Starkey Hearing Aids Review

Best for Assistive Features

Starkey is one of the world’s premier providers of customized and technologically advanced hearing solutions, and we believe it offers some of the best hearing aids on the market. American-owned and operated since 1964, Starkey has grown to encompass other quality brands, including Audibel, MicroTech and NuEar. 

Starkey’s premier models, which come in a range of prices and feature sets, provide assistive features like fall detection, conversation transcription onto a smart device, and Amazon Alexa connectivity to help with things like appointment reminders and call streaming. This makes the brand’s products a great choice for older adults. 

Below, you’ll find current Starkey hearing aid models as well as their best features and available technology levels. Retail prices are listed where available, but all prices mentioned here are the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices. 

What You Should Know About Starkey Hearing Aids

• Each Starkey hearing aid comes in a variety of technology levels 
• Starkey sells its hearing aids through local providers nationwide
• Hearing aids are available in BTE, RIC, CIC, ITC, and ITE styles
• Starkey hearing aids are typically sold in pairs
• Accessories for Starkey hearing aids include microphones, remotes, and streaming devices

Starkey Audiology Safety Score

Caring.com worked with two expert audiologists to research and evaluate popular hearing aid brands for safety. The resulting Safety Scores are calculated using a system of three core metrics and 11 subcategories covering access to professional care, the accuracy of the brands’ hearing tests, and more. You can find a detailed explanation of Caring.com’s Hearing Aid Safety Scores by reading our Methodology.

Starkey Safety Score:

Hearing Test & Consultation:

Hearing tests and consultations for Starkey hearing aids are conducted in person by licensed hearing healthcare professionals.

Fitting & Follow-Up Care:

Starkey hearing aids are always programmed by a licensed professional and typically include access to both in-person and remote follow-up care. Patients can visit clinics in person for real-time device repairs and adjustments.

Device Safety:

Meets industry standards for device safety, including safe decibel limiting.

Starkey Hearing Aid Models

Livio

The Livio by Starkey is one of the first hearing aids to feature embedded sensors and artificial intelligence, providing features like audible memory cues, fall detection, and adaptability. This model offers three times more digital sound processing than previous models of Starkey hearing aids. The device’s Adaptive Car Mode blocks the sound of the vehicle and amplifies phone calls, all while using Bluetooth connectivity. Starkey’s Livio hearing aids include a model with a rechargeable battery with a 24-hour life, ensuring that you have enough power for the day. 

As with all Starkey products, customers can enjoy a 30-day risk-free trial as well as a worry-free warranty for its Livio hearing aid. The Livio typically costs $2,500 to $3,000 per pair, depending on the retailer.

Livio Highlights

• Device Type: RIC, micro RIC or BTE
• Battery Type: RIC R: Built-in, RIC: 312, Micro RIC: 312, BTE 13: 13
• Standout Features: Amazon Alexa compatibility, Bluetooth compatibility, 24-hour rechargeable battery
• Custom Programming: Yes
• Cost: Pricing varies by retailer

Pros and Cons of Livio

Livio AI

The Livio AI hearing aid is the more advanced version of Starkey’s Livio. This model includes the same technology as the Livio, but also features artificial intelligence to help customize the user’s experience. 

The Livio AI transcribe feature can audibly transcribe any text conversations on a user’s smartphone, and allows for saving, copying, or emailing transcribed text. The Livio AI wellness tracker can detect a fall and send an alert message to caregivers or other specified contacts. The hearing aid is Bluetooth-compatible and can sync up with Amazon Alexa devices.

Livio AI Highlights

• Device Type: RIC, micro RIC or BTE
• Battery Type: RIC R: Built-in, RIC: 312, Micro RIC: 312, BTE: 13
• Standout Features: AI-driven fall detection, Amazon Alexa connectivity, Transcribing abilities
• Custom Programming: Yes
• Cost: Pricing varies by retailer

Pros and Cons of Livio AI

Muse iQ

Starkey’s Muse iQ hearing aids are designed to create a high-quality listening experience for the user. The devices are made with waterproof parts so wearers don’t have to worry about water or sweat causing malfunctions. The devices quickly adjust to the user’s surroundings through feedback cancellation and noise-filtering technology. The Muse iQ is made for consistent wireless performance, offering crystal-clear streaming from Bluetooth devices via the SurfLink 2 app, SurfLink Mini Mobile and other SurfLink accessories.

The Muse iQ line of hearing aids comes in a wide range of styles and battery types so anyone can find just the right model for them. 

Muse iQ Highlights

• Device Type: RIC, micro RIC, mini BTE, BTE, CIC, ITC or ITE
• Battery Type: RIC R: Built-in, RIC: 312, Micro RIC: 312, Mini BTE: 312, BTE: 13, Power Plus BTE: 13, CIC: 312 or 10, ITC: 312, ITE: 13
• Standout Features: Fully waterproof components, Bluetooth capabilities, Feedback cancellation and environment modes
• Custom Programming: Yes
• Cost: Pricing varies by retailer

Pros and Cons of Muse iQ

Picasso 

Starkey’s Picasso hearing aid features a one-of-a-kind design that molds to the user’s ear, providing the perfect fit every time. This nearly invisible hearing aid is capable of great sound and performance.

