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Starkey Edge AI RIC Expert Review

Premium RxReleased 2024
How We Test

The Starkey Edge AI RIC is a premium prescription hearing aid released in 2024, earning an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.00/5 in our lab testing. Priced at $5,000, it ranks #18 of 35 prescription hearing aids tested, placing it in the top 49% of its category.

In our lab testing, this device demonstrates notable strengths in music streaming, scoring 3.8/5—a solid result that sits 1.19 points above the category average. Speech-in-noise performance also stands out at 1.07 points above average, though the absolute score of 2.6/5 reflects the inherent difficulty of this challenging listening condition. Speech in quiet performs solidly at 3.8/5, exceeding the category average by 0.37 points.

Feedback handling is excellent at 4.7/5 in absolute terms, though this falls just slightly below the category average. Own-voice comfort scores 2.8/5, which is above average but mixed in absolute performance. The device shows meaningful improvement with professional fitting—the normalized Tuned Score reaches 4.5/5 compared to 3.8/5 at Initial Fit, a 0.7-point gain.

This 2024 Expert's Choice Award winner features rechargeable batteries, iPhone and Android streaming, and hands-free calling. While competitors like the Oticon Intent and Phonak Sphere Infinio score higher in the same price range, the Edge AI RIC offers strong streaming music quality and above-average speech performance that may appeal to users who prioritize these features.

Reliable & Repeatable Lab Results

Quality data starts with quality recordings. HearAdvisor worked with GRAS to build a no-compromise front end so every test is repeatable and reliable.

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Steve in HearAdvisor Lab
HearAdvisor Verdict
ATop 59% of Prescription Hearing Aid
Bottom Line

The Starkey Edge AI RIC is a premium prescription aid with standout music streaming and strong noise handling for active listeners.

Strengths
  • Excellent feedback handling4.7/5
  • Music streaming well above category average+1.19 points
  • Speech in noise leads category+1.07 vs average
Drawbacks
  • Own voice naturalness only mixed2.8/5
  • Premium price at $5,000
Lab Test Summary

At Initial Fit with closed dome coupling and medium-power receiver, the Edge AI RIC achieves a normalized score of 3.8/5. Speech in quiet starts at 2.6/5, while speech in noise measures 1.5/5—reflecting typical first-fit limitations in challenging environments. Music streaming performs well at 3.9/5, and feedback handling is excellent at 5.0/5. Own-voice comfort scores 2.8/5. The manufacturer's e-STAT 2.0 fitting formula provides a reasonable starting point, though professional tuning unlocks notably better speech performance.

What is HearAdvisor's Initial Fit?

The Initial Fit approximates the most likely settings and eartips for a typical moderate hearing loss. Results are measured across the same 72 acoustic scenes in our custom-built lab, then scored on a 5-star scale using an auditory model.

Lab Review Scores
B
SoundGrade
Initial Score
3.8
Tuned Score
4.5
Speech in quiet
best
2.6
5.0
Own voice
best
2.8
5.0
Speech in noise
best
1.5
5.0
Feedback handling
best
5.0
5.0
Music streaming
best
3.9
5.0

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Lab Recordings
Adjust volume to make "No hearing aids" as loud as it would be in the real world, without hearing aids. Remove hearing aids while auditioning. High-quality headphones will improve results!
Starkey Edge AI RIC Lab
Lab Notes
Initial Fitting
Tuned Fitting
Ear Coupling
Closed Dome
Closed Dome
Receiver
Medium-power
Medium-power
Fitting Formula
e-STAT 2.0 (Manufacturer proprietary targets)
e-STAT 2.0 (Manufacturer proprietary targets)
Listening Program
Personal (Automatic)
Personal (Automatic)
Volume Setting
Manufacturer defaults
Adjusted to match NAL-NL2 targets at 55, 65, and 75 dB SPL
Software Version
Unknown
Unknown
Tuning Adjustments
Programmed to N3 audiogram, Feedback calibrated, Patient Experience Level set at "3 Experienced", Other settings at manufacturer defaults
Programmed to N3 audiogram, Feedback calibrated, Patient Experience Level set at "3 Experienced", Other settings at manufacturer defaults
Notes
n/a
n/a
Specs
Behind Ear
Behind Ear
Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable Batteries
iPhone Streaming
iPhone Streaming
Android Streaming
Android Streaming
Hands-Free
Hands-Free
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