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Starkey is an international hearing aid brand that manufactures 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 in business since 1967. The company began as a small hearing aid repair store but has since expanded to serve over 100 countries.

Starkey has an average customer rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. Of the 188 reviews listed, around 63% have awarded the company 5 stars, while approximately 11% scored them 1 star.

Positive reviews frequently mention product quality and customer service, while negative reviews often revolve around warranty length and shipping issues. It appears that Starkey replies to most reviews — including negatives ones — and offers to sort the issues out.

Starkey allows people to undergo an online hearing test on its website. The company also has a how-to video section covering hearing aid topics, including how to change batteries in specific models, connecting the devices to a smartphone, and inserting and removing the device.

The company also offers live chat and the ability to schedule a meeting with a local hearing healthcare professional.

Starkey sells three different types of hearing aid currently listed on its 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
  • compatibility with Bluetooth accessories and smartphones
  • rechargeable battery options
  • brain and body tracking
  • transcribing audio to text

Starkey Livio Edge AI

The Livio Edge AI is Starkey’s newest model, which reportedly offers game-changing sound quality.

The Livio Edge AI is available in the following styles:

  • 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 with upgraded versions of its features.

Additional functions include fall detection, fall alerts, and language translation. This model also works with the Thrive Care app, which allows a person to check in on people who wear the Livio Edge AI hearing aid.

Starkey Picasso

The Picasso model is a custom-fit hearing aid that is unique to a person’s ear shape.

This device is available in the following styles:

  • invisible
  • completely-in-canal
  • in-the-canal
  • in-the-ear

Starkey states that the Picasso has the following features:

  • superior sound quality
  • feedback management
  • wireless streaming
  • music enhancement
  • tinnitus technology
  • Bluetooth accessories

Starkey also offers 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.

People cannot buy Starkey hearing aids directly from the company’s website. Instead, they need to purchase a hearing aid from one of the brand’s authorized hearing professionals.

Starkey’s website does not say if a person needs a prescription to receive a hearing aid. However, the company does recommend seeing 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 offer this coverage — an individual can check with their insurance plan to see if they are covered.

Learn about Medicare coverage of hearing aids.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers assistance to veterans in need of hearing help. A person can locate a VA facility close to them with its location finder.

Returns policy, warranty & refunds

Starkey offers 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.

LEARN MORE

Before purchasing a Starkey hearing aid, people should carefully consider the advantages and drawbacks of this company.

Advantages

  • Various hearing aid styles are available.
  • Worry-free warranty coverage is available on all hearing aids.
  • The company offers a minimum 30-day trial period.
  • People can choose from a range of available accessories.
  • Starkey features how-to videos on its website to help people with their hearing aids.

Disadvantages

  • People cannot purchase Starkey hearing aids online.
  • Returns and exchange policies may change depending on the hearing retailer.

There is a variety of alternative hearing aid retailers. A few examples include:

Alternatives to wearing hearing aids include:

  • cochlear implant surgery
  • speech therapy
  • sign language
  • aural rehabilitation

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that by 2050, nearly 2.5 billion people will have some degree of hearing loss.

A 2018 study suggests that those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss may be less aware of their difficulties and are therefore less likely to explore using hearing aids. The research authors also say that cost may play a part in why people do not acquire hearing aids when they need them.

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

A 2015 systematic review found that occupational noise exposure causes some hearing loss in workers, but this number is decreasing in most industrialized counties. The research also found that men are more likely to develop hearing problems than women.

The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that even just a low level of hearing loss can adversely affect speech, communication, and social development. The CDC offers the following advice for individuals to avoid noise-induced hearing loss:

  • avoiding and limiting exposure to loud noises
  • keeping the volume of music systems at a low-to-moderate level
  • maintaining a distance from the source of loud noises when possible
  • using hearing protection when possible
  • speaking with a licensed audiologist or another healthcare professional if there are concerns 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 can also consider and research different brands and their benefits.

Please note: Medical News Today does not imply warranty of fitness for a particular purpose or endorse any of these applications. Nobody at MNT has evaluated these apps for medical accuracy. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved them unless otherwise indicated.