The Starkey Edge AI 20 RIC 312 in review
In order to create a hearing aid review, we carefully examine the hearing aids and, if possible, wear them ourselves for a while. This time, it was the Edge AI 20 RIC 312 from Starkey, a device from the upper price range that can accommodate both mild and more severe hearing needs. The Edge AI 20 RIC 312 is a discreet hearing aid that sits behind the ear. By placing the speaker directly in the ear canal, it has already fulfilled the basic requirements for good sound quality.
Hearing comfort
Hearing aids are designed not only to deliver speech to the ear but also to sound pleasant. So, let's first look at the comfort features. What types of noise does the hearing aid recognize? Are they dampened or transmitted unchanged? Is the hearing aid suitable for a lively everyday life? In this test device, the manufacturer provides the customer with comprehensive noise management. As in every hearing aid, there is also the typical noise cancellation here. It is meant to reduce consistent, noisy background sounds so much that they no longer dominate. With the Edge AI 20 RIC 312, Starkey has implemented effective noise reduction. It is positioned at the higher performance level and offers the user very good comfort.
This device features really good wind management, making outdoor activities enjoyable. Short, loud noises are quickly recognized and effectively reduced in the Edge AI 20 RIC 312, thanks to an adjustable impulse sound attenuator. Very important for good speech-noise distinction is the number of frequency bands. With 20, this hearing aid is among the best and offers excellent adjustment options. A real highlight of this device is spatial hearing. Recognizing directions, estimating distances – with the Edge AI 20 RIC 312, all this is not a problem.
By the way, you might perceive the sound as clearer and more natural with this Starkey device, especially in noisy environments. This is likely due to the implemented artificial intelligence. The hearing aid has already been fed millions of real sounds, which leads to a significantly improved distinction between speech and noise.
Rating Hearing comfort: 1,7
Operation & connectivity
Most hearing aids automatically adapt to their surroundings. However, it is sometimes very practical to be able to make changes yourself. After all, the hearing aid does not know how you are feeling. We took a look at the control options that the Edge AI 20 RIC 312 offers: One very quick way to adjust the volume is the small button on the device. It is easy to feel, and you can set it to be louder or quieter in several steps. Additional programs for special hearing situations can also be activated this way. Those who prefer to do without the button can simply have it disabled. Those who are not keen on touching their ear to adjust the volume will appreciate the optional remote control. This allows for comfortable and discreet adjustments to the hearing aid.
A meaningful addition is the ability to control the Edge AI 20 RIC 312 via voice command. This is already familiar from smartphones or car navigation systems, and it can also be very practical in hearing aids. We are particularly excited about the Tap control. A quick tap on the ear with your fingers instantly switches the hearing aid to a different mode. In our view, Starkey is significantly ahead with this feature compared to others. The Tap control is not only modern but also very convenient.
An app is the perfect companion for hearing aids. The app for the Edge AI 20 RIC 312 is absolutely impressive. It is a valuable addition, as it can make life significantly easier in critical hearing situations with its various adjustment options. Problems when making calls on a smartphone are a thing of the past with this device. Phone calls, music, and other sounds are transmitted completely wirelessly to the hearing aids. Headphones become unnecessary. We tested the wireless transmission during longer phone calls and while listening to music during sports. Everything worked smoothly and easily. All that is needed is a compatible smartphone with 2.4 GHz wireless technology.
Rating Operation & connectivity: 1,2
Starkey Edge AI 20 RIC 312:
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Simplicity & security
We continue the test with a brief assessment of how easy everyday usage will be. Is it complicated? Do I need to pay special attention? Or is there nothing more to consider? With top-class situational recognition, Edge AI 20 RIC 312 has completely convinced us. The hearing aid seamlessly adapts to the acoustic environment and almost never requires our intervention. Hearing feels completely normal. Some people find it difficult to adjust, but this hearing aid makes it easy for us to cope with the new volume. There is a familiarization manager that gradually leads us to the required target amplification. The period can last from a few weeks to several months, and it is individually adjustable. The individual steps are so small that you hardly notice that there has just been an increase in volume.
Edge AI 20 RIC 312 is not equipped with a battery, so it is not rechargeable. The power supply is provided by a size 312 hearing aid battery. It needs to be replaced every few days.
We had 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 soapy bathwater or seawater.
Rating Simplicity & security: 1,8
Extras
We complete the test by looking at whether there are a few extras for you: We were really pleased with the optional tinnitus program. There are quite a few people who are occasionally or frequently troubled by a ringing or buzzing in their ears. The tinnitus program in the Edge AI 20 RIC 312 is actually nothing more than a sound generator. It is about generating broad-band noises or sounds that gently and pleasantly stimulate all hearing areas. The tinnitus is drowned out in this process and no longer perceived as disturbing.
We find the remote adjustment feature really great. It is very helpful whenever you want to change just a small aspect of the hearing aid settings without having to go to the audiologist. Instead, you can make contact through the app, and the hearing professional sends back a tailored data package in the same manner.
For health-conscious individuals, there is a small special feature in the Edge AI 20 RIC 312: Health tracking. For example, steps can be counted throughout the day, and you receive feedback on your activity levels. Sensors in the hearing aid track the individual data, which can then be accessed via the app. With devices like this from Starkey, our test reports keep getting longer because there are now also smart additional functions. Various assistants make your life easier and are personalized in the app. While it is not strictly necessary, it is incredibly fun. For this, we give it a good rating.
Rating Extras: 1,0
Conclusion: Starkey Edge AI 20 RIC 312
Our conclusion for this hearing aid is very positive: Here we have a small technological marvel that has impressed us in every way. Both the listening comfort and the features for daily use leave nothing to be desired. We are pleased to award a total score of 1.44 and are confident that this device provides a great listening experience.
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Our Starkey Edge AI 20 RIC 312 review was created on October 28, 2024 and lastly updated on August 7, 2025. The overall rating of 1,44 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 4.5 | »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 size is the Starkey Edge AI 20 RIC 312?
Large or small relates to the effect on the outside. We therefore assess how large hearing aids appear to outsiders. The Starkey Edge AI 20 RIC 312 is in the size class S. This means it appears medium-sized.
How well can I hear with the Starkey Edge AI 20 RIC 312?
This hearing aid scores a total grade of 1.7 (good) in the "Hearing Comfort" category. The grade is composed of various components. Important criteria: The noise reduction achieves a good 4 out of 5 stars. The number of adjustable frequency bands in the Starkey Edge AI 20 RIC 312 is 20 (the best in class currently has 24 bands). For wind noise reduction, we give the device a rating of 'very good' (4 out of 5 stars).
Is the Starkey Edge AI 20 RIC 312 suitable for me?
The suitability range of hearing aids is referred to by audiologists as the "fitting range." Starkey has determined the following fitting range for the Edge AI 20 RIC 312: mild, moderate, or severe hearing loss. Have a professional hearing test conducted at an audiology practice near you, and then you will know if this hearing aid is suitable for you.
What does the Starkey Edge AI 20 RIC 312 cost?
Is the Starkey Edge AI 20 RIC 312 expensive or affordable? It is currently traded in Germany in a price range of approximately €2,500.00 to €3,000.00. If a health insurance company contributes, the amount is significantly lower. Important: You should assess the price in connection with the overall rating in the test report (1.4 (very good)) and especially with the rating in the area of noise reduction (good 4 out of 5 stars).
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