The Starkey Edge AI 16 RIC 312 in review
Could this hearing aid from Starkey's program be the right choice for you? In our review of the Edge AI 16 RIC 312, we highlighted the key aspects. We have a discreet, small hearing aid from the upper price segment that is worn behind the ear. With the receiver (= speaker) that is placed directly in the ear canal, the foundation for good hearing success is laid, as the sound has only a very short distance to travel to the eardrum. This ensures that all sounds reach where we want them to.
The Edge AI 16 RIC 312 provides sufficient amplification for nearly every hearing need.
With the Starkey Edge AI, hearing becomes a natural experience that you can simply enjoy.
Hearing comfort
First, we evaluate the hearing comfort features. What types of sounds does the hearing aid recognize? How does it handle them? Is the hearing aid suitable for a varied everyday life? Here, this test device provides the customer with comprehensive sound management. As in all hearing aids, we also find the typical noise reduction feature here. It is supposed to reduce monotonous, noisy ambient sounds to the point where they are not as prominent. The Edge AI 16 RIC 312 reliably detects background noise but only reduces it moderately.
A reasonably good wind management helps to suppress the small turbulence at the hearing aid microphones. For all outdoor enthusiasts, this feature is essential. The impulse noise filter in this hearing aid is quite solid and practical for everyday use. The Edge AI 16 RIC 312 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. Spatial hearing in the current model is nearly lifelike. Sophisticated directional microphone technology allows for good directional hearing and creates a true 3D effect.
By the way, you may perceive the sound from this Starkey device as clearer and more natural, especially in noisy environments. This is likely due to the implemented artificial intelligence. The hearing aid has already been trained with millions of real sounds, leading to a significantly improved distinction between speech and noise.
The new high-performance chip combines AI algorithms with neuroscientific insights to ensure that you can clearly understand your conversation partner even in challenging listening situations. Depending on the technical specifications of the hearing aids, the support provided may vary—so be sure to try out higher-quality models to experience the difference.
Rating Hearing comfort: 2,3
Operation & connectivity
Basically, hearing aids operate fully automatically, and this is also the mode that most people prefer. However, sometimes it is quite useful to switch to a different hearing program or simply adjust the volume in a difficult situation. Therefore, let's take a brief look at the control options of the Edge AI 16 RIC 312. The simplest control option is always a button located directly on the hearing aid. This one has it too. It can be programmed according to your wishes. Do you want a manual volume control? No problem, the button allows for a stepwise adjustment of the volume. Or do you need different special programs for your professional everyday life or your hobbies? These can also be activated via the button. Those who prefer to keep everything in automatic mode can simply ignore the button or even have it deactivated. A discreet way to adjust the hearing aid is the remote control. It fits in any pocket. If the other person is speaking too quietly again, just one or two clicks are enough to adjust the volume. Additional hearing programs for listening to music or driving can also be activated with the remote control.
We had a lot of fun testing the voice control feature of the Edge AI 16 RIC 312. Most of us are already used to talking to our watch or car. So, this feature fits perfectly in a high-tech product worn on the ear. More and more functionalities are being integrated into hearing aids that people are already familiar with from other areas. Here in the Edge AI 16 RIC 312, it’s the tap control. It’s enough to briefly tap with your fingers or flat hand on the outer ear, and a command is triggered. For example, this could initiate a transmission from the TV adapter. Your hearing care professional will help you select the appropriate function.
In the App Store, we also find a suitable application from Starkey. The app for the Edge AI 16 RIC 312 may not be one of our highlights, but it has everything needed for your hearing systems. You no longer need headphones here, as it has a wireless option and can transmit sounds directly from the smartphone to your ears – provided the smartphone is equipped with 2.4 GHz LE technology.
LE Audio with Auracast - the universal interface of the future - is now also integrated into the new hearing aids. Its advantages? Significantly better sound quality when streaming, no manufacturer dependency for accessories, hands-free calling even with compatible Android smartphones.
Rating Operation & connectivity: 1,3
Starkey Edge AI 16 RIC 312: The conventional TV adapter is no longer compatible. Instead, an optional transmitter is now available, allowing you to connect your hearing aids directly to audio devices. Other individuals with compatible receiving devices, such as headphones or hearing aids from other manufacturers, can also access the transmitter – provided you grant permission.
