The Starkey Genesis AI 20 mRIC R 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.
Starkey presents the Genesis AI 20 mRIC R model from the Business Class. It can compensate for both mild and more severe hearing needs. It is a small, slim hearing aid that delivers good sound thanks to the clever decision to place the speaker directly in the ear canal. It is worn behind the ear.
Hearing comfort
A good speech understanding is a given in modern hearing aids. Equally important is hearing comfort. Only when the ratio of speech transmission to the level of background noise is correct will hearing be perceived as pleasant. That’s why we take a look at the comfort features: solid comfort programming by the acoustician is possible with the Genesis AI 20 mRIC R. Normal background noises such as street noise, vacuum cleaner sounds, or that from a fan should be suppressed by classic noise cancellation. In this Starkey hearing aid, it works quite well. In a regular hearing environment, it is certainly manageable.
A pulse sound attenuator for short, sharp sounds is reasonably integrated here and is completely sufficient for everyday use. A slightly stronger wind attenuation would be desirable, but the one in the Genesis AI 20 mRIC R is quite livable. Spatial hearing requires a bit of practice with the Genesis AI 20 mRIC R. However, the adaptive microphone system provides good support in social situations. Very important for good speech-noise differentiation is the number of frequency bands. With 20, this hearing aid is right at the top and offers excellent adjustment options.
An element in the signal processing of the Genesis AI 20 mRIC R is artificial intelligence. The influence is positive, as many customers find conversations in noisy situations to be significantly more relaxed.
Rating Hearing comfort: 2,5
Operation & connectivity
Most functions of this Starkey model are activated automatically. However, it can be very useful to have the option to extend its functionality a bit further. In our tests, we discovered what options are available. Usually, there is a button on the hearing aid, and we found one on the Genesis AI 20 as well. It can be configured as a volume control or program selection button and can also be deactivated if desired. A discreet way to adjust the hearing aid is with the remote control, which fits in any pocket. If the person you're talking to is speaking too softly, just one or two clicks are enough to adjust the volume. Additional hearing programs for listening to music or driving can also be activated with the remote control.
Sometimes it's simply impractical to pull out the smartphone or remote control. This is where voice control proves to be a clever alternative. Even with limited dexterity, operating via voice command can be a real help. Touch control requires sensors to be implemented in the hearing aid, and here that is indeed the case. You can simply tap the outer ear with a few fingers or your palm to trigger a command. This could be, for example, activating a TV adapter or answering a phone call. The exact configuration will be done by your hearing care professional.
We always have our smartphones with us, and the Genesis AI 20 mRIC R benefits from this as it can be customized via an app. The app is also really fun to use and has a functionality that you wouldn't expect in a hearing aid app. If you enjoy playing, this is the right place for you. A streaming option would be nice for our digital everyday life. The device at hand meets our wish and comes with a 2.4 GHz wireless module, allowing you to send phone calls and sounds directly from your smartphone to the hearing aids.
Rating Operation & connectivity: 1,0
Starkey Genesis AI 20 mRIC R:
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Simplicity & security
Now let's take a look at how usage is in everyday life. Is the handling easy? Do I get a safe device? A well-functioning situation recognition already creates a lot of relaxation in daily hearing. You do not have to constantly switch the device and can easily give yourself over to the automated adjustment. The integrated acclimatization manager can be a great help for you to enter the world of hearing aids. Its task is to gradually increase the volume of the hearing aid in tiny steps until the target volume is reached. This way, you can relax and gradually get used to the new hearing experiences. We have summarized more information about acclimatization and other hearing aids with this feature here: Acclimatization to Hearing Aids.
A great relief in everyday life is the integrated battery. With this, my Genesis AI 20 mRIC R always has enough energy for the whole day, and I no longer have to worry that the batteries suddenly run out in the middle of an event. Even with limited dexterity, a battery system is very helpful because inserting small button cells is no longer necessary.
The Genesis AI 20 is nearly dust and waterproof and, with its IP 68 classification, is certainly well protected against external influences.
Rating Simplicity & security: 1,3
Extras
Everyone appreciates a few extra features, so let's see if we can find something here: A special tinnitus program can be programmed upon request in the Genesis AI 20 mRIC R. This allows for the generation of stimulating, pleasant sounds that distract from tinnitus when it is particularly strong. We find this very useful and gladly award extra points.
Starkey keeps up with the times and offers a forward-looking feature with the remote fitting service. Working individuals with little time can contact their audiologist online and have their hearing aids reprogrammed. Hearing aid users who have a long distance to travel to the specialist store also benefit from this special service.
For health-conscious individuals, there is a small special feature in the Genesis AI 20 mRIC R: health tracking. For example, steps can be counted throughout the day, providing feedback on one's activity level. Sensors in the hearing aid track the individual data, which can then be read in the app. This Starkey device also has a few little highlights. Depending on what your smartphone supports, you can set reminders for appointments, access Siri, or use many other assistance systems. This definitely earns another extra point.
Rating Extras: 1,0
Conclusion: Starkey Genesis AI 20 mRIC R
In conclusion, this device is a true all-rounder that impresses us with its comfort features and achieves a good overall result with a rating of 1.97. Those who want to forgo top-notch technology but still desire a comfortable listening experience are in the right place here.
These hearing aids are equipped with advanced chip technology, significantly reducing energy consumption. The battery can now last almost twice as long, around 41 hours, and you can also expect a noticeably longer capacity of 2 days from the batteries. The exact lifespan depends on your hearing loss and your personal wearing habits. You can read how this rechargeable hearing aid compares to other devices in the largest and most comprehensive rechargeable hearing aid manufacturer comparison.
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Our Starkey Genesis AI 20 mRIC R review was created on November 6, 2023 and lastly updated on December 3, 2024. The overall rating of 1,97 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 3.5 | »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
What size is the Genesis AI 20 mRIC R from Starkey?
Large or small relates to how it appears outwardly. We therefore assess how large hearing aids appear to outsiders. The Starkey Genesis AI 20 mRIC R is in size class XS. This means it appears quite small.
How well do I hear with the Genesis AI 20 mRIC R from Starkey?
This hearing aid scores a total of 2.5 (satisfactory) in the area of "hearing comfort." The score is made up 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 mRIC R is 20 (the best in class currently have 24 bands). For wind noise suppression, the device receives our designation of 'good' (3 out of 5 stars).
Is the Starkey Genesis AI 20 mRIC R suitable for me?
The eligibility 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 mRIC R: hearing loss mild, moderate, or severe. Have a professional hearing test conducted at an audiology service near you, and you will know if this hearing aid is suitable for you.
What does the Starkey Genesis AI 20 mRIC R cost?
Is the Genesis AI 20 mRIC R from Starkey 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 relation to the overall score in the test report (2.0 (good)) and especially with the rating in the area of noise suppression (3 out of 5 stars).
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