The Starkey Edge AI 16 CIC Wireless in review
Could this hearing aid from the Starkey program be the right choice for you? In our review of the Edge AI 16 CIC Wireless, we have highlighted the key aspects. We receive a discreet, slim-shaped hearing aid at a rather premium price that is worn in the ear. The direct placement in the ear canal lays the foundation for good hearing success, as the sound has only a very short distance to travel to the eardrum. As a result, all the sounds arrive exactly where we want them.
The Edge AI 16 CIC Wireless provides sufficient amplification for mild, moderate, and severe hearing needs.
Hearing comfort
Our first test category is auditory comfort. Actually, we could also say sound comfort, because that’s mainly what it’s about. Does the hearing aid sound very technical or beautifully natural? Are too many background noises amplified, or do they stay well in the background? In this device from Starkey, the manufacturer provides the customer with comprehensive noise management. The noise suppression is a very traditional feature; it filters out all rumbling, uniform sounds from the environment and reduces their volume. In the Edge AI 16 CIC Wireless, the noise suppression works rather average but is somewhat adjustable.
We rate the wind management here as mediocre, but it works. There is also a so-called bang filter. It dampens short and loud sounds a bit. This is a useful function, but we would have liked a bit more adjustability. The Edge AI 16 CIC Wireless is one of the good hearing aids, at least in terms of the number of frequency bands. With 16 bands, it is well-equipped for precise adjustment to personal sound preferences. The Edge AI 16 CIC Wireless impresses us with its natural, spatial hearing. The outer ear retains its function, making the 3D feeling just like you’re not wearing a hearing aid at all.
The signal processing of the Edge AI 16 CIC Wireless also employs artificial intelligence. This allows for a much more realistic analysis of the hearing environment, and especially the clarity in noisy surroundings is significantly better.
Rating Hearing comfort: 2,3
Operation & connectivity
Most functions of this Starkey model are activated automatically. However, it can be very useful to be able to expand the range of features a bit. In the test, we found out what options we have here. A very quick way to adjust the volume is the small button on the device. It is easy to feel, and you can increase or decrease the volume in several steps. Additional programs for special hearing situations can also be activated with it. If you want to forgo the button, it can simply be disabled. Those who do not prefer to touch their ear to adjust the volume will appreciate the optional remote control. This allows for convenient and discreet adjustments to the hearing aid.
The voice control is an option for operation that is becoming increasingly popular. Starkey has recognized this as well and offers us this function in its Edge AI 16 CIC Wireless. We believe this is the fastest way to adjust the volume or switch the hearing program. We are particularly excited about the Tap control. A quick tap on the ear with your fingers, and the hearing aid switches to another mode. Here, Starkey is a significant step ahead of others with its model. In our eyes, the Tap control is not only modern but also very convenient.
In the App Store, we also find a suitable app from Starkey. The app for the Edge AI 16 CIC Wireless may not be one of our highlights, but it has everything you need for your hearing systems. One of the best features of the hearing aid is the direct streaming function. This turns the hearing aid into a TrueWireless headset, receiving calls and other sounds directly in the ear. A compatible smartphone that supports 2.4 GHz technology is required. The biggest advantage is that you can hear phone calls not just in one ear but in both. Furthermore, the sound can be tailored to personal preferences.
Rating Operation & connectivity: 1,3
Starkey Edge AI 16 CIC Wireless:
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Simplicity & security
Another point in our checklist is handling. Does everything work simply and reliably? What does the hearing aid offer to ensure safe use in everyday life? A balanced situation automatic is the most important aspect we look at regarding simplicity. After all, no one wants to constantly fiddle with the hearing aid. The Edge AI 16 CIC Wireless has proven in tests that it can accompany us comfortably and reliably through our hearing day. With its excellent full automation, this device is a real highlight. Very important concerning simplicity is the support during acclimatization. Especially after having heard poorly for years, it can sometimes be difficult to perceive everything at a natural volume. Our test device features an acclimatization manager that helps us through the adjustment phase with very small volume adjustments. After a few weeks or months, we reach the calculated amplification level.
