Starkey
American-made. AI-powered health tracking built into every hearing aid.
Starkey is the only major hearing aid manufacturer headquartered in the United States, based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Founded in 1967 by Bill Austin, Starkey has differentiated itself with health-tracking features — fall detection, activity tracking, and real-time translation — built directly into hearing aids. The Genesis AI platform (2023) represents their most advanced processing to date, with a dedicated AI processor and significant improvements in speech understanding.
Visit Starkey.comMarket position
Top 6 globally
Price range
$2,500–$7,500/pair
Current platform
Genesis AI
Warranty
3 years standard
Starkey technology: Genesis AI & integrated health sensors
Starkey's Genesis AI platform introduced a dedicated AI processor — separate from the main audio processor — that handles health monitoring and advanced sound processing simultaneously without compromising battery life. The integrated accelerometer enables fall detection and activity tracking. Edge Mode provides an on-demand processing boost for particularly challenging listening situations, activated by double-tapping the hearing aid.
- Genesis AI — dedicated AI processor for health monitoring and advanced sound processing
- Fall detection — detects falls and can alert designated contacts via the Thrive app
- Activity tracking — step counting, active minutes, body balance monitoring
- Edge Mode — on-demand processing boost activated by double-tap gesture
- Real-time translation — translates conversations in 27 languages via the Thrive app
- Transcription — converts speech to text in real time on the smartphone
- Thrive app — comprehensive health dashboard, hearing diary, remote fine-tuning
- Starkey Hearing Foundation — charitable hearing aid provision program
Models & pricing
Starkey Genesis AI
Receiver-in-canal (RIC)
- Dedicated AI processor
- Fall detection
- Activity tracking
- Edge Mode
- Rechargeable
- Universal Bluetooth
Starkey Genesis AI CIC/IIC
Completely-in-canal / Invisible-in-canal
- AI processing in smallest form factor
- Truly invisible option
- Custom fit
- Health sensors in ITE
Starkey Evolv AI
Receiver-in-canal (RIC)
- Previous generation AI platform
- Health tracking
- Edge Mode
- Rechargeable
- Often discounted
Starkey Livio Edge AI
Receiver-in-canal (RIC)
- Entry-level health tracking
- Basic fall detection
- Bluetooth streaming
- Thrive app
Pros & cons
Strengths
- +Only major brand with integrated fall detection — significant safety benefit for older adults
- +Health tracking features (activity, balance) are unique in the hearing aid market
- +Edge Mode on-demand processing boost is a practical and useful feature
- +Real-time translation in 27 languages is impressive for international users
- +US-based manufacturing and support
- +Starkey Hearing Foundation provides charitable access to hearing aids
Limitations
- −Health features add cost — users who don't need them are paying for them
- −Genesis AI is among the most expensive hearing aids on the market
- −Thrive app is feature-rich but can feel overwhelming
- −Core audio performance (speech in noise) is competitive but not class-leading
The bottom line
Starkey is the best choice for users who want health monitoring features — particularly fall detection for older adults living independently. The Genesis AI platform is also a strong performer on core audio metrics. Users who don't need health features may find better value elsewhere.
Best for: Older adults who want fall detection; users who value health tracking; those who prefer US-made products; international travelers who want real-time translation