Starkey Genesis AI Expert Review

Name: Starkey Genesis AI Expert Review
Brand: Starkey
Price: 4798.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Tested byDr. Steve TaddeiMedical ReviewerDr. Abram Bailey

Updated Jan 20, 2026

Premium Rx

Released

2023

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Starkey Genesis AI

Summary

The Starkey Genesis AI is a premium behind-the-ear prescription hearing aid released in 2023, priced at $4,798. In HearAdvisor's lab testing, it earned a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.50/5, ranking in the lower tier of the prescription hearing aid category.

This device shows a notable split in performance characteristics. Speech understanding scores are a genuine strength—particularly speech in noise, which measured 1.28 points above the category average. However, own voice comfort scored below average, suggesting users may notice more occlusion effect when speaking. Music streaming quality also fell slightly below the category average.

The Genesis AI demonstrates significant improvement with professional tuning. The initial fit score of 2.08 jumped to 3.42 after optimization—a 1.33-point improvement—highlighting the importance of working with a hearing care professional to get the most from this device. Feedback handling remained excellent at 5.00/5 in both conditions.

At its premium price point, the Genesis AI faces stiff competition. Devices like the Oticon Intent (4.70/5) and Phonak Sphere Infinio (4.64/5) deliver notably higher overall sound performance at similar prices. Budget-conscious consumers should note that the Apple AirPods Pro 2 achieved a comparable SoundScore of 3.56 at just $249, though it lacks prescription-level customization. The Genesis AI may suit users who prioritize speech clarity in noisy environments and plan to work closely with their audiologist for optimal fitting.

In the initial fit condition with closed domes, the Starkey Genesis AI underperformed expectations with a fit score of 2.08/5. Speech in quiet (1.80/5) and speech in noise (0.70/5) both measured below average, suggesting the first-fit algorithms don't deliver sufficient gain for our target hearing loss profile. Own voice comfort was also below average at 2.20/5, indicating noticeable occlusion. The bright spot was feedback handling at a perfect 5.00/5, and music streaming performed above average at 3.40/5. These results indicate this device requires professional adjustment to reach its potential.

Professional tuning dramatically improved the Genesis AI's performance, raising the fit score to 3.42/5. Speech in quiet jumped from 1.80 to 4.10/5, and speech in noise improved from 0.70 to 2.80/5—both now measuring above the category average. The closed dome coupling remained unchanged, yet proper gain adjustments unlocked substantially better audibility. Own voice comfort stayed at 2.20/5, suggesting the occlusion effect persists regardless of tuning. Feedback handling maintained its excellent 5.00/5 rating, while music streaming dropped slightly to 2.80/5 in the tuned condition.

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Lab Review Scores

SoundGrade

Initial Score

3.2

Tuned Score

4.5

Speech in quiet

best

1.8

5.0

Own voice

best

2.2

5.0

Speech in noise

best

0.7

5.0

Feedback handling

best

5.0

Music streaming

best

3.4

5.0

State-of-the-art Acoustic Laboratory

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Graph

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!