Test report: Starkey Genesis AI 20 CIC NW

The Starkey Genesis AI 20 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.

We tested a discreet, slim-shaped hearing aid from the high-end price segment this time. It is the Starkey Genesis AI 20 CIC NW. It is worn in the ear and is designed for mild to severe hearing loss. The device owes its well-suited position in the ear canal to its shape, which is why it also delivers a nice, clear sound.

Hearing comfort

First, we assess 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, in this test device, the manufacturer provides the customer with comprehensive noise management. As with all hearing aids, we also find the typical noise suppression here. It is designed to reduce monotonous, noisy background sounds to such an extent that they are no longer prominent. The Genesis AI 20 CIC NW has a decent noise suppression. It might be too weak if you frequently navigate through traffic, but it works well for everyday situations.

A somewhat stronger wind reduction would be desirable, but the one in the Genesis AI 20 CIC NW is quite manageable. The impulse filter in this hearing aid is rather solid and practical for daily use. With 20 channels, the frequency band count in the Genesis AI 20 CIC NW is very high. This allows the hearing aid to be perfectly adjusted for each individual's hearing and also offers good long-term tuning options. Hearing aids like the Genesis AI 20 CIC NW maintain the natural sense of space 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 listening experience.

The signal processing of the Genesis AI 20 CIC NW also employs artificial intelligence. This results in a much more realistic analysis of the listening environment, and above all, the clarity in noisy surroundings is significantly improved.

Rating Hearing comfort: 2,2

Operation & connectivity

Sometimes it's not so bad if you can adjust the volume of the hearing aid a bit, e.g., when the neighbor is loudly mowing the lawn or someone is speaking very quietly with you. Many models therefore have special control functions. You can use them, but you don't have to. We looked at this with the Genesis AI 20 CIC NW: 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 entirely according to customer preferences. Using it is, of course, optional. Unfortunately, this hearing aid cannot be adjusted via a remote control – a few points are lost there.

The modern form of control via voice command is not yet found in the Genesis AI 20 CIC NW. Some hearing aids can also be operated with a quick tap of the finger without having to press a button. However, this feature has not yet been implemented here.

The almost common smartphone app is also available for the Genesis AI 20 CIC NW. However, do not expect too much. There is a volume function and a program option, and then it unfortunately ends there. If you were looking forward to wireless streaming, we must sadly disappoint you, as a wireless module has unfortunately not been integrated here.

Rating Operation & connectivity: 2,7

Simplicity & security

To continue taking the perspective of hearing aid users, we obviously need a test for everyday usability. Here’s what we found: In the Genesis AI 20 CIC NW, we experienced an effective situation automatic that supports our hearing well. This already ensures that we don’t constantly have to adjust the hearing aid. The adjustment to the new hearing sensation is supported by a fully automatic acclimatization manager. It adjusts the amplification in barely noticeable steps until my hearing loss is completely compensated. I don’t have to do anything other than wear my hearing aids regularly.

The Genesis AI 20 CIC NW gets its power from small disposable batteries that need to be changed every few days. While this isn’t rocket science, it should be considered especially for those with motor issues. A rechargeable battery would be significantly easier to handle.

The hearing aid has been rated IP68, which guarantees comprehensive protection against dust ingress. Water also cannot easily harm the hearing aid. This makes it well-suited for outdoor activities where it can get wet and dirty. However, you should still avoid bathing or swimming with the hearing aids. Bath additives or the salt content in seawater can alter the composition and ultimately cause damage.

Rating Simplicity & security: 1,6

Extras

We complete the test by checking if there are a few extras for you: We noticed the tinnitus option here. If you like, you can set up a special tinnitus program. This provides a gentle noise to your ears if needed, to distract from the annoying tinnitus a little. The sounds can be tailored to personal hearing preferences.

What about remote maintenance? Such online services save a trip to the specialist store, as you can directly contact an acoustic professional via the app. Unfortunately, we did not find anything like that for the Genesis AI 20 CIC NW. Too bad, it would have been a great additional tool.

A new trend in the hearing aid industry is integrated sensors that can track personal health data, for example. However, the Genesis AI 20 CIC NW does not offer this. Other hearing aids already have a few extended options like a fall alarm or reminder functions. We don't find that here, and that's not too dramatic, as the regular hearing functions are still the most important.

Rating Extras: 3,3

Conclusion: Starkey Genesis AI 20 CIC NW

With an overall rating of 2.85, this model holds its own in the mid-range. It comes equipped with a decent level of comfort features that suffice for typical everyday moments and creates a satisfying listening experience.

Thanks to the new, improved chip technology, these hearing aids now require significantly less energy. The battery offers an extended usage time of about 41 hours, nearly double what it was before. You can also expect a noticeably longer capacity of 2 days with the batteries. The exact lifespan depends on your individual hearing loss and your wearing habits.

 

Our Starkey Genesis AI 20 CIC NW review was created on January 9, 2024 and lastly updated on December 3, 2024. The overall rating of 2,85 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 4 | »Operation & Connectivity (28% weighting): Rating 3.5 | »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

What size is the Genesis AI 20 CIC NW by Starkey?

Large or small is related to the external perception. Therefore, we assess how large hearing aids appear to outsiders. The Starkey Genesis AI 20 CIC NW is in the size category XS. This means it appears quite small.

How well do I hear with the Genesis AI 20 CIC NW by Starkey?

This hearing aid scores a total rating of 2.2 (good) in the "Hearing Comfort" category. The score is composed of various components. Important criteria: The noise suppression achieves 3 out of 5 stars. The number of adjustable frequency bands in the Starkey Genesis AI 20 CIC NW is 20 (the top-performing models currently have 24 bands). For wind noise suppression, we give the device a rating of 'good' (3 out of 5 stars).

Is the Starkey Genesis AI 20 CIC NW suitable for me?

The suitability range for hearing aids is referred to by audiologists as the "fitting range." Starkey has established the following fitting range for the Genesis AI 20 CIC NW: Hearing loss mild, moderate, or severe. Have a professional hearing test done at an audiology practice near you, and you will know whether this hearing aid is suitable for you.

What does the Starkey Genesis AI 20 CIC NW cost?

Is the Genesis AI 20 CIC NW by Starkey expensive or affordable? It is currently being traded in Germany within a price range of approximately €2,500.00 to €3,000.00. If a health insurance company contributes, the amount will be significantly lower. Important: You should assess the price in relation to the overall rating in the test report (2.9 (satisfactory)) and, above all, with the rating in the noise suppression category (3 out of 5 stars).

 

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