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Starkey are an international hearing aid brand that sell a range of hearing aid models with enhanced technology.
This article discusses the brand, its products and services, alternative brands, and the importance of hearing health.
Minnesota-based Starkey has been trading since 1967. It began as a small hearing aid repair store but has since expanded to serve over 100 countries.
Starkey has an average customer rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. Of the 183 reviews listed, around 63% have awarded Starkey 5 stars, while about 10% awarded them 1 star.
Positive reviews frequently mention product quality and customer service. Negative reviews often concern warranty length and shipping issues.
It appears that Starkey reply to most reviews, including negatives ones, and offer to sort the issues out.
Starkey allows a person to conduct an online hearing test on their website. They also have a how-to video section covering topics such as how to change batteries in specific models, connecting the hearing aids to a smartphone, and inserting and removing the device.
They also offer live chat and the opportunity to schedule a meeting with a local hearing healthcare professional.
Starkey have three different types of hearing aid currently listed on their website:
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based.
Starkey Livio AI
The Starkey Livio AI uses artificial intelligence and integrated sensors to enhance sound quality.
This hearing aid is available in the following styles:
- Behind-The-Ear
- Receiver-In-Canal
- In-the-Ear
- In-The-Canal
According to Starkey, features include:
- good sound quality
- feedback management
- wireless streaming
- music enhancement
- tinnitus technology
- compatible with Bluetooth accessories and smartphones
- rechargeable battery options
- brain and body tracking
- transcribing audio to text
The Starkey Livio AI hearing aid is available for purchase online.
Starkey Livio Edge AI
The Livio Edge AI is Starkey’s newest model, and they claim that it offers game-changing sound quality.
The Livio Edge AI is available in:
- Behind-The-Ear
- Receiver-In-Canal
- In-the-Ear
- In-The-Canal
Starkey claims that the Livio Edge is an enhanced version of the Livio AI and has upgraded versions of the above features.
Additional features include fall detection and alerts, and language translation. This model also features a Thrive Care app, which allows a person to check in on people who wear the Livio Edge AI hearing aid.
The Starkey Livio Edge AI hearing aid is available for purchase online.
Starkey Picasso
The Picasso model is a custom-fit hearing aid that is unique to a person’s ear shape.
The Picasso model is available in the following styles:
- Invisible
- Completely-In-Canal
- In-The-Canal
- In-The-Ear
Starkey state that the Picasso model has the following features:
- superior sound quality
- feedback management
- wireless streaming
- music enhancement
- tinnitus technology
- Bluetooth accessories
Starkey also offer customers the opportunity to purchase various apps and accessories, such as a wireless TV streamer, remote controls for the hearing aids, and a table microphone.
The Starkey Picasso hearing aid is available for purchase online.
Starkey’s website does not say if a person needs a prescription to receive a hearing aid. However, they do recommend a person see a hearing care professional to assist with hearing aid services.
Some private health insurers may cover hearing tests and part of the cost of hearing aids. However, other insurers may not, so a person should check their insurance plan.
Learn about Medicare coverage of hearing aids here.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offer assistance to veterans in need of hearing help. A person can locate a VA facility close to them here.
Returns policy, warranty & refunds
Starkey claim they offer worry-free warranty coverage on all hearing aids, which remain valid for as long as the aids are in good working condition. These warranties protect against failure, damage, and loss.
All their hearing aids should come with a minimum 30-day trial period. Typically, the hearing retailer where the customer purchased the product handles returns and exchanges.
Starkey products and services are available for purchase online.
There is a variety of alternative hearing aid retailers. A few examples include:
- Eargo: Offers a range of hearing aids with for purchase online.
- MDHearing Aid: Offer affordable styles of hearing aid. Learn more here.
- Signia: A large international hearing aid brand and manufactured by WS Audiology.
- Costco: Part of the large retailer and allows customers to purchase and service their hearing aids in their local Costco store.
- ReSound: Another large international hearing aid retailer headquartered in Denmark.
Alternatives to wearing hearing aids can include:
- cochlear implant surgery
- speech therapy
- sign language
- aural rehabilitation
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimate that only
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The WHO says that the following may be causes of hearing loss:
- aging
- genetics
- birth complications
- infectious diseases
- chronic ear infections
- use of particular drugs
- excessive noise exposure
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They also found that men are more likely to develop hearing problems than women.
The
- avoid and limit exposure to loud noises
- keep the volume of music systems at a low to moderate level
- keep a distance from the source of loud noises when possible
- use hearing protection when possible
- see a licensed audiologist or another healthcare professional if a person has any worries about hearing loss
Starkey is a large international brand offering hearing aids and other apps and accessories.
A person should consult an audiologist to determine what kind of hearing aid would be best for them. They should also consider and research different brands and their benefits.