Starkey hearing aids: Brand and product review Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe Starkey hearing aids What to knowMedically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — By Suzy Davenport — Updated on August 11, 2022We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Starkey is an international hearing aid brand that manufactures a range of hearing aid models with enhanced technology. Share on PinterestThis article discusses the brand, its products and services, alternative brands, and the importance of hearing health. Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication. Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here. Starkey brand background 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 more than 100 countries. Starkey has an average customer rating of 3 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. Of the 209 listed reviews, about 61% have awarded the company 5 stars, while approximately 15% have given it 1 star. Positive reviews frequently mention product quality and customer service, whereas negative reviews often revolve around warranty length and shipping issues. It appears that Starkey replies to most reviews — including negative ones — and offers to help rectify any difficulties that people experience. Who are Starkey hearing aids for Starkey hearing aids may best suit those who would like a variety of hearing aid styles, as well as different connectivity options. Products and services 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:changing the batteries in specific modelsconnecting the devices to a smartphoneinserting 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. 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, its features include:good sound qualityfeedback managementwireless streamingmusic enhancementtinnitus technologycompatibility with Bluetooth accessories and smartphonesrechargeable battery optionsbrain and body trackingtranscribing 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-canalin-the-ear Starkey states that the Picasso has the following features:superior sound qualityfeedback managementwireless streamingmusic enhancementtinnitus technologyBluetooth 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. How to order 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 whether a person needs a prescription to receive a hearing aid. However, the company does recommend seeing a hearing care professional for assistance 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 whether it provides coverage. Learn about Medicare coverage of hearing aids. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers assistance to veterans in need of hearing help. A person can locate a VA facility close to them using this location finder. Returns policy warranty and refunds Starkey offers worry-free warranty coverage on all hearing aids, which remains valid for as long as the aids are in good working condition. These warranties protect against failure, damage, and loss. All of the company’s hearing aids should come with a minimum 30-day trial period. Typically, the hearing retailer that sold the product will handle returns and exchanges.LEARN MORE Advantages and disadvantages of Starkey hearing aids Before purchasing a Starkey hearing aid, people should carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks of this company. AdvantagesVarious 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. DisadvantagesPeople cannot purchase Starkey hearing aids online.Returns and exchange policies may change depending on the hearing retailer. Alternative brands and products People looking for a hearing aid may also wish to look at alternative retailers. The options include:Eargo: Eargo offers a range of hearing aids for purchase online. Learn more.MDHearingAid: This company offers affordable styles of hearing aids. Learn more.Signia: This large international hearing aid brand is part of WS Audiology. Learn more.Costco: Customers can purchase hearing aids in their local Costco store. Learn more.ReSound: This large international hearing aid retailer has its headquarters in Denmark. Learn more. Alternatives to wearing hearing aids include:cochlear implant surgeryspeech therapysign languageaural rehabilitation Hearing products and hearing health 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, 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 cause hearing loss:aginggeneticsbirth complicationsinfectious diseaseschronic ear infectionsuse of particular drugsexcessive noise exposure A 2015 systematic review found that occupational noise exposure causes some hearing loss in workers but that this number is decreasing in most industrialized counties. The research also showed that males are more likely to develop hearing problems than females. The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that even a low level of hearing loss can adversely affect speech, communication, and social development. The organization explains that individuals can take the following steps to help prevent noise-induced hearing loss:avoiding and limiting exposure to loud noiseskeeping the volume of music systems at a low to moderate levelmaintaining a distance from the source of loud noises when possibleusing hearing protection when possiblespeaking with a licensed audiologist or another healthcare professional about any concerns regarding hearing loss When to contact a doctor According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, individuals should consider contacting a doctor if they experience three or more specific symptoms, including:difficulty hearing conversationsfeeling frustrated when talking with family members due to being unable to hear themfeeling limited and unable to do their usual activities or noticing effects on their social life due to hearing concernsexperiencing difficulty understanding co-workers, clients, or customersdifficulty hearing friends, relatives, or neighborsdifficulty hearing when at the movies or in a theaterfeeling tension with family members due to hearing difficulties difficulty hearing the TV or radio at volume levels loud enough for othersexperiencing difficulty hearing conversations in restaurants Frequently asked questions Below are the answers to some common questions about Starkey. Do health insurance companies cover Starkey hearing aids Some private health insurance companies offer coverage for hearing tests and hearing aids, but this may vary from state to state, company to company, and plan to plan. A person should check with their insurer to confirm coverage. Alternatively, people could use their health savings account or explore finance options. How do I choose the right Starkey hearing aid A person should think about the type and features they would like and then ask a hearing aid specialist or an otolaryngologist which of the available products will likely be most effective for them. Summary 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 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. Last medically reviewed on August 10, 2022Uncategorized 5 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Age-related hearing loss. (2022). https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/age-related-hearing-lossDeafness and hearing loss [Fact sheet]. (2021).https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/deafness-and-hearing-lossLie, A., et al. (2015). Occupational noise exposure and hearing: A systematic review.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4786595/Preventing noise-induced hearing loss. (2022).https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/hearingloss/noise.htmlTahden, M. A. S., et al. (2018). What keeps older adults with hearing impairment from adopting hearing aids?https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6243636/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — By Suzy Davenport — Updated on August 11, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageHearing Assist review: What to knowMedically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., MSN Hearing Assist are an online retailer selling hearing aids and related products and services. Learn about the Hearing Assist brand and their reviews…READ MOREHearing aid cost and pricing: Everything you need to know The costs associated with hearing aids can be high due to the technology that they use. Prices vary and additional help may be available. Learn more…READ MOREWhat's to know about deafness and hearing loss?Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH People with a hearing impairment, hearing loss, or deafness will have either a partial or a total inability to hear sound. Some will rely on lip…READ MOREHeadphones and hearing loss: What to knowMedically reviewed by Nicole Leigh Aaronson, MD, MBA, CPE, FACS, FAAP Overuse of headphones may cause permanent damage to the ears and result in deafness. Learn more about how headphones can cause hearing loss and moreREAD MOREWhat to know about sensorineural hearing lossMedically reviewed by Nicole Leigh Aaronson, MD, MBA, CPE, FACS, FAAP Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) develops when there is damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve. Learn more here.READ MORE