Test report: Starkey Edge AI 20 ITC R

The Starkey Edge AI 20 ITC R in review

What hearing comfort does the Edge AI 20 ITC R offer? How is it operated? Is the purchase worthwhile? Answers to these questions can be found in our review of this hearing aid from Starkey. First, the basics: It is worn in the ear, and due to its quite comfortable position at the front of the ear canal, sound can easily travel toward the eardrum. This is important because only then can a really good, wideband sound be produced.

The Edge AI 20 ITC R is a hearing aid with a discreet look of excellent quality that can cover mild, moderate, and even severe hearing losses. Read more details:

Hearing comfort

In the Hearing Comfort section, we look at how a hearing aid handles all the background noise. Comfortable noise management contributes significantly to a user's liking for their hearing aids and regular usage. For this Starkey device, the manufacturer provides a comprehensive noise management system for the customer. The regular noise reduction aims to soften uniform, rumbling background sounds. In the Edge AI 20 ITC R, the noise suppression can be adjusted to the customer's preferences.

Short and sharp sounds are usually bothersome, but this model has an adjustable impulse sound control. This makes sounds such as cutlery clattering, drawers slamming, or newspaper rustling feel less unpleasant. The Hearing Comfort package also includes wind noise suppression, which works very reliably; we wouldn't want to do without it. Spatial hearing is crucial for orientation in space and for recognizing directions and distances. With this Starkey hearing aid, one can feel completely secure. It mimics the function of natural hearing and makes information from all directions accessible. For a precise, natural listening experience, the number of adjustable frequency bands is of great importance. With 20, this Starkey device is a true top model and allows for differentiated fine-tuning over several years.

By the way, you might find that with this Starkey device, the sound is perceived 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.

Rating Hearing comfort: 1,7

Operation & connectivity

Buttons, switches, ... or would you prefer an app? Control elements can significantly expand the functionality of hearing aids. Is there something like that in the Edge AI 20 ITC R? We checked. Usually, there is a button on the hearing aid, and we found one on the Edge AI 20 as well. It can be configured as a volume control or program selection button and can also be deactivated if desired. A discreet way to adjust the hearing aid is the remote control. It fits in any pocket. When the person speaking is too quiet again, 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.

Sometimes it's simply impractical to pull out the smartphone or the remote control. In such cases, voice control proves to be a clever alternative. Even with limited dexterity, operating via voice command can be a real help. We are particularly excited about the Tap control. A quick tap with your fingers to the ear, and the hearing aid switches to another mode. In our view, Starkey is quite ahead of others with this model. The Tap control is not only contemporary but also very convenient.

Our favorite tool for hearing aids is the app, and we really like this one. In addition to the obligatory volume controls, there are also options for sound adjustment. This significantly expands the potential of the Edge AI 20 ITC R and provides relief when hearing becomes challenging. For our digital everyday life, a streaming option would be nice. The device in question meets our wish and comes with a 2.4 GHz radio module. This allows for phone calls and sounds to be streamed directly from the smartphone to the hearing aids.

Rating Operation & connectivity: 1,2

Starkey Edge AI 20 ITC R:

Simplicity & security

Another point on our checklist is handling. Does everything work easily and reliably? What does the hearing aid offer to ensure safe use in everyday life? With an exceptionally well-functioning situational automatic, the Edge AI 20 ITC R excels in terms of everyday performance. The finely tuned detection of the acoustic environment allows us to effortlessly transition through different listening situations without having to manually adjust. This is exactly what we expect from a hearing aid. We are also very pleased with the integrated acclimatization manager. In the background, it gradually increases the volume of the hearing aid in tiny steps until our target amplification is eventually reached. We can relax and gradually get used to the new sounds.

The Edge AI 20 ITC R is equipped with a rechargeable battery. We find this very good, as rechargeable hearing aids are absolutely up-to-date. There’s no need to have batteries lying around everywhere, nor do you have to change the battery in the middle of a concert. The hearing aid simply plugs into the charging station overnight and has enough energy for the following day.

We experienced a carefree everyday life during 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 - no problem at all. However, the water resistance really only applies to fresh, natural water and not to foamy bathwater or saltwater.

Rating Simplicity & security: 1,0

Extras

Now we have looked at the most important features of the hearing aid. But before we come to the end, we want to know if there are a few additional functions: We really liked the optional tinnitus program. There are quite a few people who are occasionally or frequently troubled by a ringing or hissing in their ears. The tinnitus program in the Edge AI 20 ITC R is basically nothing more than a sound generator. It is about producing broadband noises or sounds that gently and pleasantly stimulate all areas of hearing. The tinnitus is masked and no longer perceived as disturbing.

We find the remote maintenance service exciting, which can be utilized. If you don't have the opportunity to visit the hearing care professional, you can instead contact them through the app, briefly describe your hearing problem, and then receive a data package with a new hearing aid configuration. If it sounds good, you can upload it to your hearing aids.

Special sensors in the Starkey Edge AI 20 ITC R provide entirely new insights into your health status. For example, at the end of a 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 you are out and about. You only need to take a look at the app to read the data. There are also a few lifestyle functions that turn your hearing aid into a smart assistant. Connect with voice assistants like Siri, or discover what else is in the app. While it may not have much to do with actual hearing, it can be extremely useful.

Rating Extras: 1,0

Conclusion: Starkey Edge AI 20 ITC R

Our conclusion for this hearing aid is very positive: Here we have a small technical marvel that has impressed us across the board. Both the hearing comfort and the features for daily use leave nothing to be desired. We are very pleased to award an overall rating of 1.32 and are confident that this device provides a great listening experience.

 

Our Starkey Edge AI 20 ITC R review was created on October 28, 2024 and lastly updated on November 1, 2024. The overall rating of 1,32 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 4.5 | »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

What size is the Edge AI 20 ITC R from Starkey?

Large or small has to do with the outward effect. Therefore, we assess how large hearing aids appear to outsiders. The Starkey Edge AI 20 ITC R is classified in size category S. This means it appears medium-sized.

How well can I hear with the Edge AI 20 ITC R from Starkey?

This hearing aid scores a total rating of 1.7 (good) in the area of "hearing comfort." The score is made up of various components. Important criteria: The noise suppression achieves a good 4 out of 5 stars. The number of adjustable frequency bands in the Starkey Edge AI 20 ITC R is 20 (the best-in-class currently have 24 bands). For wind noise suppression, we award the device the rating of 'very good' (4 out of 5 stars).

Is the Starkey Edge AI 20 ITC R suitable for me?

The suitability range of hearing aids is referred to by audiologists as the "fitting range." Starkey has established the following fitting range for the Edge AI 20 ITC R: hearing loss mild, moderate, or severe. Have a professional hearing test conducted at an audiology practice near you to find out if this hearing aid is suitable for you.

How much does the Starkey Edge AI 20 ITC R cost?

Is the Edge AI 20 ITC R from Starkey expensive or affordable? It is currently traded in Germany in a price range starting from approximately €3,000.00. If a health insurance company contributes, the amount will be significantly lower. Important: You should evaluate the price in relation to the overall rating in the test report (1.3 (very good)) and especially with the rating in the area of noise suppression (good 4 out of 5 stars).

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