The best alternatives to the Edge AI 16 RIC 312
Our database contains 95 reviews of hearing aids with similar technical features to this one (i.e., Lautsprecher im Gehörgang positioniert in Size "", not rechargable, geeignet für Hörverlust-Grad leicht, mittel & stark). Here are the top 3 (Redaktionsstand 02.10.2025):
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Starkey Edge AI 24 RIC 312 | Rating: 5 / 5 |
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Starkey Genesis AI 24 RIC 312 | Rating: 5 / 5 |
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Signia Insio 7 IX ITC | Rating: 5 / 5 |
Simplicity & security
Let’s continue with the test: How is the usability? Is it easy or complicated to handle the hearing aid? The Edge AI 16 RIC 312 performs really well in situation recognition. If you're looking for a comprehensive and powerful fully automatic hearing aid and want to make as few adjustments as possible, this is a perfect choice. The adaptive algorithms disentangle the individual sound events in the environment and present the soundscape clearly and precisely. The integrated acclimatization manager can be of great help when starting your journey into the world of hearing aids. Its task is to gradually increase the hearing aid's volume in tiny steps until the target volume is reached. This way, you can relax and gradually adjust to the new hearing impressions. We have summarized more information about acclimatization and other hearing aids with this feature here: Acclimatization to Hearing Aids.
We regret that the Edge AI 16 RIC 312 does not have a rechargeable battery, but is powered by hearing aid batteries size 312. This is not a major issue, but you should remember to carry spare batteries. On the other hand: This hearing aid does not need to be charged daily; it lasts longer with a battery.
The Edge AI 16 is almost dust and water-resistant and, with its IP 68 classification, is certainly well protected against external influences.
Rating Simplicity & security: 1,8
Extras
We all love goodies, which is why we’ll lastly look at the extras that may be hidden in the hearing aid. Starkey has integrated a sound generator that plays some soothing sounds for those suffering from tinnitus. This can distract from the tinnitus and provide a bit more relaxation.
A very good additional benefit is provided by the remote maintenance service. Through the app, you can contact your audiologist and describe your hearing problem. They can adjust the settings accordingly and upload them to the hearing aids via the app. For people with little time or a long commute, this is a great service.
For health-conscious individuals, there is a small special feature in the Edge AI 16 RIC 312: Health tracking. For example, steps can be counted throughout the day, and you receive feedback on your activity level. Sensors in the hearing aid track the individual data, which can then be read in the app. This Starkey device also includes a few little highlights. Depending on what your smartphone supports, you can be reminded of appointments, access Siri, or use various other assistive systems. This definitely earns an extra point.
Rating Extras: 1,0
Conclusion: Starkey Edge AI 16 RIC 312
In conclusion, it can be said that this device is a true all-rounder, impressing us with its comfort features and achieving a good overall score of 1.75. Those who want to forgo top technology but still desire a comfortable listening experience are in the right place here.
Top alternatives in the same price range
Which devices in a comparable price range currently show the best technical performance? Here are the current top 3:
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Signia Active Pro IX ITC | Rating: 5 / 5 |
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Philips HearLink 5050 MNR T R | Rating: 5 / 5 |
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Audio Service G8 12 Mood R LI T 8 | Rating: 5 / 5 |
Our Starkey Edge AI 16 RIC 312 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
What does the Starkey Edge AI 16 RIC 312 cost?
The Edge AI 16 RIC 312 from Starkey is currently offered by providers in a rough price range of approximately between €2,500.00 and €3,000.00. You should view this price in relation to the test score of 1.8 (good). And, for example, also in conjunction with the star rating in the area of noise suppression in our tests (3 out of 5 stars). You can find all comparison values in the hearing aid comparison.
How well can you hear with the Starkey Edge AI 16 RIC 312?
The Edge AI 16 RIC 312 from Starkey achieves a score of 2.3 (good) in the test area of hearing comfort. In the area of noise suppression, the hearing aid receives 3 out of 5 stars. For wind noise suppression, it earns the rating 'good' (3 out of 5 stars). The hearing aid features 16 different equalizer bands in the test, which can be adjusted by the audiologist to the individual's hearing ability (current top models reach 24).
For whom is the Edge AI 16 RIC 312 from Starkey suitable?
This hearing aid is aimed at people whose hearing loss is mild, moderate, or severe. This so-called "fitting range" is provided by Starkey as a rough guideline. A good local audiology company can immediately determine after a professional hearing test whether this behind-the-ear hearing aid is suitable for you.
How big is the Starkey Edge AI 16 RIC 312?
We have classified all hearing aids on the market into four size categories, from XXS (virtually invisible) to M (rather large). The Starkey Edge AI 16 RIC 312 has the size classification S, making it medium-sized compared to other hearing aids.
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