Summary: Starkey has launched its Edge AI hearing aids, featuring advanced processing technology, enhanced Bluetooth connectivity, and integrated balance assessment tools.

Key Takeaways:

  1. G2 Neuro Processor: Starkey’s Edge AI introduces the G2 Neuro Processor, integrating a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for superior performance, offering 30% better speech recognition and up to 51 hours of battery life.
  2. Bluetooth LE Audio: Edge AI includes Bluetooth LE Audio for seamless connectivity with more devices, fewer dropouts, and enhanced streaming via the new, smaller StarLink Edge TV Streamer.
  3. Balance Assessment: Edge AI hearing aids feature onboard sensors that provide a self-guided balance assessment to identify and manage patients at increased risk of falls.

Starkey has launched the new Edge AI hearing aids, which the company says builds on the success of Genesis AI and represents a leap in intelligent hearing technology.

Improved Performance and Processing Power

Edge AI introduces the G2 Neuro Processor, the next generation of advanced technology from Starkey. Equipped with a neural processing unit (NPU) with deep neural network (DNN) processing capabilities, Starkey’s Edge AI ensures superior performance without compromising its industry-leading battery life, the company says. An advanced integrated circuit, the G2 Neuro Processor features the NPU fully integrated into the chip. This efficiency means that the waterproof* Edge AI RIC RT can continue to offer patients up to 51 hours of battery life. 

“Starkey remains the industry leader in innovation, continuing to introduce technology that has never been seen or heard before,” says Brandon Sawalich, president and CEO at Starkey. “We were the first to bring AI technology to the hearing industry and, last year, we redefined flagship technology with an all-new processor, new hearing experience, and new possibilities. Now, with the launch of Edge AI, the era of excellence continues at the speed of innovation. Our vision to be the best endures as we push the edge of what’s possible to bring better hearing for all.”

Additionally, building on the foundation of the sound management system in the Neuro Sound Technology, the 2.0 edition enhanced with DNN processing is 30% more accurate at identifying speech compared to previous generations, appropriately classifies the most challenging listening situations like multi-talker babble, and significantly enhances the signal to noise ratio.

“Building on the success of Genesis AI, Neuro Sound Technology 2.0 lets Starkey offer patients and providers the most innovative and best-sounding products in the industry,” says Achin Bhowmik, PhD, Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President of Engineering. “With the industry’s only neural processing unit fully integrated into the chip, Edge AI is our most powerful noise management system.”

Connectivity with Bluetooth LE Audio

Edge AI introduces the next generation of Bluetooth connectivity through Low Energy (LE) Audio, supporting a broader range of devices with fewer dropouts and enhanced performance. LE Audio also features Auracast broadcast streaming, enabling users to connect to an expanded variety of audio sources seamlessly.

Starkey is also launching the new StarLink Edge TV Streamer, 60% smaller than previous versions. It uses LE Audio for high-fidelity streaming from televisions to LE Audio-enabled hearing aids like Edge AI.

Balance Assessment

Edge AI features the use of sensors onboard the hearing aid to perform a self-guided balance assessment exercise. This further ensures that patients already at an increased risk of falls are identified and managed before a fall occurs.

Enhanced Mobile Experience

The My Starkey Mobile Application continues to receive enhancements to make the patient’s experience easier and support the new streaming capabilities, the company says. Included with Edge AI is Apple Watch support as an extension of the My Starkey app. Patients can adjust volume, programs, or control the Edge Mode+ settings, all from their wrist.

*Up to one meter

Photo: Starkey