The Starkey Genesis AI 16 CIC NW in review
Mit dem Starkey Edge AI hat Starkey nach nur einem Jahr bereits eine neue, verbesserte Technik auf den Markt gebracht. Da diese Geräte nun nicht mehr aktuell sind, nehmen wir eine Abwertung der Gesamtnote vor.
Could this hearing aid from Starkey's program be the right choice for you? In our review of the Genesis AI 16 CIC NW, we have highlighted the key aspects. Here we have a small, barely visible hearing aid from the upper mid-range that is worn in the ear. The discreet placement in the ear canal lays the foundation for successful hearing, as the sound has only a very short distance to travel to the eardrum. This ensures that all tones reach where we want them to.
The Genesis AI 16 CIC NW provides sufficient amplification for mild, moderate, and more severe hearing needs.
Hearing comfort
First, we evaluate the hearing comfort features. What types of noises does the hearing aid recognize? How does it handle them? Is the hearing aid suitable for a varied everyday life? Here with this test device, a solid comfort programming by the hearing care professional is possible. As in all hearing aids, we also find the typical noise reduction here. It is designed to reduce monotonous, noisy background sounds so that they are not as prominent. The Genesis AI 16 CIC NW has a rather below-average noise reduction. Noise-sensitive individuals will have to make some compromises in hearing comfort.
We are happy that the Genesis AI 16 CIC NW includes wind noise reduction. Our test has discovered impulse sound damping. It slightly dampens sudden, loud noises. A high number of frequency bands assists in separating speech from noise. With its 16 bands, the Genesis AI 16 CIC NW is certainly in the forefront. Hearing aids like the Genesis AI 16 CIC NW maintain the natural spatial perception that we have experienced since childhood. The function of the outer ear, head size, head shadow effects - all these parameters create a real, authentic 3D hearing experience.
Artificial intelligence is also employed in the signal processing of the Genesis AI 16 CIC NW. This allows for a much more realistic analysis of the hearing environment, and especially the clarity in noisy surroundings is significantly improved.
Rating Hearing comfort: 2,8
Operation & connectivity
Every person has their own specific hearing needs. It's beneficial to be able to customize hearing aids beyond just the automatic functions. In our tests, we discovered the following access options: First, we found a button directly on the hearing aid. This is very useful, as it's the simplest and quickest way to make changes. The volume can be adjusted through this, and different hearing programs can also be activated. If someone prefers not to adjust anything directly at the ear, the button can of course be deactivated. Remote controls for hearing aids are quite common nowadays, but Starkey hasn't included one for this device.
In our tests, we did not find a voice control option. This function isn’t strictly necessary, but we would have appreciated it nonetheless. Another option for controlling the hearing aids is a tapping gesture. You simply tap your fingers on the ear, which triggers a specific function. However, this option is not available in this Starkey device.
If desired, one can use the free smartphone app. This app probably only covers the essentials. Loud, quiet, and programs – that's all there is. Unfortunately, wireless connectivity options are completely missing in this variant. This isn't very modern anymore, but it's probably due to the small size of the hearing aid.
Rating Operation & connectivity: 3,0
The best alternatives to the Genesis AI 16 CIC NW
Our database contains 70 reviews of hearing aids with similar technical features to this one (i.e., In the ear (ITE) in sehr kompakter Bauform in Size "", not rechargable, geeignet für Hörverlust-Grad leicht, mittel & stark). Here are the top 3 (Redaktionsstand 02.10.2025):
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Starkey Genesis AI 20 CIC Wireless | Rating: 4.5 / 5 |
Simplicity & security
How do you manage with a hearing aid in everyday life? This is the next aspect we will assess. Because only if such a device functions simply and effortlessly can one become accustomed to it. Hearing is greatly facilitated by good situational awareness. In the Genesis AI 16 CIC NW, we found a fairly solid automatic feature that handles the most common hearing situations well. This might be sufficient if the acoustic conditions are not too challenging. The adjustment to the new hearing experience is supported by a fully automatic acclimatization manager. It adjusts the amplification in barely noticeable steps until my hearing loss is fully compensated. I don't have to do anything other than wear my hearing aids regularly.
The Genesis AI 16 CIC NW is not rechargeable; it operates with hearing aid batteries. Unlike a rechargeable battery, it doesn't need to be charged daily, but the size 10 battery needs to be changed after a few days.