The Picasso can receive streaming audio directly from a smartphone so users can make phone calls and enjoy music and videos. Other features include advanced directionality, ear-to-ear communication, feedback elimination and optional tinnitus therapy. The Picasso can even learn to adapt to the user’s habits and surroundings, making adjustments as needed.

Picasso Highlights

• Device Type: ITE, ITC, CIC or IIC
• Battery Type: ITE: 13, ITC: 312, CIC: 10 or 312, IIC: 10
• Standout Features: Variety of styles and battery types, Designed based on a mold of the user’s ear, Optional tinnitus therapy
• Custom Programming: Yes
• Cost: Pricing varies by retailer

Pros and Cons of Picasso

Halo iQ

Starkey’s Halo iQ hearing aid is the go-to model for Apple users. The device is customized to work with Siri and Apple products of all kinds.

The TruLink app makes it easy for Apple users to personalize their hearing experience through features such as SoundSpace, Noise Manager, and volume controls. Apple users don’t need to buy any additional accessories to stream directly from their devices. The Halo iQ also provides one-touch phone answering, real-time notifications, interaction with Siri, and up to 20 geotagged memories. The app even helps users to find their hearing aids if they are misplaced.

Prices for the Halo iQ vary by retail location but generally range from $1,999 for the i2600 technology level to $2,999 for the i2400 technology level.

Halo iQ Highlights

• Device Type: RIC
• Battery Type: RIC 13: 13, RIC 312: 312
• Standout Features: Created for Apple users, Stream phone calls to the hearing aid, App to help find lost hearing aids
• Custom Programming: Yes
• Cost: Pricing varies by retailer

Pros and Cons of Halo iQ

SoundLens Synergy iQ

For hearing aid users who want small, discreet, and customized hearing aids, the SoundLens Synergy iQ from Starkey may be the one to choose. This model is Starkey’s smallest and most invisible hearing aid, custom molded to the user’s ear.

The SoundLens Synergy iQ uses cutting-edge light-based technology to deliver sound directly to the user’s eardrum. This powerful hearing aid’s other features include ear-to-ear phone streaming, seamless sound environment transitions, distortion-free listening, feedback cancellation and customizable tinnitus relief. For those who want a truly customized look, the hearing aid also comes in a variety of skin tones.

SoundLens Synergy iQ Highlights

• Device Type: IIC
• Battery Type: 10
• Standout Features: Optional tinnitus therapy, Variety of skin tone color, Molded to fit the user’s eardrum
• Custom Programming: Yes
• Cost: Pricing varies by retailer

Pros and Cons of SoundLens Synergy iQ

Starkey Hearing Aid Technology Levels

Starkey’s hearing aid models each come in a range of technology levels, with the higher levels representing increased capability, more features, and clearer sound in more challenging noise environments. Technology levels determine whether a Starkey brand hearing aid will come with features like directional processing, tinnitus therapy and speech enhancement. 

Buying Starkey Hearing Aids

Purchasing a Starkey hearing aid is a fairly simple process. Potential buyers need to either take an online hearing test or schedule an in-office hearing test with a Starkey-certified audiologist or hearing aid specialist. Once complete, they can be fitted for and purchase a Starkey hearing aid from the audiologist, and refer to their office for future support if needed.

Follow-Up Adjustments for Starkey Hearing Aids

Starkey provides remote adjustments and assistance through its TeleHear program. Audiologists can use TeleHear to provide general hearing aid assistance or hearing aid adjustment services without needing the patient to come to an office. Adjustments can be made through the patient’s Thrive hearing app, and audiologists can keep track of these adjustments to better provide service in the future.

Starkey’s Mobile App and Accessories

Starkey provides a variety of mobile apps and accessories for its line of hearing aids. The apps provide easy \ device control, and  accessories can be useful add-ons for those who want extra functionality to go with their hearing aid. Certain accessories are specially designed for certain Starkey hearing aid models.

Thrive Hearing Control

Thrive makes the process of adjusting to new hearing aids easier with the Thrive Assistant, Hearing Care Anywhere, and Self Check features. If the wearer has a premium model, he or she can use Thrive Assistant to troubleshoot issues that may arise with their hearing aid(s) or hearing aid accessories. 

Hearing Care Anywhere also lets the wearer connect with their audiologist or other hearing care professional to let them know what minor issues they are having with their hearing aid. Then the professional can make adjustments remotely, which saves the wearer an office visit. Wearers can even perform a diagnostic test on their hearing aids with the Self Check feature.

Finally, Thrive Hearing Control also lets users answer phone calls and stream the conversation to their hearing instruments, and listen to TV, music, and other media in their hearing aid. Users can also create custom geotagged memories, adjust volume levels, switch memories, read and save conversations captured on smartphones and find lost hearing aids.

This app is currently only compatible with the Starkey Livio AI and Starkey Livio. 

