Starkey Hearing Aids 2022 Review

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About 37.5 million adults in the United States have some trouble hearing, according to the
While older adults may be more likely to have hearing loss, young adults, teens, and children can also have trouble hearing as a result of exposure to noise, a congenital condition, or certain health issues.
A hearing aid is a device that makes sounds louder. The models pair artificial intelligence with features.
It can be difficult to know where to start with a brand. The review will look at the features, different models, and pros and cons of the brand.
The benefits and drawbacks of hearing aids are listed here.
Pros
- The battery has good battery life.
- The phone has a connection
- The internet is wireless
- According to the person, the sound quality is good.
- Multiple features.
Cons
- It can be pricey.
- “Can’t buy directly from the company.”
The company that makes hearing aids has an interest in artificial intelligence.
Some models offer additional features through its Thrive app, such as Detection of fall., health tracking, and a “mask mode” that helps enhance sound when someone is wearing a mask.
There are a variety of types of hearing aids, so you can find the one that works for your needs and lifestyle. They include:
- Behind the ear is called the BTE.
- In the ear is where it is located.
- The receiver is in the canal.
- In the canal.
- invisible in canal
- Completely in the canal.
Customer reviews say that the hearing aids have good sound quality, feedback management, and other perks.
Here is a look at the five models that are offered by Starkey.
Picasso
- Average cost per hearing aid: $900
- Style: available in ITE, ITC, IIC, and CIC
- Telecoil option: no
The Picasso is the basic option. Features include:
- feedback management
- The streaming is wireless.
- Music enhancement.
- tinnitus technology
- There is a connection between the internet and the blue tooth
Pros
- The app can be used to control the sound settings.
- You can choose from six different colors.
- The hearing aids have feedback cancellation technology.
Cons
- It uses replaceable batteries.
- “It doesn’t have telecoil.”
- It is not suitable for people with profound hearing loss.
Livio
- Average cost per hearing aid: $2,000
- Style: available in BTE, RIC, ITE, and ITC
- Telecoil option: yes
The hearing aids are a step up from the Picasso aids. They have all the features of the Picasso.
- Better sound quality.
- The battery is rechargeable.
- Single-sided technology.
- The phone has a connection
You can use the hearing aids with the app. The app allows you to control and adjust your hearing aids.
Cons
- It is made for iPhone users. If you have an Android phone, you need a wireless accessory to stream.
- “It doesn’t have the same features as the Livio models.”
- There is no language It is a translation., “find my phone” feature, or tap control.
Livio AI
- Average cost per hearing aid: $2,500
- Style: available in BTE, RIC, ITE, and ITC
- Telecoil option: yes
Livio hearing aids have a 24 hour battery life.
Livio hearing aids have all the features of the original Livio hearing aids, but you can also use brain and body tracking to track your steps, time spent standing, and more.
You can access Thrive Care by typing your voice. It is an app that allows caregivers to check in on their patients at any time.
Pros
- It has a lot of tracking.
- The feature allows you to hear people wearing masks.
- They are the smallest hearing aids that can last up to 24 hours.
Cons
- It is costly compared to other options.
- It may not be suitable for you if you are not tech- savvy.
- It may take a while to learn how to use the app.
Livio Edge AI
- Average cost per hearing aid: $3,300 and up
- Style: available in BTE, RIC, ITE, and ITC
- Telecoil option: yes
These hearing aids have a long battery life.
Livio Edge AI hearing aids have all the features of Livio AI hearing aids, but you can also access them.
- Fall detection and alerts. If you fall, the device can send out an alert.
- Language It is a translation.. According to Starkey, the device has the ability to translate different languages to your hearing aids in real time.
Pros
- It has a language It is a translation. feature that allows you to choose from 27 languages.
- It has great sound performance in challenging listening environments.
- It can alert selected contacts.
Cons
- “It has a high price and most insurers don’t cover hearing aids.”
- The It is a translation. app is only available on the Apple device.
- There are reports of unreliable connection and performance.
Evolv AI
- Cost: $3,500
- Style: available in BTE, RIC, ITE, CIC, and ITC
- Telecoil option: yes
The most innovative model of hearing aids is the new one. The company says that these hearing aids make up to 55 million adjustments every hour.
The Evolv model should work with the operating system.
Pros
- You can stream your voice directly back to your phone and tablets with Evolv.
- It works with the Thrive Hearing Control app to change settings and adjust volume.
- It tracks physical activity, social engagement, and other factors.
Cons
- It requires a phone for many features.
- It may not be a good option for people who are not very fond of technology.
- You must use an authorized provider.
Picasso | Livio | Livio AI | Livio Edge AI | Evolv AI | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price | $900 | $2,000 | $2,500 | $3,300 | $3,500 |
Phone app? | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Telecoil? | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Rechargeable? | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Hearing aids can cost from $500 to $6,000 depending on features and professional services, according to the website of Starkey.
There are many ways to pay for hearing aids.
- Private health insurance.
- Flexible spending accounts can be used to pay for medical expenses.
- Health savings accounts are used for savings.
- Medicare.
- Medicaid
- Veterans have benefits.
- The state has rehabilitation programs.
- Credit financing programs are available.
