Test report: Starkey Edge AI 20 mRIC R

The Starkey Edge AI 20 mRIC R in review

This test report is about the Edge AI 20 mRIC R. It was developed by Starkey and covers light, moderate, and severe hearing needs. This variant is worn behind the ear. The Edge AI 20 mRIC R is a nice, discreet hearing aid from the premium segment. We achieve clean sound transmission through the speaker, which sits directly in the ear canal.

Hearing comfort

One of our favorite chapters is the hearing comfort, as it addresses one of the most important topics in conversations with our customers: background noise. Ideally, everyone would only hear speech and suppress all other sounds. However, it's not that simple. Without sounds, our lives would sound very thin and empty. That’s why hearing aids are designed to manage sounds as effectively as possible, but not eliminate them.

With the Edge AI 20 mRIC R, the manufacturer provides customers with comprehensive noise management. The mandatory noise suppression is supposed to activate for anything that smoothly hums along, such as heating systems or range hoods. In this device, Starkey has implemented effective noise reduction. It operates at a high performance level and offers the user very good comfort.

Wind is another issue that can limit hearing comfort outdoors. However, the Edge AI 20 mRIC R handles this confidently and activates wind noise suppression in such situations. By the way, this feature is adjustable in steps. Short, loud noises are quickly recognized and effectively reduced in the Edge AI 20 mRIC R, thanks to an adjustable impulse sound dampener. The hearing aid receives a significant plus point for its excellent 3D hearing. Flexible, highly adaptive directional microphones allow for various directional characteristics and automatically adjust to the requirements of the respective situation. One of the most important criteria for evaluating hearing aids is the number of frequency bands. They determine the fine-tuning options. The Edge AI 20 mRIC R is equipped with 20 bands, providing the very best conditions for achieving precise sound results. Even in the coming years, differentiated adjustments can be made here repeatedly.

By the way, you might find that you 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 been fed with millions of real sounds, resulting in a significantly improved distinction between speech and noise.

Rating Hearing comfort: 1,7

Operation & connectivity

Most hearing aids automatically adapt to their environment. However, it is sometimes very practical to be able to make changes oneself. After all, the hearing aid does not know how you are feeling at the moment. We looked at what control options the Edge AI 20 mRIC R has to offer: First, we discovered a button directly on the hearing aid. This is very useful, as it is the simplest and quickest way to make adjustments. The volume can be adjusted, and different hearing programs can be activated. If you prefer not to make any adjustments directly at the ear, you can of course deactivate the button. A remote control is available for the Edge AI 20 mRIC R. It is quite handy, fits in your pocket, and offers a volume control option as well as various hearing programs.

We really enjoyed testing the voice control of the Edge AI 20 mRIC R. Most of us are already accustomed to speaking to our watch or car. Therefore, this feature fits well into a high-tech product worn on the ear. We were quite impressed with the tap control during testing. Just tap your ear briefly, and your Starkey hearing aid knows that it should do something. We were already familiar with this sensor-controlled technique from wireless headphones, and it’s great that this is now also available in hearing aids.

To enhance usability, the manufacturer also provides an app for smartphones. The Starkey app for Edge AI 20 mRIC R is packed with features: You can not only change the volume but also truly influence the sound and various noise parameters. We really enjoyed the direct, wireless streaming. This means that phone calls from the smartphone can be transmitted to the hearing aids without any additional accessories. This transforms the hearing aid into the perfect hands-free device or wireless headphones. Listening to music or watching and listening to videos is incredibly comfortable.

Rating Operation & connectivity: 1,2

Starkey Edge AI 20 mRIC R:

Simplicity & security

We continue with the test with a brief assessment of how easy everyday use will be. Is it complicated? Do I need to pay special attention? Or do I not need to consider anything further? With top-class situational awareness, the Edge AI 20 mRIC R has completely convinced us. The hearing aid seamlessly adapts to the acoustic environment and requires our intervention almost never. Hearing feels completely normal. The integrated acclimatization manager can be a great help when entering the world of 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 hearing impressions. More information about acclimatization and further hearing aids with this feature has been summarized here: Getting used to hearing aids.

The Edge AI 20 mRIC R is rechargeable and no longer requires hearing aid batteries. This is environmentally friendly, as no used batteries need to be disposed of. At the same time, it is also extremely convenient, as no spare batteries need to be carried. The hearing aids simply go into the charging station at night and are ready to use the next morning.

We had a carefree everyday life 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 - no problem at all. However, the water resistance really only applies to fresh, clean water and not to soapy bath water or saltwater.

Rating Simplicity & security: 1,0

Extras

We are almost at the end, but perhaps this device has a few gifts in the form of extra features? Let’s take a look: Noteworthy is the tinnitus program. Those plagued by annoying ear noises will benefit from it. Pleasant, soft sounds are adjusted to gently surround the tinnitus. In the end, the tinnitus blends into the background noise and is hardly noticeable anymore.

Starkey keeps up with the times and offers a forward-looking feature with the remote setting service. Working individuals with little time can contact their audiologist online and have their hearing aids reprogrammed. Hearing aid users who have a longer journey to their specialist store also benefit from this special service.

Special sensors in the Starkey Edge AI 20 mRIC R provide 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 you’re out. You only need to glance at the app to read the data. With devices like this from Starkey, our test reports are getting longer, as there are now also intelligent additional functions. Various assistants make your life easier and are personalized in the app. While it’s not strictly necessary, it’s a lot of fun. For this, we give a good rating.

Rating Extras: 1,0

Conclusion: Starkey Edge AI 20 mRIC R

Our conclusion for this hearing aid is very positive: Here we have a little technological marvel that has impressed us in every way. Both the hearing comfort and the features for everyday use leave nothing to be desired. We are very happy to award an overall grade of 1.32 and are confident that this device provides a great listening experience.

 

Our Starkey Edge AI 20 mRIC R review was created on October 29, 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

How noticeable is the Starkey Edge AI 20 mRIC R to others?

It is in size class S, which makes it appear medium-sized. We primarily focused on the perception of outsiders.

What is the price of the Starkey Edge AI 20 mRIC R?

The price range in which the Starkey Edge AI 20 mRIC R is approximately offered in Germany starts at €3,000.00. The performance of the device justifies the price. In the test, it achieved an overall rating of 1.3 (very good).

Is the Starkey Edge AI 20 mRIC R suitable for my hearing loss?

This behind-the-ear hearing aid is suitable for mild, moderate, or severe hearing loss. You can compare other hearing aids in this fitting range with the Edge AI 20 mRIC R from Starkey: Hearing Aid Comparison.

How good is hearing with the Edge AI 20 mRIC R from Starkey?

This behind-the-ear model receives a performance rating of 1.7 (good) for the area of "hearing comfort" in the test report. Important for hearing comfort is, among other things, noise suppression. The Edge AI 20 mRIC R from Starkey achieves a good 4 out of 5 stars in this regard. For the reduction of wind noise, it receives our 'very good' rating (4 out of 5 stars). The signal processing in this hearing aid occurs in 20 different adjustable channels (currently, the best hearing aids have 24 channels).

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