Test report: Starkey Edge AI 24 RIC RT

The Starkey Edge AI 24 RIC RT in review

This time, we tested a hearing aid with a subtle look from the upper segment of the hearing aid prices. It is the Starkey Edge AI 24 RIC RT. It is worn behind the ear and is designed for mild, moderate, and severe hearing needs. The speaker position in the ear canal, close to the eardrum, is due to its design, which also provides a nice, clear sound.

Hearing comfort

In the first chapter, we assess the quality of noise management. We call it listening comfort, as these features determine how pleasant the hearing aid user perceives the sound of their hearing aids. However, sounds can be of various natures and require very different tools for suppression. With the Edge AI 24 RIC RT, we were impressed by the excellent noise management. First, we examine noise suppression. This is meant to tame everyday sounds like the noise from ventilation or refrigerators. In this Starkey model, the manufacturer has not been stingy and provides us with a multi-stage, effective noise reduction.

Extremely useful is the impulse sound suppression. It captures all the clanging, banging, and crackling noises and reliably mitigates them. With this hearing aid, we are thrilled by how clearly wind noises are suppressed and how stable the device operates even in stronger winds. For a precise, natural listening experience, the number of adjustable frequency bands is of great importance. With 24, this Starkey device is a true top model and allows for a differentiated fine-tuning over several years. Spatial hearing is of great significance for orientation in space and for recognizing directions and distances. With this hearing aid from Starkey, you can feel completely secure. It mimics the functionality of natural hearing and makes information accessible from all directions.

By the way, you might perceive the sound of this Starkey device as clearer and more natural, especially in noisy situations. This is likely due to the implemented artificial intelligence. The hearing aid has already been fed millions of real sounds, leading to a significantly improved distinction between speech and noise.

Rating Hearing comfort: 1,0

Operation & connectivity

Occasionally, one finds themselves in situations where it would be good if the hearing aid were set differently. After all, we live in hectic times where the acoustic environment frequently changes. Most hearing aids have specific options for adjusting the settings themselves. This is how it looks with the Edge AI 24 RIC RT: First, we discovered a button directly on the hearing aid. This is very sensible as it is the easiest and quickest way to make a change. The volume can be adjusted through it, and different hearing programs can be activated as well. If one prefers not to make adjustments directly at the ear, the button can of course be disabled. The small remote control that is available as an option is very practical. For us, it is one of the most convenient ways to turn the hearing aid up or down or to switch to another hearing program. No one notices, and reaching for the ear is not necessary.

Sometimes it is simply impractical to pull out the smartphone or remote control first. In this case, voice control proves to be a clever alternative. Even with limited dexterity, operating the hearing aid via voice command can be a real help. More and more functionalities are being incorporated into hearing aids that we already know from other areas. Here in the Edge AI 24 RIC RT, it is the tap control. It is enough to briefly tap the ear shell with your fingers or flat hand, and a command is triggered. This could be, for example, starting a transmission from the TV adapter. Your hearing care professional will help you select the appropriate function.

We always have our smartphone with us, and it is also worthwhile with the Edge AI 24 RIC RT, as it can be customized via an app. The app is also quite fun and has a range of features you wouldn't expect in a hearing aid app. If you enjoy playing, you are in the right place. You no longer need headphones, 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.

Rating Operation & connectivity: 1,0

Starkey Edge AI 24 RIC RT:

Simplicity & security

Now let's briefly discuss everyday usability. Is the Edge AI 24 RIC RT user-friendly and easy to handle? Does it have water protection? Here are our findings: With an exceptionally well-working situational automation, the Edge AI 24 RIC RT excels in everyday performance. The finely tuned detection of the acoustic scenery allows us to effortlessly navigate through different listening environments without having to manually adjust. This is exactly what we want from a hearing aid. A big plus point goes to the automatic acclimatization assistant. It raises the starting volume in very small steps until my hearing goal is reached. This significantly eases the adjustment to the new sound.

A great relief in daily life is the integrated battery. This means my Edge AI 24 RIC RT always has enough power for the entire day, and I no longer have to worry that the batteries will suddenly run out in the middle of an event. Even for those with limited dexterity, a battery system is very helpful because there's no need to insert small button cells.

The Edge AI 24 is nearly dust- and waterproof, and with its IP 68 classification, it is certainly well protected against external influences.

Rating Simplicity & security: 1,0

Extras

As apps or the hearing aids themselves continue to offer more storage, it is worth taking a look at possible extra features. Here's what it looks like: We really liked the optional tinnitus program. There are relatively many people who are occasionally or frequently troubled by a ringing or noise in their ears. The tinnitus program in the Edge AI 24 RIC RT is basically nothing more than a sound generator. It is about producing broadband noises or sounds that gently and pleasantly stimulate all hearing areas. The tinnitus is masked and no longer perceived as disturbing.

A true added value is the remote maintenance service. For a change in the hearing aid settings, you no longer have to go to the specialist store, but can directly contact the audiologist through the app. Through a cloud service, you can then load the new data package into the hearing aids. This is exactly what we expect from a modern hearing aid.

Your health is an important topic, which is why Starkey provides its customers with a great feature: Health tracking. For example, physical activity is logged over a period of time. Sensors capture this data and then present it graphically in the associated app. Digital algorithms and suitable apps increasingly allow the integration of lifestyle functions that support your daily life. We are impressed by what hearing aids like this from Starkey can do today. Be sure to try it out!

Rating Extras: 1,0

Conclusion: Starkey Edge AI 24 RIC RT

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 very happy to give it an overall rating of 1, and we are confident that this device provides a great listening experience.

What distinguishes Starkey's top device from its strong competitor Phonak? Which device suits you better? Read our extensive direct comparison: Starkey Edge AI vs. Phonak Infinio Sphere

 

Our Starkey Edge AI 24 RIC RT review was created on October 24, 2024 and lastly updated on August 7, 2025. The overall rating of 1,00 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 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 24 RIC RT to others?

It is in the small size category, so it appears medium-sized. We primarily considered the perception for outsiders.

What is the price of the Starkey Edge AI 24 RIC RT?

The price range at which the Starkey Edge AI 24 RIC RT is offered in Germany starts from €3,000.00. The performance of the device corresponds to the price. In testing, it achieved an overall rating of 1.0 (very good).

Is the Starkey Edge AI 24 RIC RT 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 adjustment range with the Edge AI 24 RIC RT from Starkey: Hearing Aid Comparison.

How good is hearing with the Starkey Edge AI 24 RIC RT?

This behind-the-ear device receives a performance rating of 1.0 (very good) in the "Hearing Comfort" section of the test report. Important for hearing comfort is, among other things, noise suppression. Here, the Edge AI 24 RIC RT from Starkey achieves a very good 5 stars (the best possible rating). For the reduction of wind noise, it receives our rating of 'excellent' (maximum 5 out of 5 stars). The signal processing in this hearing aid occurs in 24 different adjustable channels (the best hearing aids currently have 24 channels).

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