Test report: Starkey Edge AI 20 RIC RT

The Starkey Edge AI 20 RIC RT in review

This time we tested an inconspicuous hearing aid of excellent quality. It is the Starkey Edge AI 20 RIC RT. It is worn behind the ear and is intended for mild, moderate, and even severe hearing losses. The placement of the speaker directly in the ear canal is thanks to its design, which also provides a nice, clear sound.

Hearing comfort

In our test, we typically start with the analysis of comfort features. A comfortable sound is characterized by a mix of speech and background noise that is realistic and as pleasant as possible. Various electronic tools take care of all the noises. The manufacturer provides comprehensive noise management with the Edge AI 20 RIC RT. One of the noise tools is noise suppression, which aims to dampen sounds like traffic noise, refrigerator hum, or PC fan noise. There is quite respectable disturbance noise suppression here. Even when it gets louder, the listening impression remains pleasant.

 

Impulse noises occur very often in daily life. There's the dishwasher that needs to be unloaded, or the bunch of keys being set down on the table. The Edge AI 20 RIC RT features strong impulse sound management that makes these sounds bearable. The hearing comfort package also includes wind noise suppression, which works very reliably; we wouldn't want to do without it. Normal hearers usually don't think about spatial hearing. With this hearing aid, we don't have to either. A sophisticated system of directional microphones and binaural wireless networking generates a 3D effect that is very close to natural hearing. A brilliant listening experience is not least based on the number of frequency bands. The more bands there are, and the narrower the individual frequency channels, the better the hearing aid can be adapted to individual preferences. Here, we get 20 bands. This not only allows for a great sound impression, but also enables very careful speech and disturbance noise suppression.

 

Artificial intelligence has also made its way into hearing aids, for example, here in the Edge AI 20 RIC RT. This provides a lot more data to identify speech and noise. In our experience, the sound of hearing aids with AI is perceived as particularly precise and realistic.

 

 

Rating Hearing comfort: 1,7

Operation & connectivity

The operating options for hearing aids are today as simple or as complex as anyone would like. The basic functions run fully automatically, of course. We wanted to know how users can additionally access the Edge AI 20 RIC RT. There is a button directly on the hearing aid. With it, you can change the volume or activate additional hearing programs. It can be programmed according to customer preferences. The use is, of course, optional. Very practical is the small remote control, which is available as an option. For us, this is one of the most convenient ways to adjust the hearing aid louder or quieter or to switch to another hearing program. No one notices anything; the touch to the ear is not necessary.

Voice control is an option for operation that is becoming increasingly popular. Starkey has recognized this as well and provides us with this function in its Edge AI 20 RIC RT. We believe this is the fastest way to adjust the volume or switch hearing programs. Now it's getting modern: With tap control, Starkey's hearing aid can be easily switched. Sensors in the casing detect the touch when you briefly tap your ear with your fingers. And what happens next is determined together with your audiologist. You can, for example, activate voice control or switch to a special program.

As expected, we find a suitable application for the smartphone. Here we have a powerful app that trusts its user and provides a comprehensive toolbox. One of the best features in the hearing aid is the direct streaming function. This turns the hearing aid into a TrueWireless headset, receiving phone calls and other sounds directly in the ear. A compatible smartphone that contains the 2.4 GHz technology is a prerequisite. The biggest advantage is that you hear phone calls not just in one ear, but in both. Additionally, the sound can be tailored to personal needs.

Rating Operation & connectivity: 1,2

Starkey Edge AI 20 RIC RT:

Simplicity & security

In the next step, we want to address the topic of user-friendliness. Is the Edge AI 20 RIC RT easy to use? Is it weather-resistant? Do you have to do a lot to get used to it? Here are our answers: Ideally, the hearing aid should operate largely independently. In this regard, the performance of the Edge AI 20 RIC RT is exceptionally good. It has a lot of typical hearing situations stored, which the device recognizes on its own and always generates the appropriate settings. Some people find it difficult to get used to, but this hearing aid makes it easy for us to cope with the new volume. There is a acclimatization manager that gradually guides us to the required target gain. The period can take a few weeks or several months; it is individually adjustable. The increments between levels are so small that you hardly notice that there has been a volume increase.

A charger is included with the Edge AI 20 RIC RT, as it has built-in batteries. This is modern, user-friendly, and it is what we expect from a contemporary hearing aid.

The data sheet certifies the Starkey device with a rating of IP68. This makes it one of the most robust hearing aids on the market. Dust stands no chance, and water does not penetrate the casing unless submerged deeper than 1.5 meters. Nevertheless, be cautious. Shampoo, for example, changes the surface tension of the water. You should also avoid saltwater. However, in everyday life, you can behave quite carefree.

Rating Simplicity & security: 1,0

Extras

As apps and hearing aids themselves now have more and more storage space, it's worth taking a look at possible extra features. Here's what it looks like: One feature that is definitely worth mentioning is the tinnitus program. Those who are plagued by annoying ear noises will benefit from it. Pleasant, quiet sounds are adjusted to gently surround the tinnitus. In the end, the tinnitus blends into the background noise and becomes hardly noticeable.

Starkey keeps up with the times and offers a forward-looking feature with the remote adjustment service. Busy people with little time can contact 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.

Sensors in the hearing aid enable functions that provide real added value. This model from Starkey contains such sensors and counts your steps throughout the day, for example. The data can then be viewed in the app. It is possible that additional tracking features will be added through subsequent updates. With devices like this one 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 not strictly necessary, it is a great deal of fun, and we give it a good rating.

Rating Extras: 1,0

Conclusion: Starkey Edge AI 20 RIC RT

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 listening comfort and the features for daily 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 fantastic listening experience.

 

Our Starkey Edge AI 20 RIC RT 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 big is the Edge AI 20 RIC RT from Starkey?

Since a size in millimeters does not explain how large a hearing aid appears, we have categorized the size perception into classes. Class "XXS" is practically invisible, and class "M" has the largest appearance. The Edge AI 20 RIC RT from Starkey falls into size class S. Therefore, it could be described as medium-sized.

What is the price of the Starkey Edge AI 20 RIC RT?

The Edge AI 20 RIC RT from manufacturer Starkey is currently offered by hearing acousticians in Germany in a price range starting from around €3,000.00. To assess the price-performance ratio, you should consider the overall test score of 1.3 (very good).

How well does one hear with the Starkey Edge AI 20 RIC RT?

The Starkey Edge AI 20 RIC RT receives a comfort rating of 1.7 (good) from us. The Starkey hearing aid receives the rating 'very good' for its suppression of wind noise (4 out of 5 stars). The noise suppression of the device achieves a good 4 out of 5 stars. 20 frequency bands can be separately adjusted in this hearing aid for the processing of sound levels (top values of current top models: 24).

For whom is the Starkey Edge AI 20 RIC RT suitable?

If your hearing deficit is mild, moderate, or severe, the Starkey Edge AI 20 RIC RT could be suitable for you. This so-called "fitting range" of the hearing aid is determined by the manufacturer and is related among other things to the amplification of the hearing aid. Whether the device is actually suitable for you can only be sensibly assessed by a hearing acoustician in your area after a detailed hearing test has been conducted.

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