The data sheet certifies the Starkey device with an IP protection class of 68. Therefore, it is one of the most durable hearing aids on the market. Dust doesn’t stand a chance, and water does not penetrate the casing as long as it is not submerged deeper than 1.5 meters. Still, be cautious. Shampoo, for example, changes the surface tension of the water. You should also avoid saltwater. In everyday life, however, you can behave quite carefree.
Rating Simplicity & security: 1,8
Extras
Finally, let's take a brief look at whether there are any extras: We really liked 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 Genesis AI 16 CIC NW is really nothing more than a sound generator. It aims to produce broadband noises or sounds that gently and pleasantly stimulate all hearing areas. The tinnitus gets drowned out and is no longer perceived as disturbing.
A nice feature would be a remote maintenance service, to receive help from a hearing professional even when one cannot make it to the store. But unfortunately, that is not available here, so there are no extra points for that.
A new trend in the hearing aid industry is integrated sensors that can track personal health data, for example. However, the Genesis AI 16 CIC NW does not offer this. It would have also been nice to have some lifestyle features, but these are missing in the Genesis AI 16 CIC NW. Other hearing aids may score points with speech translation or fall alarm features, but here it remains within the usual scope of functions.
Rating Extras: 3,3
Conclusion: Starkey Genesis AI 16 CIC NW
Mit der Endnote 3,32 behauptet sich dieses Modell im mittleren Bereich. Es hat eine ganz passable Komfortausstattung mit an Bord, die für die typischen Alltagsmomente reicht und ein zufriedenstellendes Hörerlebnis schafft.
Due to modern chip technology, the hearing aids are extremely energy-efficient. As a result, the battery life has been extended by a full two days. The exact usage duration depends on your individual hearing loss and your wearing habits.
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Our Starkey Genesis AI 16 CIC NW review was created on November 8, 2023 and lastly updated on December 3, 2024. The overall rating of 3,32 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 3.5 | »Operation & Connectivity (28% weighting): Rating 3 | »Simplicity & Security (17% weighting): Rating 4.5 | »Extras (15% weighting): Rating 3 | Learn more about our evaluation criteria and testing standards in How We Test..
FAQ
Wie groß ist das Genesis AI 16 CIC NW von Starkey?
Da eine Größe in Millimetern nicht erklärt, wie groß ein Hörgerät wirkt, haben wir die Größenanmutung in Klassen unterteilt. Klasse "XXS" ist praktisch unsichtbar, Klasse "M" hat die größte Anmutung. Das Genesis AI 16 CIC NW von Starkey befindet sich in der Größenklasse XS. Man könnte es also als bezeichnen.
Wie ist der Preis des Starkey Genesis AI 16 CIC NW?
Genesis AI 16 CIC NW von Hersteller Starkey wird von Hörakustikern in Deutschland momentan in einem Preisrahmen von ca. zwischen 2.000,00 € und 2.500,00 € angeboten. Um die Preis-Leistung zu beurteilen, sollten Sie die Gesamt-Testnote von 3.3 (***) mit ins Auge fassen.
Wie gut hört man mit dem Starkey Genesis AI 16 CIC NW?
Starkey Genesis AI 16 CIC NW bekommt von uns eine Note für den Hörkomfort von 2,8 (***). Das Starkey-Hörgerät bekommt für seine Unterdrückung von Windgeräuschen das Prädikat . Die Lärmunterdrückung des Gerätes erreicht . 16 Frequenzbänder sind in diesem Hörgerät separat für die Verarbeitung von Tonlagen einstellbar (Top-Werte der aktuellen Spitzenmodelle: 24).
Für wen ist das Starkey Genesis AI 16 CIC NW geeignet?
Wenn Ihr Hördefizit ist, könnte das Starkey Genesis AI 16 CIC NW für Sie geeignet sein. Dieser sogenannte "Anpassbereich" des Hörgerätes wird vom Hersteller festgelegt und hat unter anderem mit der Verstärkung des Hörgerätes zu tun. Ob das Gerät tatsächlich für Sie geeignet ist, kann nur ein Hörakustiker/in vor Ort bei Ihnen sinnvoll beurteilen, nachdem ein ausführlicher Hörtest durchgeführt wurde.
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