Starkey Hearing Aids: Prices, Models, and What Sets Them Apart

Starkey is the only one of the world’s six major hearing aid manufacturers that is headquartered in the United States. That fact alone doesn’t tell you much about whether their hearing aids are worth buying, but it does say something about their approach. Where European brands have tended to lead on miniaturisation and sound processing, Starkey has gone in a different direction: health monitoring, AI-powered adaptation, and a strong emphasis on custom-fit devices for people who want their hearing aid to do more than amplify sound. 

Their current flagship, Genesis AI, runs on a completely redesigned chip, carries an IP68+ waterproofing rating, and monitors physical activity and fall events throughout the day, all from inside the ear canal. Whether that’s what you need or total overkill depends on your situation, and this guide will help you figure that out.

At Centre for Hearing®, we stock the full Starkey range across our clinics in Delhi NCR, Gurugram, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Patiala, and Jalandhar. What follows is a complete walkthrough of every current Starkey model family, what they cost in India, and who each one is built for.

What Makes Starkey Hearing Aids Different from Other Brands

Before getting into models and prices, it’s worth understanding what separates Starkey from other hearing aid brands. There are a few things that genuinely stand out.

The Neuro Processor

Genesis AI runs on Starkey’s new S1 chip, which they call the Starkey Neuro Processor. It’s four times faster than their previous generation, carries six times more transistors, and makes up to 80 million personalised hearing adjustments every hour. That translates to noticeably faster adaptation in changing environments: moving from a quiet room to a busy street, or switching from a one-on-one conversation to a noisy group setting.

Genuine IP68+ Waterproofing

Starkey’s Pro8 HydraShield technology gives the rechargeable Genesis AI models an IP68+ rating. That means protection against full immersion in water up to one metre deep, not just splash resistance. They’ve engineered this from the inside out, with full silicone seals, a Kevlar-reinforced receiver cable, an enclosed battery module, and redesigned acoustic ports that block moisture from entering in the first place.

Health Monitoring That’s Built In

Fall Alert uses embedded sensors to detect when a wearer falls and sends an automatic alert to a family member’s or caregiver’s phone. Activity tracking monitors steps and physical engagement throughout the day. For older adults living alone, or families managing hearing loss in a parent, these features carry real practical weight that goes beyond what most hearing aids offer.

Custom Fit as a Specialty

No brand in this space has done more with completely-in-the-canal and invisible-in-canal devices than Starkey. Their Signature Series is built around CIC designs that are hand-crafted to fit the exact shape of each ear, and the newest Signature CIC R is the world’s smallest custom rechargeable hearing aid. If discretion is the top priority, Starkey belongs at the top of your shortlist.

Starkey Hearing Aid Models: A Complete Overview

Starkey currently operates across five active product families: Genesis AI, Signature Series, Evolv AI, Livio, and a set of older legacy platforms (Model S, Picasso, and SoundLens iQ). Genesis AI and the Signature Series are the current flagships. Evolv AI remains a capable mid-range option. The others are available for those working with tighter budgets, though newer platforms will typically serve you better.

If you’re unsure which type of hearing aid fits your ear and hearing profile, our guide to types of hearing aids is a good place to start before reading further.

Genesis AI: The Current Flagship

Genesis AI is Starkey’s most advanced platform and the one we’d recommend for most buyers walking into a Centre for Hearing® clinic today. It comes in four technology tiers (12, 16, 20, and 24) across two broad style categories: standard wireless and custom wireless. For anyone comparing ear machine prices in India, the tables below break down every option by style and tier.

Genesis AI Standard Wireless (RIC Styles)

These are the receiver-in-canal (RIC) models covering hearing losses across the full 0–110 dB range. Three form factors are available: RIC RT (rechargeable), mRIC R (mini rechargeable), and RIC 312 (battery-powered).

*All prices per unit (single hearing aid). Prices are indicative; contact us for current figures.

