The Starkey Edge AI 16 mRIC R in review
Could this hearing aid from the Starkey program be the right choice for you? In our review of the Edge AI 16 mRIC R, we highlighted the key aspects. We get a nice, discreet hearing aid in a higher quality class that is worn behind the ear. The speaker's position in the ear canal, near the eardrum, lays the foundation for good hearing success, as the sound has only a very short path to the eardrum. This ensures that all sounds reach their destination exactly where we want them.
The Edge AI 16 mRIC R provides sufficient amplification for mild, moderate, and even severe hearing losses.
Hearing comfort
In the first chapter, we assess the quality of noise management. We call it hearing comfort, as these features determine how pleasant the hearing aid user perceives the sound of their hearing devices. However, noises can be of various types and require different tools for suppression. With the Edge AI 16 mRIC R, the manufacturer provides customers with comprehensive noise management. First, we look at noise suppression. This is designed to tame everyday sounds like the noise from ventilation or refrigerators. In this Starkey model, we have quite decent noise suppression. It may be too weak if you are often in traffic, but for regular daily life, it is manageable. In our test, we also discovered impulse sound control. Short, popping noises are dampened by it. This works reasonably well here, but we are not in the top class. A fairly solid wind management feature is available in the Edge AI 16 mRIC R and should suffice for everyday use. 16 adjustable equalizer bands provide enough scope to generate a reliable, precise listening experience. 3D hearing is very important for a natural impression. The device leaves nothing to be desired in this regard and impressed us in this area. Speech in a noisy environment is always a challenge. Starkey addresses this issue with the use of artificial intelligence. The result is brilliant and clear speech transmission, while background noises remain realistically loud to the ear.
Rating Hearing comfort: 2,3
Operation & connectivity
Digital hearing aids have long evolved beyond simple amplification functions. Apps and other control options significantly expand their capabilities; therefore, we also look at this important topic in Starkey's Edge AI 16 mRIC R. The simplest control option is always a button directly on the hearing aid. This model has that as well. It can be programmed according to your preferences. Do you wish for a manual volume control? No problem, the button allows for gradual volume adjustments. Or do you need different special programs for your workday or hobbies? These can also be activated via the button. Those who prefer to leave everything in automatic mode can simply ignore the button or even have it deactivated. We do like the small remote controls, and we have found one for this model. This allows for discreet adjustments to the volume or sound. Voice control is an operating option that is becoming increasingly popular. Starkey has recognized this as well and provides us with this feature in its Edge AI 16 mRIC R. We believe this is the quickest way to adjust the volume or switch hearing programs. Now it gets really modern: With tap control, Starkey's hearing aid can be easily switched. Sensors in the casing detect the touch when you tap your ear briefly with your fingers. And what exactly happens next is determined together with your audiologist. For example, you can activate voice control or switch to a special program. Manual operation includes an app. This allows for discreet access to the hearing aid. In addition to volume control, you can also adjust hearing programs and a few other functions. For our digital everyday life, a streaming option would be great. The provided device meets this need and includes a 2.4 GHz radio module. This enables you to stream phone calls and sounds directly from your smartphone to the hearing aids.
Rating Operation & connectivity: 1,3
Starkey Edge AI 16 mRIC R:
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Simplicity & security
In the next step, we want to address the topic of user-friendliness. Is the Edge AI 16 mRIC R easy to handle? Is it weatherproof? Do you have to do a lot to get used to it? Here are our answers: The situational automatic of the Edge AI 16 mRIC R includes almost everything one can experience in everyday life. It provides me with the perfect setting at any time without me having to do anything actively. Especially during varied phases, this is extremely convenient and makes me almost forget I have the hearing aid in my ear. The integrated acclimatization manager can be of great help when starting to use hearing aids. Its task is to gradually increase the volume of the hearing aid in tiny steps until the target volume is reached. This way, you can relax and gradually get used to the new sounds. More information on acclimatization and other hearing aids with this feature can be found here: Acclimatization to Hearing Aids.
