

Request
Appointment
Professional Fittings of the New Starkey Edge AI Hearing Aids Now Available
The latest advancement in hearing technology has arrived at Hearing & Balance Solutions in Charlotte. The new Starkey Edge AI hearing aids represent significant progress in hearing aid capabilities, combining powerful sound processing with health monitoring features and advanced connectivity options. These devices use artificial intelligence to process sound at speeds that match your brain's natural hearing processes, using a G2 Neuro Processor with a dedicated neural processing unit. This technology analyzes complex sound environments in real-time, providing clear speech understanding while reducing unwanted background noise. Like having a smart assistant for your hearing, Edge AI adapts automatically to different listening situations - from quiet conversations at home to busy social gatherings.
Understanding Edge AI Technology
Built on years of research and development, Edge AI can identify and classify sounds 30% more accurately than previous models. The system recognizes speech patterns and reduces background noise by up to 6dB, making conversations clearer even in challenging environments. For music lovers and audio enthusiasts, the Edge AI delivers rich, natural sound quality with minimal distortion. The hearing aids connect seamlessly with smartphones and other devices through Bluetooth Low Energy Audio, allowing you to stream phone calls, music, and other audio directly to your hearing aids.
What sets Edge AI apart is its comprehensive approach to hearing care. Beyond sound processing, these hearing aids include features for overall wellness tracking, including exercise monitoring, fall detection, and a self-guided balance assessment tool. When paired with the My Starkey app, users can make real-time adjustments to their hearing preferences and access support from their hearing care professional through remote programming options.
Superior Speech Understanding in Noise
One of the biggest challenges for people with hearing loss is understanding speech in noisy environments. The Edge AI addresses this with several improvements over previous models:
- 30% more accurate speech identification
- 6dB reduction in low-level noise
- Better processing of multiple conversations
- Cleaner sound signals
The system has been trained on millions of sound samples to distinguish between important sounds (like someone speaking to you) and distracting background noise (such as clattering dishes or distant conversations).
When you're in a noisy restaurant or family gathering, the Edge AI's G2 Neuro Processor works continuously to separate speech from background noise. This means you can focus on the conversation you want to hear while other sounds are reduced but not eliminated completely - maintaining your natural awareness of your surroundings.
The Edge Mode+ feature gives you additional control in challenging listening situations. By activating Edge Mode+ through the My Starkey app, you can further enhance speech clarity when needed. This feature proves particularly valuable in places like:
- Busy coffee shops where multiple conversations overlap
- Family dinners with several people speaking
- Social events with music playing
- Public spaces with varying noise levels
- Business meetings with background office noise
The AI technology adapts in real-time as noise levels change around you. If someone starts speaking from a different direction or a new noise source appears, the hearing aids automatically adjust to maintain optimal speech understanding. This quick adaptation helps reduce listening fatigue, allowing you to stay engaged in conversations longer without becoming exhausted from straining to hear.
Battery Life and Durability
The Edge AI maintains an impressive 51-hour battery life, even with regular streaming use. For active lifestyles, these hearing aids are built to last:
- Waterproof up to 1 meter (rechargeable styles only)
- Sweatproof design
- Durable construction for daily wear
Available Styles and Customization Options
The Edge AI comes in multiple styles to match both your hearing needs and personal preferences. Understanding that each person's hearing loss and lifestyle are unique, Starkey has developed a range of options that combine performance with comfort:
RIC RT (Receiver-in-Canal)
A versatile behind-the-ear style that works well for mild to severe hearing loss. The RIC RT offers a rechargeable battery and full wireless connectivity while remaining small and discreet.
mRIC R
The mini RIC provides all the features of the standard RIC in an even smaller housing. This style brings together performance and discretion for those wanting a minimally visible option.
RIC 312
For users who prefer traditional batteries, the RIC 312 offers the same advanced features while using size 312 batteries. This style gives you the flexibility to change batteries as needed rather than relying on recharging.
ITE R (In-the-Ear)
Custom-made to fit your ear's unique shape, the ITE R sits completely in your outer ear. This rechargeable style offers excellent comfort and easy handling for those with dexterity concerns.