Many hearing aids today have a rechargeable battery, but the Edge AI 16 CIC Wireless continues to operate with disposable batteries. This is somewhat cumbersome to handle and also burdens the environment.
We had a carefree everyday experience in our test due to the IP-68 certification. This indicates that the hearing aid is particularly well protected against dust and water. We marched through the rain and then took out the hearing aids with wet hands - all no problem. However, the water resistance really only applies to fresh, natural water and not to soapy bathwater or seawater.
Rating Simplicity & security: 1,8
Extras
As apps and the hearing aids themselves continue to have more storage space, it's worth looking into possible extra features. Here's what it looks like: Are you among those troubled by tinnitus? Then you might use the optional tinnitus program in the Edge AI 16 CIC Wireless. Soft, gentle sounds are tailored to your hearing and engage all areas of the inner ear. It's nothing more than a distraction technique, and it works surprisingly well. The tinnitus fades into the background noise and doesn't annoy you anymore. It's a simple but effective tool, and we give it extra points.
A real added value is the remote maintenance service. You no longer have to go to the specialist store for changes to the hearing aid settings; instead, you can contact the audiologist directly through the app. A cloud service allows you to upload the new data package to the hearing aids. This is exactly what we expect from a modern hearing aid.
For health-conscious individuals, there is a small feature in the Edge AI 16 CIC Wireless: health tracking. For example, it can count your steps throughout the day, and you receive feedback on your activity levels. Sensors in the hearing aid track the individual data, which you can then read in the app. There are also a few lifestyle features that turn your hearing aid into a smart assistant. Connect with voice assistants like Siri, or explore what else the app has to offer. While this may not relate much to actual hearing, it can be extremely useful.
Rating Extras: 1,0
Conclusion: Starkey Edge AI 16 CIC Wireless
In conclusion, it can be said that this device is a true all-rounder that impresses us with its comfort features and achieves a good overall result with a score of 1.75. Those who want to do without high-end technology but still wish for a comfortable hearing experience are in the right place here.
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Our Starkey Edge AI 16 CIC Wireless review was created on October 29, 2024 and lastly updated on November 1, 2024. The overall rating of 1,75 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 4 | »Operation & Connectivity (28% weighting): Rating 5 | »Simplicity & Security (17% weighting): Rating 4.5 | »Extras (15% weighting): Rating 5 | Learn more about our evaluation criteria and testing standards in How We Test..
FAQ
Is the Edge AI 16 CIC Wireless by Starkey suitable for me?
The fitting range of this hearing aid is "mild, moderate, or severe hearing loss". A local hearing acoustics specialist can quickly assess whether your hearing deficit falls within this range.
How much does the Edge AI 16 CIC Wireless by Starkey cost?
The rough price range in which the Starkey Edge AI 16 CIC Wireless is currently offered in Germany is approximately between €2,500.00 and €3,000.00. It's also important to consider the overall rating: The overall test score in the HörShop test is 1.8 (good). Details are important for categorizing the hearing aid's price: The star rating for "noise suppression" in the test shows 3 out of 5 stars.
What size is the Starkey Edge AI 16 CIC Wireless?
This in-ear hearing aid has been classified in the size category XS. This means that it is quite small. You can compare it with other hearing aids in this size category: Hearing Aid Comparison.
How well can you hear with the Starkey Edge AI 16 CIC Wireless?
The Edge AI 16 CIC Wireless from manufacturer Starkey is equipped with 16 separately adjustable equalizer bands (for reference: current top devices have 25 bands). The noise suppression rating for this device achieves 3 out of 5 stars. The designation 'good' (3 out of 5 stars) is given for the wind noise suppression of the Edge AI 16 CIC Wireless. Summarizing the entire area of "hearing comfort," the overall test score is 2.3 (good).
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