ReSound OMNIA RIE vs Starkey Edge AI RIC

The ReSound OMNIA RIE is a premium prescription behind-the-ear hearing aid released in 2022, currently priced at $4,498. In HearAdvisor's lab testing, it earned a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.9/5, ranking #29 of 36 devices in the Prescription Hearing Aid category. This device shows a mixed performance profile in our testing. Its standout strength is speech clarity in quiet environments, scoring 3.7/5—a solid result that sits 0.42 points above the category average. Own-voice comfort also performs above average at 3.0/5, which may appeal to users concerned about how their own voice sounds while wearing hearing aids. However, the OMNIA RIE struggles significantly in challenging listening situations. Speech-in-noise performance scored just 1.0/5, falling 0.96 points below the category average—a notable limitation for users who frequently encounter noisy restaurants, gatherings, or other difficult acoustic environments. Feedback handling, while strong in absolute terms at 4.1/5, also trails the category average by 0.61 points. Music streaming delivers mixed results at 2.7/5, essentially matching the category average. The OMNIA RIE offers versatile connectivity with both iPhone and Android streaming, hands-free calling capability, and the flexibility of both rechargeable and disposable battery options. At its premium price point, however, several competitors in the same price range—including the Phonak Sphere Infinio and Oticon Intent—deliver substantially higher overall scores. This device may suit users who prioritize quiet conversation clarity and own-voice comfort over challenging noise performance.

The Starkey Edge AI RIC is a premium prescription hearing aid released in 2024, priced at $5,000. In HearAdvisor's lab testing, it earned an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.4/5, ranking #18 among 36 prescription hearing aids tested. This behind-the-ear device demonstrates particular strength in speech clarity, scoring 4.1/5 for speech in quiet—0.76 points above the category average. Music streaming is a standout feature at 3.8/5, a solid score that sits 1.16 points above the prescription hearing aid average. Speech in noise performance scores 2.6/5, which is above the category average by 0.69 points but remains mixed in absolute terms, reflecting the inherent challenge of understanding speech in noisy environments. Feedback handling is excellent at 4.7/5, essentially matching the category average. Own-voice comfort scores 2.8/5, slightly above average but mixed overall—a common trade-off in hearing aids optimized for audibility. The device responded well to professional fitting, with the normalized Tuned Score reaching 4.7/5 compared to 4.2/5 at initial fit, a meaningful 0.5-point improvement. The Edge AI RIC earned HearAdvisor's 2024 Expert's Choice Award and offers iPhone and Android streaming with hands-free capability. At its premium price point, buyers should note that several competitors in the same price range achieve higher overall scores, including the Phonak Sphere Infinio (5.0/5) and Oticon Intent (4.85/5). This device may appeal to users who prioritize Starkey's ecosystem, strong speech-in-quiet performance, and above-average music streaming quality.