#65

@pvc provided an answer above as to what Oticon CIC models might offer BT transmission. Starkey launches Genesis AI - #61 by pvc

Not knowing much compared to PVC, I did a Bing ChatGPT search. It turns up Abram’s article, too, as a source of information!

I remember someone in the past, maybe it was PVC or MDB, saying new technology is often developed first for RIC HA’s because there’s lots of room to work with those devices, with a large HA body behind the ear, and it often takes a while to further miniaturize and customize new technology for a device that will fit within the ear canal, etc. So maybe it’s just too early in a product cycle for CIC devices from Starkey to have the Genesis AI technology - or maybe the size of the chip or its power demands just won’t work in a CIC device?! Genesis AI is not yet listed as a Starkey CIC possibility on their website (Bing reference #5 below).

Hello, this is Bing. I’m happy to help you find some CIC models of hearing aids that have Bluetooth, MFi, or ASHA streaming.:blush:

According to my web search¹², one of the CIC models that offers direct streaming is ReSound Quattro, which is compatible with both Android and iPhone devices. Another CIC model that streams audio is Starkey Evolv AI³, which also has rechargeable batteries.

There are also other types of hearing aids that have Bluetooth, MFi, or ASHA streaming, such as ITC, ITE, MIH, and IIC¹³⁴. You can check out their features and benefits on their websites.

What kind of hearing aid are you looking for?

Source: Conversation with Bing, 3/12/2023(1) Best Bluetooth In The Ear Hearing Aids For 2020. Best Bluetooth In The Ear Hearing Aids For 2020 Accessed 3/12/2023.
(2) Made For Android Hearing Aids, The Types & The Brands. Made For Android Hearing Aids, The Types & The Brands Accessed 3/12/2023.
(3) Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC) And Invisible In-The-Canal (IIC) Hearing … Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC) And Invisible In-The-Canal (IIC) Hearing Aids: What To Know – Forbes Health Accessed 3/12/2023.
(4) Best Bluetooth Hearing Aids of 2023 for Android and iOS. Best Bluetooth Hearing Aids of 2023 for Android and iOS Accessed 3/12/2023.
(5) Completely in Canal Hearing Aids, CIC | Starkey. Completely in Canal Hearing Aids, CIC | Starkey Accessed 3/12/2023.

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#66

They use the power hungry Bluetooth classic for compatibility and short runtime per charge.l, not BLE. They lose some of the MFi benefits of their competitors.

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#67

The manufacturers seem to be describing their custom models simply as;

  • with 2.4GHz wireless or without 2.4 GHz wireless

But that doesn’t tell the entire story. Optional build choices (Telecoil, Rechargeable battery, Volume/Program-Change-Buttons) all require extra space and may make it necessary to eliminate the wireless radio because the wireless radio also requires space.

Here’s a link to → Starkey Custom Pros/To Consider. You can click different Custom styles ITE, ITC, CIC, IIC. This may help provide extra information about these conflicting optional build choices.

Here’s a clip and a link to the new → Starkey Hearing Aid Programming Guide. Tip: You can click the image below to enlarge.

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#68

Has anyone placed an order for the Starkey Genesis AI? Or was part of the trial that has any first hand knowledge of the new product? Also, I am curious if anyone has any more commercial knowledge - ie, pricing, timing of delivery, etc. Thanks!

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#69

I made the plunge. Moving up from the Starkey Edge AI 2400 to the Genesis AI 2400 - fingers crossed based on the limited feedback and me “buying in” (gullible) on the marketing! I believe a pretty good deal from my local provider $5500 with 3 years of full office support. I understand ZipHearing pricing is $4600, with 1 year of office support.

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#70

All of that AI stuff is long overdue, competitors have been on if for quite some time. Personally I won’t consider any HA without LE Audio.

#71

Also launched with the new Genesis AI HAs is the new Thrive App replacement–“My Starkey” app available for both Apple and Android in their app stores. How-to-videos and Support materials for the My Starkey app can be found here:

Note: This new app only works with the new Genesis AI HAs. I was unable t pair it with my Evolv AI HAs.

Edit Again!: I called Starkey tech support and confirmed the new My Starkey app is only for the Genesis AI HAs…

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#73
#74
#75

So additional feedback on the Genesis AI 24: I really love the battery life. I have yet to get to less than 60% on a day (longest day: 5:30am to 12:30am the next morning, which a few hours of streaming…19 hrs off the charger). I am still undecided on the sound clarity/quality as I think my audiologist is still trying to figure out the new software and he is fairly new to the craft. I can tell the processing speed is A LOT faster. Noise reduction “feels” more seemless, although I have yet to truly test these. I feel like I need to have the REM adjustments and new molds before I can truly assess overall sound performance (clarity - so far, I have been disappointed). Car rides are way better than before - road noise cut significantly and I can hear the radio pretty well.

Regarding the Bluetooth connectivity, I am disappointed. I use iOS devices, my connectivity is not as good as the Starkey Edge AI I had previously. Also, I am finding the range less than the Edge which has surprised me. I will be connected to my iPad and get a phone call. I will turn off my Bluetooth of the iPad as the “hand-off” to phone did not happen and the iPhone still would not pick up the Hearing aids. This was very frustrating and has happened twice. I hope this can be fixed with a firmware/software update. I am not sure what to think about the range, other than disappointing.

I will also share, the Edge+ is great - very effective.

I will continue to provide updates from time to time and answer any questions anyone has.

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#76

I used to have a 2007 Starkey profound hearing aids with the 675 battery. I had them for 12 years and it has been reconditioned twice. They no longer make their most powerful aids with the 675 battery. I am sticking with my Phonak P70-UP aids and waiting for an Oticon replacement of the Xceeds. I plan on using a pair of aids as backups.
I doubt the Genesis AI will help me if they come out with one for profound hearing loss.

#77

But they have the Evolv AI Power Plus BTE 13 (see below).

The brand new Genesis AI platform only has RICs and Customs at this point. But I believe they will come out with a Genesis AI BTE model later. Some of the other manufacturers do the same thing. That is, release some models first and then release other models later.

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#78

I am aware of their power btes but they use the 13 size battery and doesn’t last a week. I prefer the 675 batteries.

#79

Oh, it’s the batteries you miss. Having never worn BTE’s myself, I missed that important benefit. :wink:

#80

Has anyone had a chance to try the new Starkey Genesis hearing aids? Curious to hear anyone’s thoughts who has. Thanks.

#81

I have them a few weeks.

Sound quality is solid.

However, I keep having problems with one or the other disconnecting from my iPhone. They seem to have Bluetooth issues.

Getting them replaced to see if I just had a bad pair.

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#82

My VA audiologist is going to order the ITE model for me on May first when they come under contract for the VA. Fingers crossed…

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#83

I did not understand what exactly is the problem with the iPhone?
Make sure it’s not up to your iphone, maybe you need to upgrade your iphone to a newer version iOS, and if you can try your genesis with another iphone, just to see if it’s up to your iphone or all iphones in general.

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#84

The problem is that the HAs randomly disconnect from my phone. Sometimes just the right one disconnects and sometimes just the left disconnects.

I’m on iOS 16.4.1 on an iPhone 14 pro max. No problems with many other Bluetooth devices. Starkey had me try all the basic troubleshooting steps.

Haven’t tried pairing to another phone because that isn’t super practical…

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#85

Oh, one thing I will say about the Starkey Genesis AI is that the battery life is insane. After a full day and going to bed around midnight, they have over 80% battery left. I think the claimed life of 50 hrs is accurate.

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