The Edge AI 16 mRIC R has a battery. We find this very good, as rechargeable hearing aids are absolutely up-to-date. You don’t have to have batteries lying around everywhere, nor do you have to change the battery in the middle of a concert. The hearing aid is simply placed in the charging station overnight and has enough energy for the following day.
We also take a look at the robustness of the housing and discover in the data sheet the protection class IP 68. This means that dust cannot penetrate at all, and even water only becomes dangerous after prolonged submersion. Protection against contact is also included.
Rating Simplicity & security: 1,0
Extras
As apps and the hearing aids themselves continue to have more storage space, it is worth taking a look at potential extra features. Here’s how it looks: Are you among those troubled by tinnitus? Then you could use the optional tinnitus program in the Edge AI 16 mRIC R. Soft, gentle sounds are tailored to your hearing and engage all areas of the inner ear. It’s nothing more than a distraction tactic, and it works surprisingly well. The tinnitus fades into the general noise and no longer bothers you. It's a simple but effective tool and earns extra points from us.
Starkey keeps up with the times and provides a future-oriented feature with the remote adjustment service. Working professionals with little time can connect with their audiologist online and have their hearing aids reprogrammed. Hearing aid users who have a longer commute to the specialist store also benefit from this special service.
Special sensors in the Starkey Edge AI 16 mRIC R provide brand new insights into your health status. For example, at the end of the day, you can check how many steps you have taken. By the way, you don't even need to have your smartphone with you while on the go. You only need to take a look at the app to read the data. Get even more out of the Edge AI 16 mRIC R by utilizing the smart lifestyle features. They expand the range of activities of the hearing aids with various assistance programs and significantly enhance their functionality.
Rating Extras: 1,0
Conclusion: Starkey Edge AI 16 mRIC R
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 1.62. Those who want to forgo top technology but still desire a comfortable listening experience are in the right place here.
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Our Starkey Edge AI 16 mRIC R review was created on October 29, 2024 and lastly updated on November 1, 2024. The overall rating of 1,62 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 4 | »Operation & Connectivity (28% weighting): Rating 5 | »Simplicity & Security (17% weighting): Rating 5 | »Extras (15% weighting): Rating 5 | Learn more about our evaluation criteria and testing standards in How We Test..
FAQ
How big is the Edge AI 16 mRIC R by Starkey?
As size in millimeters does not explain how large a hearing aid appears, we have divided the size perception into classes. Class "XXS" is virtually invisible, while class "M" has the largest appearance. The Edge AI 16 mRIC R by Starkey falls into size class S. It could therefore be described as medium-sized.
What is the price of the Starkey Edge AI 16 mRIC R?
The Edge AI 16 mRIC R by manufacturer Starkey is currently offered by hearing aid acousticians in Germany in a price range of approximately between €2,500.00 and €3,000.00. To assess the price-performance ratio, you should also consider the overall test score of 1.6 (good).
How well can you hear with the Starkey Edge AI 16 mRIC R?
The Starkey Edge AI 16 mRIC R receives a score of 2.3 (good) from us for hearing comfort. The Starkey hearing aid receives the rating of 'good' (3 out of 5 stars) for its suppression of wind noise. The device's noise suppression reaches 3 out of 5 stars. 16 frequency bands can be separately adjusted in this hearing aid for the processing of sound levels (top values of current premium models: 24).
For whom is the Starkey Edge AI 16 mRIC R suitable?
If your hearing loss is mild, moderate, or severe, the Starkey Edge AI 16 mRIC R may be suitable for you. This so-called "fitting range" of the hearing aid is determined by the manufacturer and relates, among other things, to the amplification of the hearing aid. Whether the device is indeed suitable for you can only be meaningfully assessed by a hearing aid acoustician on-site after a detailed hearing test has been conducted.
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