TruLink Hearing Control

Starkey users can download this app to enhance their listening experience. Features include audio streaming, the ability to adjust sound settings based on the current environment, the ability to save up to 20 sound settings, the use of an iPhone as a microphone, locating lost hearing aids, gaining control of device memory, and other features. TruLink is easy to use and connects to Apple devices and some Android phones.

Hearing Aid Streamers

The SurfLink Media 2 wireless TV streamer transmits audio from televisions or other electronic audio devices directly to Starkey hearing aids. It’s simple to use, provides excellent sound quality and is compatible with analog and digital input sources.

No pairing of devices is required to stream audio from televisions, cable boxes, computers and other electronics directly to hearing aids. Furthermore, multiple Starkey hearing aid wearers can stream audio to their hearing devices simultaneously, each at a volume level that is comfortable for them, and without audio delay.

Microphones

Starkey Hearing Technologies offers three microphones: the Remote Microphone+, the Mini Remote Microphone, and the SurfLink Remote Microphone 2. All three are rechargeable, work with Starkey Hearing Technologies’ hearing aids and can be used to hear one-on-one conversations more clearly in noisy environments. The speaker either clips the microphone their clothing or uses a lanyard to wear around their neck. Once the speaker has the mic, it will transfer the their voice directly to the hearing-impaired individual’s hearing aid.

Any of these microphones will also stream audio directly to Starkey hearing aids from compatible devices, and the wearer is able to adjust their mic’s volume. When the clip for the Remote Microphone+ or SurfLink Microphone is placed in a horizontal position, wearers are able to hear multiple speakers in quiet environments.

Hearing Aid Remote Controls

Starkey hearing aid wearers can use a remote to control their hearing aids. The remotes work with or without a smartphone and can be paired to work with a single hearing aid or a set of two.  Starkey’s regular wireless remote lets users control the volume, mute or unmute sounds, cycle through available memories, start and stop audio streaming, reduce noise with the Comfort Boost button and turn tinnitus therapy on or off. 

Starkey’s basic SurfLink remote only offers the ability to adjust the volume and mute or unmute sound. In order to take advantage of all the features that Starkey’s regular wireless remote can offer, wearers will need an advanced model. The advanced TruLink remote offers the same features as the basic, in addition to mute and unmute, the ability to create and cycle through multiple memories, turn Tinnitus Stimulus on or off and control noise reduction with Comfort Boost.

SurfLink Mini Mobile

This adapter comes with the SurfLink Remote Microphone 2. Once it is plugged into the bottom of the microphone, users are able to stream calls from a Bluetooth-ready mobile phone directly to their wireless hearing aids. Sound from one-on-one conversations as well as from other Bluetooth-compatible audio devices is transmitted directly to the wearer’s hearing aids. Both the adapter and microphone are rechargeable.

SurfLink Mobile 2

SurfLink Mobile 2 works as a hands-free device, media streamer and remote control. When paired with Starkey hearing aids, wearers can have a hands-free cell phone or landline conversation, relax to music, hear one-on-one or group conversations and adjust the settings of their hearing aids. The SurfLink Mobile 2 also features built-in directional and Omni microphones.

Starkey’s Warranties and Repairs

Starkey provides a worry-free warranty that covers its hearing aids and most of its accessories. Coverage includes protection against parts failure, damage, and loss. If the instruments are lost, stolen, or suffer total destruction, consumers will receive a one-time replacement that may require a processing fee. However, repairs can be made for both internal component failure and external damage to Starkey hearing aids. 

Wearers with hearing aids that are lost, damaged or need repairs must take their instruments to their local hearing care professional. Protection Plans and the length of warranty periods depend in part on the retailer from whom the device was purchased.

Frequently Asked Questions About Starkey’s Hearing Aids

How much does a Starkey hearing aid cost?

Every model of Starkey hearing aid varies in cost. The price will differ depending on the specific device model as well as the technology level of the device. Typically, Starkey hearing aids range from $1,999 to $3,500 total.

Where can I buy Starkey hearing aids?

Starkey sells its hearing aids through authorized retailers around the country. The Starkey website features a location guide that can direct you to your nearest authorized retailer.

How long do Starkey hearing aid batteries last?

Battery life will vary based on the model and features of the hearing aid. Some models feature a 24-hour rechargeable battery, while others include a button battery that lasts for weeks or months before needing to be replaced.

What style of hearing aids are sold by Starkey?

Starkey offers a wide array of hearing aid types. The company’s hearing aid styles include:

• BTE (Behind-the-ear)
• RIC (Receiver-in-canal)
• ITE (In-the-ear)
• ITC (In-the-canal)
• CIC (Completely-in-canal)
• IIC (Invisible-in-canal)

Not every model of Starkey hearing aid comes in each of these styles. Be sure to look at the product section of each individual hearing aid to see if your preferred style is available.

What is the most advanced Starkey hearing aid?

The SoundLens Synergy iQ is Starkey’s most technologically advanced hearing aid. It uses cutting-edge light-based technology to send sound directly to a user’s eardrum. It features a wide array of convenience features as well, including distortion-free listening, seamless environment transitions, ear-to-ear phone streaming, feedback cancellation and more.