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Most Committed to Philanthropy
Starkey is an American-owned company that has provided top-notch hearing aid solutions for more than 50 years, even working with renowned humanitarians such as Nelson Mandela. Bill Austin, its founder, created the Starkey Hearing Foundation in 1984 to help bring the gift of hearing to thousands of people around the world, and the company has since earned a reputation for being the most committed to philanthropy of its kind.
This guide provides more information about Starkey’s hearing aids, as well as their performance, features and customer reviews. A detailed overview of Starkey’s pricing scheme, warranties and return policy is included, and seniors can also keep reading if they need help to weigh the pros and cons of these devices.
Starkey's Pros and Cons
Pros
- Latest Technology: Users can take advantage of industry-leading features such as music enhancement and fall detection alerts. A variety of soundscapes that can help relieve tinnitus is available, and select models also include telemedicine functionality, which enables remote fine-tuning by an authorized expert.
- High-Quality Battery: Some devices can last up to 22 days depending on how often they are used. Seniors may need to change batteries two to four times a month, or they can also take advantage of rechargeable hearing aids, which have a battery lifespan of approximately 24 hours.
- Advanced Features: Starkey’s multiple apps for Android and iOS allow users to control their hearing aid device remotely; seniors can change volume, stream music and answer phone calls. Certain models also have integrated artificial intelligence and can be paired with smart assistants such as Amazon Alexa. Other technical specifications may include language translation, transcriptions and body tracking.
- Excellent Sound Quality: The company has consistently ranked among the best in the industry for the next-generation sound technology it features, and its clients have included several Popes and U.S. Presidents. Starkey’s hearing aids filter out dynamic noise to simulate natural hearing, and customers are examined by a certified audiologist prior to their purchase so they can rest assured the hearing aids will adapt to their particular situation.
- Variety of Styles: Clients can choose from six device styles based on their hearing condition, budget and aesthetic preference. Available options include behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-canal (RIC) and invisible-in-canal (IIC).
Cons
- Expensive: Customers can expect to pay up to $6,000 for Starkey devices depending on the desired features, situating the company among the costliest providers on the market. Additionally, seniors should check with their health insurance company, since certain plans may not cover the cost of hearing aids.
- Only Available in Clinics: Starkey devices cannot be purchased online because the company requires a hearing test carried out by a medical professional to ensure their health needs are fully met. Customers can visit Starkey’s website to locate a nearby authorized clinic or schedule an appointment with a hearing coordinator.
- Intermittent Bluetooth Connectivity: Some users have reported unstable performance when connecting through Bluetooth and using their device’s built-in streaming functionality. Seniors can get help to solve these potential issues by reaching out to their hearing professional or following the recommendations available in Starkey’s troubleshooting guide.
Starkey's Pricing, Warranties and Return Policy
Starkey has four models on offer: Picasso, Livio, Livio AI and Livio Edge AI. However, it doesn’t disclose exact costs on its official website, since future customers are required to schedule an appointment with an authorized retailer before being able to purchase. The company does provide a rough estimate, however; hearing aids start at $500 for the most basic model, and in some cases, prices can increase to more than $6,000 for Starkey’s high-end devices, particularly if extra features are added.
The exact amount that seniors are charged is dependent upon a variety of factors, including the specific features available in their selected model, additional accessories and the clinic from which customers decide to purchase their devices. Starkey recommends seniors contact their health insurance provider since some plans don’t cover hearing aids, and others only provide partial funding. The company has a long-term partnership with the Veterans Health Administration, which may appeal to those who served in the military, and certain retailers may also have special offers and discounts for a limited time.
The return policy varies according to the retailer, but in all cases, seniors have at least 30 days to try their hearing aids. However, an additional restocking fee may apply if they want a refund. Select models may be covered by a comprehensive Worry-Free Warranty, which insures against loss, failure and damage and is available as long as the device is functional. Coverage includes basic repairs and adaptations due to improper fit.
How Starkey's Hearing Aids Work
Picasso
The Picasso line is the starting point for most customers because it’s designed for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. This model even comes in the invisible-in-canal (IIC) style, which is significantly smaller than other hearing aids so users can feel comfortable when wearing them in public. All devices in this line are custom-made and focus on providing clarity of sound for seniors.
Features
- State-of-the-art sound quality
- Avoids distortion for loud sounds
- Built-in music enhancement
- Stylish and discreet
- Can be easily paired with the customer’s smartphone and Bluetooth accessories
- Includes feedback management, which filters out noise so the device can focus on sounds that are relevant to the user
- Customized fit to prevent seniors from pulling them off accidentally
- Tinnitus relief technology by amplifying ambient sounds
- Wireless streaming to enable remote media listening
- Comes in four styles: in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), completely-in-canal (CIC) and invisible-in-canal (IIC)
Livio hearing aids include a variety of features that aren’t available in the more basic Picasso line. This model also comes in a rechargeable option for seniors who value a longer battery life, and customers can control their device remotely through the integrated apps.
Features
- Excellent sound quality, which may appeal to those with more severe hearing loss
- Ambient sound amplification to shift the focus away from ringing and buzzing noises caused by tinnitus
- Music enhancement technology
- Users can stream music, TV shows, phone calls and other media
- Mobile app integration for a remote user experience
- Can be used with compatible Bluetooth accessories such as remotes and wireless microphones
- Starkey’s exclusive CROS and BiCROS systems for individuals with single-sided hearing loss
- Comes in four styles: in-the-canal (ITC), in-the-ear (ITE), receiver-in-canal (RIC) and behind-the-ear (BTE)
Livio AI
Livio AI hearing aids, besides using world-class sound technology, incorporate built-in artificial intelligence and activity tracking, which make it easier for the device to adapt to changing situations. This model is catered toward individuals with moderate to severe hearing loss who require advanced performance and a wider sound range.