ITC/HS R (In-the-Canal/Half Shell)
These custom styles sit partially in your ear canal, offering a good balance between size and features. The rechargeable option eliminates the need for regular battery changes.
CIC (Completely-in-Canal)
Our most discreet option, the CIC fits deeply in your ear canal. While smaller in size, it still delivers impressive sound quality for those with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Connected Features and Wellness Technology
The Edge AI transforms hearing aids from simple amplification devices into comprehensive health and communication tools. At the core of this transformation is the new Bluetooth Low Energy Audio system, which creates faster, more stable connections with your devices while using less battery power. This technology allows you to stream phone calls, music, and other audio directly from both Apple and Android devices. The system is also ready for Auracast broadcasting, a new technology that will allow direct audio streaming in public spaces like airports, theaters, and conference rooms.
The My Starkey app serves as your command center for both hearing and health features. Through your smartphone or Apple Watch, you can:
- Adjust volume and programs for different listening environments
- Locate misplaced hearing aids using the built-in finder
- Connect with our audiology team for remote support
- Monitor your daily physical activity
- Track your social engagement levels
- Access balance assessment tools
The Edge AI goes beyond traditional hearing aid functions by incorporating health monitoring features that help support your overall well-being. The built-in sensors track your daily movement and activity levels, helping you maintain an active lifestyle. The fall detection system can automatically alert designated caregivers if a fall occurs, providing peace of mind for both you and your family.
Balance health receives special attention with a self-guided assessment tool that helps you monitor your stability over time. This feature complements our comprehensive balance testing services at Hearing & Balance Solutions, where we use advanced equipment like Videonystagmography (VNG) and Topple Diagnostics to assess and treat balance disorders.
The social engagement tracking feature encourages active participation in conversations and daily activities, which research shows supports cognitive health. By monitoring these interactions, you can better understand how your hearing aids contribute to your social connections and overall quality of life.
Edge Mode+ for Challenging Environments
When you encounter difficult listening situations, Edge Mode+ can be activated through the My Starkey app. This feature helps you focus on speech in challenging environments like:
- Busy restaurants
- Family gatherings
- Sporting events
- Social functions
- Public spaces
Real-World Success Stories
The Edge AI has made a meaningful difference for many of our patients at different stages of life with varying hearing needs. A local restaurant owner found she could finally manage conversations with staff and customers even during busy dinner service. The Edge Mode+ feature helps her focus on individual conversations while maintaining awareness of the overall restaurant atmosphere.
A retired teacher who loves spending time with his grandchildren shared that these hearing aids have transformed family gatherings. He can now follow multiple conversations at the dinner table and clearly hear his grandchildren's voices even when they're playing games or watching TV together.
One of our patients who enjoys regular card games with friends noted that the Edge AI's noise reduction makes it much easier to participate in group conversations. The hearing aids help her follow the banter around the table without becoming overwhelmed by overlapping voices.
These experiences highlight how the Edge AI adapts to different lifestyles and listening needs, helping our patients stay actively engaged in the activities they enjoy most.
Professional Fitting Process
At Hearing & Balance Solutions, Dr. Gosu uses Real Ear Measurements during every fitting to ensure your Edge AI hearing aids are programmed precisely for your unique hearing needs. This verification process measures the actual sound output of your hearing aids while they're in your ears, confirming that you're receiving the right amount of amplification across all frequencies.
Our fitting process includes:
- Comprehensive hearing evaluation
- Discussion of your listening needs and lifestyle
- Real Ear Measurements for precise programming
- Hands-on instruction for device use and maintenance
- Follow-up appointments to fine-tune settings
Schedule Your Edge AI Consultation
The Starkey Edge AI represents a significant step forward in hearing technology, but the best technology is only as good as its fitting. At Hearing & Balance Solutions, we combine these advanced hearing aids with professional expertise and proven fitting methods like Real Ear Measurements to help you achieve the best possible hearing outcomes.
Contact our Charlotte office at (704) 912-4422 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Gosu. We'll help you discover if the Starkey Edge AI is the right choice for your hearing needs and lifestyle.
Dr. Goutham Gosu has been practicing Audiology for the past 18 years and specializes in pediatric and adult hearing healthcare. He completed his graduate degree at Ohio University and received his doctorate in Audiology from AT Still University.