- service organizations
- The foundations are charitable.
These payment options may offer complete or partial coverage, or help you offset the cost.
“They won’t be available to everyone, but you can be eligible for one. Ask your audiologist if they offer any discounts.”
The Apple App Store and the Google Play store have apps from Starkey. They are available with hearing aid models that are sensor-enabled.
Thrive Hearing Control App
This app is for mobile devices.
- The body is tacking.
- The brain is being tracked.
- Fall notifications.
- reminders
- The feature is called “find my phone”.
- It is a translation.
- transcription
- To check hearing aid performance, self-check.
- People wearing masks have a mask mode for hearing enhancement.
- The Thrive Assistant is here to ask questions.
- Hearing aids can adjust to places you have visited before.
- Hearing adjustments are delivered to the device.
- The adaptive car mode is on.
Thrive Care App
This app is designed for the loved ones of the person using the hearing aid. The app user will get the latest updates.
- Hearing aid connection status.
- The levels of the battery.
- The body is being tracked.
- The brain is being tracked.
- Detection of fall.
Starkey accessories
The company has many add-ons.
- TV streamer.
- The microphones are on a table and remote..
- remote.
- SurfLink accessories can be used to connect your hearing aid to your mobile device.
- Hearing protection, such as custom-fit earplugs.
- In- ear audio monitors are accessories for musicians.
Consider the following when choosing a hearing aid.
Style
There are many different hearing aid styles. Here is what to ask.
- Do you want a hearing aid that is hidden?
- Do you want more features?
- Do you want to use hearing aids?
- Where do you find the most difficult time hearing?
If you’re having trouble determining which style is right for you, Starkey offers a Hearing Aid Finder Tool that can help you find the style best suited for your lifestyle.
Bells and whistles
Some hearing aids have features that allow you to stream music or listen to TV shows. You can use the app to monitor your health.
Purchase agreement
Know what the trial period is, the warranty, and how to get service and adjustments.
Starkey has an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB). And while it’s been in business for more than 50 years, it was accredited by the BBB in February 2021.
There are six customer complaints on the website. The company seems to have made an effort to resolve each one.
On Trustpilot, there are currently 204 reviews, with 72 percent of those being “excellent” or “great.”
Customers say the hearing aids are comfortable and come with great support. They say that the design looks more like an ear bud than a hearing aid.
When it comes to negative reviews, people report problems with There is a connection between the internet and the blue tooth, issues with ship time, and unhappiness with the limited warranty.
“You can’t buy hearing devices from the company itself. You have to go through an authorized hearing care professional.”
Some customers have had problems with the person or store they went through, and they have had issues with the product.
The money-back guarantee is offered by Starkey. The company urges you to consult your audiologist to make necessary adjustments to your hearing aid because it can take months to realize the full potential and customization of your hearing aid.
The company offers a limited warranty. Ask your hearing aid specialist or audiologist about the warranty on your hearing aid.
The company has aWorry-Free Warranty, which covers failure, damage, and loss for all hearing aid brands.
You can’t buy a Starkey hearing aids online. Instead, you’ll need to make an appointment with one of Starkey’s authorized hearing care professionals.
If you’re not sure whether you have hearing loss or could benefit from a hearing aid, Starkey offers an online hearing test that takes 5 minutes. It asks a series of questions and plays various sounds to test your hearing abilities in different environments and conditions.
You can also call the company to ask questions.
Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to help you make your purchasing decisions.
Does insurance cover Starkey hearing aids?
Hearing aids from Starkey are not covered by most medical insurance plans. Insurers may provide optional plans for hearing care costs, but they may only cover hearing tests and hearing aid fitting.
You need to contact your health insurance provider to find out if they cover hearing aids.
Does Medicare. cover Starkey hearing aids?
Original Medicare. doesn’t cover Starkey or other brand hearing aids. It also doesn’t cover hearing exams or fitting for hearing aids. On the other hand, some Medicare. Advantage plans (Medicare. Part C) may cover some costs.
If you have Medicare. Part C coverage, you should contact your provider to see if hearing aid coverage is included.
Which is better, Starkey or Phonak?
Starkey and Phonak are premium hearing aid providers that offer a range of solutions for people with hearing loss.
In terms of features, both manufacturers are fairly competitive. Starkey provides technologically advanced models, such as the Livio Edge AI, which has built-in artificial intelligence to improve its sound performance.
The features you need and the model you choose are what determines the best hearing aid company.
Both companies offer hearing aids that are similar in price and quality. The best option for you is dependent on your choice.
Positive reviews of hearing aids are a thing. It is important that you team up with an audiologist who can recommend the right brand and model for you.
Many customers like the There is a connection between the internet and the blue tooth as well as the number of additional features Starkey offers.
Zia Sherrell is a health copywriter and digital health journalist with over a decade of experience covering diverse topics from public health to medical cannabis, nutrition, and biomedical science. Her mission is to empower and educate people by bringing health matters to life with engaging, evidence-based writing. When she’s not writing, Zia enjoys traveling and chasing after her dogs.
Jessica Migala is a freelance writer specializing in health, nutrition, and fitness content. She lives in Chicago with her husband, two young sons, and rescue pup. Find her on LinkedIn or on Instagram.