Starkey Omega AI Plus Hearing Aids

Starkey Omega AI Plus

Quick shared feature highlights

The G4 chip: the foundation

Omega AI Plus hearing aids are built on Starkey’s new G4 Gen AI Neuro Processor. Starkey states that the neural network processing sits directly on the main chip, rather than on a separate one. Starkey also says the G4 processes sound up to 2.7 times faster than the slowest of five competing AI hearing aids in Starkey’s own testing.

But does speed actually matter? A hearing aid needs a moment to process sound before passing it to your ear. If that delay is too long, the processed sound and the natural sound reaching your ear can clash, and speech sounds less natural. A faster chip leaves more room for the processing without that trade-off.

DNN Dual Compressor: softer speech

This is the feature Starkey is leading with in this launch, and it deals with something most people never think about: compression. Hearing loss narrows the gap between “too quiet to hear” and “uncomfortably loud”, and compression squeezes sound into that gap.

Fast compression is good at lifting quick, soft details like the “s” and “t” sounds in speech, but it can make some sounds seem to rise and fall unnaturally. However, slow compression sounds steadier but can miss those quick details.

Starkey states that the DNN Dual Compressor uses speech detection to blend the two, using fast compression when speech is present and easing off when it isn’t. In Starkey’s own study of 14 experienced hearing aid wearers, all participants reported fewer sound artefacts with the new system, and most preferred its sound quality.

The same study did not find a significant difference in how much soft speech people understood. The evidence so far points to more comfortable, natural sound rather than better speech understanding.  

DNN 360: now in custom in-ear styles

DNN 360 is Starkey’s AI-based directional system, first introduced in Omega AI. It works out where speech is coming from and focuses on it, while keeping the rest of your surroundings audible when you’re not in conversation.

What’s new is where it’s available, as DNN 360 now comes in its rechargeable custom In-the-Canal (ITC R) and In-the-Ear (ITE R) models, not just the behind-the-ear styles. If you’ve wanted Starkey’s best directional technology but prefer a hearing aid that sits inside your ear, that might be one of the reasons you look at Omega AI Plus.

DNN 360 needs directional microphones, so it isn’t available on the smallest custom models. Check with your audiologist to see which ones have the feature.  Starkey’s own research also suggests DNN 360 reduces listening effort compared with its previous directional technology.

Edge Mode: is now able to stay on

Edge Mode gives the hearing aids an extra push in difficult places, such as a busy restaurant or a crowded family gathering. On Omega AI, you had to switch it on in the My Starkey app when you needed it. On the Omega AI Plus, Starkey has added the option to keep Edge Mode running all the time in your main programme. On every level, you can still switch it on through the app.

Starkey’s own research also suggests Edge Mode reduces listening effort compared with the standard listening programme, which can make a long day of conversation less tiring.

There are also said to be fewer whistles

Starkey has also redesigned its feedback management, which stops the whistling that can happen when you put a phone to your ear, pull on a hat or chew. Starkey’s previous system was already effective, so this is likely to matter most to your audiologist, giving them more room to set the right amount of amplification in harder-to-fit cases.

Starkey Omega AI Plus Hearing Aids

What model and performance level is right for you?

Who should consider an Omega AI Plus RIC?

The RIC models are the natural starting point for most people, particularly anyone moving on from NHS hearing aids, which are usually behind-the-ear styles. Consider the mRIC R for discretion, the RIC RT for battery life and hearing loop use, or the RIC 312 if you’d rather not rely on a charger.

Who should consider an Omega AI Plus custom model?

Consider the ITE R or ITC R if you want Starkey’s most advanced processing in a hearing aid that sits inside your ear. Consider the CIC or IIC if discretion matters more than streaming and app features.

Even without the My Starkey app, these smaller models aren’t left out. Omega AI+ custom non-wireless models include Automatic Edge Mode, and Starkey’s new ultra-high-frequency tone system means even the IIC can access Edge Mode, with no visible button needed. Your audiologist can tell you which models and technology levels include it.

Whether a custom style suits you depends on the shape and size of your ear canal and your type of hearing loss. Your audiologist will check this at your hearing test.

Which technology level is right for me?

• The Omega AI Plus 24 is a great option if you regularly spend time in busy, noisy places, such as restaurants, family gatherings or work meetings, and want everything Starkey offers, including the new DNN Dual Compressor and always-on Edge Mode. It’s also the level to choose if you want the Gen AI assistant, translation or transcription.
• The Omega AI Plus 20 might benefit you if you have a varied social life but aren’t in very noisy places every day. You keep the same AI-based directional system and app-controlled Edge Mode, at a lower price.
• Consider the Omega AI Plus 16 if most of your listening is in quieter settings, such as one-to-one conversations, the television at home and smaller groups, and you want Starkey’s newest platform within a tighter budget.

Not sure where to start?

That’s exactly what a free hearing test is for. Your audiologist will test your hearing first, then talk through how you spend your days before recommending a level and style. They’re independent, so they can also compare Omega AI Plus with the original Omega AI, G Series AI and other brands.

Starkey Omega AI Plus

Compatible accessories, key takeaways, and what to do next

Accessories for Omega AI Plus

Accessories help in specific situations where hearing aids alone may not be enough. Starkey lists five StarLink wireless accessories as compatible with Omega AI Plus. Your audiologist can advise which ones, if any, suit your lifestyle.

• StarLink Edge TV Streamer: Sends TV sound straight to your hearing aids, so you can set your own volume. Starkey says it starts automatically when the TV switches on and is Auracast-ready.
• StarLink Edge Remote Microphone: Worn by the person you’re talking to, it sends their voice straight to your hearing aids. Ideal for one-to-one conversations in busy places.
• StarLink Edge Table Microphone: Sits in the middle of the table and, according to Starkey, automatically focuses on whoever is speaking. Useful for group meals and meetings.
• StarLink Edge LE Adapter: Plugs into the USB-C port of a compatible phone, tablet or computer to stream its audio to your hearing aids.
• StarLink Remote Control 2.0: A simple handheld remote for volume and programmes, for anyone who’d rather press a button than use an app.
• Good to know: These accessories work with wireless Omega AI Plus models. Older StarLink accessories made for G Series AI aren’t listed as compatible, so check with your audiologist before relying on ones you already own.

Key takeaways

• New G4 chip: Starkey states it runs four AI systems at once, including a new DNN Dual Compressor on the 24
• Better sound comfort, not a proven boost to understanding: Starkey’s own study found a clear preference for sound quality, but no significant change in word understanding
• DNN 360 in custom styles: Now available in rechargeable ITC R and ITE R models
• Long battery life: Up to 51 hours on the RIC RT, according to Starkey
• Modern connectivity: Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast on wireless models
• The original Omega AI is still worth considering: Many people will be just as well served at a lower price

Summary

Omega AI+ is a sensible step forward rather than a leap. The new chip and DNN Dual Compressor are designed to make sound more comfortable and natural, and bringing DNN 360 to custom in-ear models opens Starkey’s best directional technology to people who don’t want anything behind their ear.

If you’re in noisy places often, or you want the most advanced custom hearing aid Starkey makes, it’s well worth a trial. If not, the original Omega AI or G Series AI may suit you just as well.

“We'd describe Omega AI Plus as a refinement, and that’s not a criticism. The new compressor is about making sound more comfortable to listen to all day, and the evidence so far supports that rather than any big jump in understanding speech.

The part we find most interesting is DNN 360 in the custom models, because people who want something discreet no longer have to give up Starkey’s best directional processing.”

says Paul Harrison, Audiology Expert and Founder, Hearing Aid UK