many users find easier to handle than Evolv AI.
• Genesis retains superior battery endurance (up to 51 hours rechargeable) while ensuring comfort and ease of use.

• Oticon Real is a flagship behind‑the‑ear model introduced in 2023, featuring Oticon’s More Sound Intelligence 2.0 deep neural network. It scans your soundscape up to 500 times per second, offering novel Wind & Handling Stabiliser and Sudden Sound Stabiliser features to tackle wind and abrupt noises while preserving speech clarity.
• Starkey Genesis AI, released in late 2023, employs the Neuro Processor performing over 80 million adjustments per hour to dynamically enhance speech and suppress noise in real-world environments.

• Oticon Real excels in speech-in-noise situations, managing both wind and handling noise with reported improvements in speech clarity and listening effort.
• Genesis AI adapts continuously to acoustic changes, offering strong clarity even in complex environments, though some users note it may slightly lag behind Real in rapidly fluctuating noise contexts.

• Both models offer Bluetooth streaming, hands‑free calling, and support for iOS and Android, but neither supports LE Audio or Auracast at this time.
• Genesis AI includes built-in health tracking, fall detection, Edge Mode+, and full integration with the My Starkey app for translation, transcription, and TeleHear remote tuning.

• Oticon Real is a rechargeable model offering solid usage time—typically around 24 hours per charge, depending on features and usage.
• Genesis AI, particularly in the RIC RT style, delivers extended battery life of up to 51 hours, with other form factors offering 41–42 hours or disposable battery options for multi-day use.

• Oticon Real is available in multiple behind-the-ear form factors, focusing on discreet and ergonomic design.
• Genesis AI offers a broader selection—including RIC RT, mRIC R, RIC 312, ITC and CIC styles—across multiple technology levels (24, 20, 16) for tailored performance and fit preferences.