Features
- Superior sound quality with exclusive technology
- Noise can be filtered out thanks to the device’s feedback management feature
- Mask Mode, which helps seniors clearly understand those who wear face masks
- Customizable tinnitus relief and ambient sound amplification
- Trademark Healthable technology to track the user’s fitness data across devices
- Remote control through the company’s free Thrive Hearing App
- Audiologists can conveniently adjust and fine-tune devices remotely
- Adaptable to individuals with hearing loss in only one ear
- Transcribe feature via the device’s mobile app
- Wireless streaming for phone calls, music and TV
- Compatible with select Starkey and third-party Bluetooth accessories
- Smart On/Off to save battery power when hearing aids aren’t being used
- Comes in four styles: in-the-canal (ITC), in-the-ear (ITE), receiver-in-canal (RIC) and behind-the-ear (BTE)
Smartphone Connectivity
The Thrive Hearing app can be installed on iOS and Android smartphones. Users can use a built-in intelligent assistant for simple questions, and the app enables a direct connection with the hearing aids’ provider, who can then monitor and fine-tune them. Seniors can also easily set reminders for medications and doctor’s appointments.
The integrated streaming option can be controlled with easy tap technology, and customers who have lost or misplaced their smartphone can effortlessly make it ring as long as it’s paired with their hearing aids. The device tracks health data over time, such as daily steps and brain activity, and other functionalities include automatic volume adjustment, in-app transcriptions and real-time translations.
Livio Edge AI
The most advanced model in Starkey’s product lineup is the next-generation Livio Edge AI, with cutting-edge features such as speech enhancement, music fidelity and Healthable technology. This model is designed for clients with moderate to severe hearing loss who constantly find themselves in challenging and noisy environments, as well as those who need a high number of functions in the device’s mobile app.
Features
- Groundbreaking sound quality, with audio optimization and noise management
- Powerful AI-based functionalities
- Includes fall detection and alerts for family members
- Advanced tinnitus relief by boosting ambient sounds
- Integration with OrCam MyEye, a device for visually impaired individuals
- Can turn itself on and off depending on the situation to make the battery last longer
- Users enjoy high-end clarity of sound when answering phone calls through their hearing aids
- Brain and body tracking — this model can monitor exercise, physical activity, social engagement and more
- Options are available for customers with single-sided hearing problems and those who prefer rechargeable batteries
- Can be used along with select Bluetooth devices
- Compatible with two different apps: Thrive Hearing Control and the model-specific Thrive Care
- Comes in four styles: in-the-canal (ITC), in-the-ear (ITE), receiver-in-canal (RIC) and behind-the-ear (BTE)
Smartphone Connectivity
Thrive Hearing Control allows seniors to manage their hearing aids remotely with Starkey’s user-friendly interface. The app can transcribe and translate conversations, and customers can request a telehealth visit with their provider. Customers may view the device’s usage and remaining battery life, set reminders for personal tasks or medications, and activate the Edge Mode, which immediately enhances audibility by adjusting the hearing aids based on the user’s environment.
Thrive Care
The Thrive Care App only works with Livio Edge AI devices; its purpose is to help seniors share the information compiled by Thrive Hearing Control to their relatives and caregivers. This model is able to provide live updates about the health condition of users so their loved ones can be reassured at all times. The app can send a report that covers the social engagement of older adults, as well as their daily step count, hours of exercise and other fitness data. Additionally, the interface automatically notifies select contacts if a device wearer falls.
What Customers Are Saying
Starkey’s consumers consistently show appreciation for the sleek design and high quality of the hearing aids they have acquired, drawing attention to the available customization options, long battery life and reliable smartphone connectivity. Seniors are happy with the device’s fit and claim they are mostly comfortable, although a number of customers do suggest that regular adjustments may be necessary. Reviewers also praise the company’s staff, highlighting their kindness and patience when addressing queries and complaints.
The company is fully accredited by the Better Business Bureau, and customer service representatives promptly answer comments made by customers. Some reviewers express their displeasure with the high costs of these hearing aids, and others report connectivity issues with certain Android smartphones. In one case, a client couldn’t contact the original retailer after sending the device for maintenance; however, the company’s team was able to reach out to the user and ship back the repaired device.
Who Should Consider Starkey's Hearing Aids
Starkey is among the most reputable companies in the United States, and its customer base mainly consists of seniors who seek a premium hearing experience. Although certain Starkey’s devices come with a hefty price tag, this is justifiable given the high sound quality that buyers can expect.
Individuals With Moderate to Severe Hearing Loss
Due to the world-class sound quality of Starkey’s hearing aids, they are best suited to individuals with more severe hearing loss. Seniors with mild conditions may consider the Picasso model or another company with lower prices.
Socially Conscious Consumers
Starkey may appeal to those with a charitable spirit, since the company is committed to expanding worldwide device availability, especially in low-income countries, by donating a pair of hearing aids every time a pair is bought. The Starkey Hearing Foundation also provides health-related education and training in partnership with other organizations.