The 24-tier includes Voice AI, the Translate function, Multiflex Tinnitus Pro, and up to 35 dB of wind noise reduction. The 20-tier drops Voice AI and Translate but keeps the core features: Edge Mode+, Fall Alert, and the full My Starkey app. The 16 and 12 tiers are progressively simpler, though all four tiers carry IP68+ waterproofing on rechargeable styles and come with a 3-year worldwide warranty.

Genesis AI Custom Wireless (ITC, ITE, and CIC Styles)

The custom range is hand-crafted to fit each individual ear. It uses Surface Nanoshield for IP68 protection and is available as an ITC R (In-the-Canal Rechargeable), ITE R (In-the-Ear Rechargeable), or CIC Wireless.

All prices per unit, effective January 2025.

Interested in custom hearing aids specifically? Read our detailed guide to completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids and in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids to understand what fits your ear and what doesn’t.

Genesis AI Invisible Solutions (IIC Style)

For buyers who want maximum discretion, the IIC NW (Invisible-in-the-Canal) style sits deep enough in the canal to be completely invisible from the outside. The fitting range is 0–100 dB.

The IIC form factor is available only at the 20 and 16 tiers within Genesis AI. Because of the size constraints, Bluetooth streaming and rechargeable batteries aren’t available in this style. Not every ear canal can accommodate an IIC device either; your audiologist will assess this before recommending it.

Learn more on our invisible-in-canal (IIC) hearing aids page.

Not sure which Genesis AI tier suits your hearing loss? 

Book a free consultation with our audiologists at +91 9811 227 269, or take our free online hearing test first to get a sense of where you stand.

Starkey Signature Series: The Smallest Custom Hearing Aids

The Signature Series is built specifically for buyers who want the smallest, most discreet hearing aid possible without giving up on audio quality. It runs on the same Neuro Processor as Genesis AI but is optimised entirely around custom form factors.

The headline product is the CIC R NW, which Starkey calls the world’s smallest custom rechargeable hearing aid. It’s waterproof to one metre, has a 38-hour battery life, and is hand-crafted to each individual’s ear shape.

Signature Series CIC R NW (Rechargeable Custom)

Signature-Series CIC NW (Non-Rechargeable Custom)

Signature Series IIC NW (Invisible Custom)

All Signature Series products carry a 3-year worldwide warranty. The charger is included free on binaural (both-ear) purchases. Worth noting: the Signature 24 IIC is the only available tier for the invisible option in this series, so buyers who want the smallest possible device with premium-tier processing can find it here.

Starkey Evolv AI: Mid-Range Hearing Aids That Still Deliver

Evolv AI predates Genesis AI but remains a capable platform, particularly for buyers who don’t need health monitoring and are primarily focused on sound quality. It runs on the Thrive platform and carries Surface Nanoshield water resistance (IP68).

The range runs from Evolv AI 2400 (24 channels, premium) down to Evolv AI 1000 (10 channels, entry-level), covering RIC, BTE, CIC, ITC, and ITE styles. Starting prices by tier are as follows:

Evolv AI products carry a 2-year worldwide warranty. For buyers who find Genesis AI pricing out of reach but don’t want to compromise too heavily on features, Evolv AI 1600 or 2000 is worth a closer look. Both are capable ear machines that hold up well in moderately noisy environments. They still carry IP68 water resistance, Thrive app compatibility, Multiflex Tinnitus technology, and a solid battery life on rechargeable models.

Comparing prices across brands before making a decision? 

Visit our Hearing Aid Prices in India page for a complete, up-to-date look at what’s available across all the major brands we stock.

Other Models: Livio, Model S, Picasso, and SoundLens iQ

Beyond the current-generation range, Starkey’s portfolio includes a set of older platforms that remain available for those working with a tighter budget or looking for a lower-tech entry point. These are not platforms we’d lead with, but they’re worth knowing about.

1. Livio

Livio runs on 10–16 channels and starts from ₹32,000 per unit for the Livio 1000 in RIC 312 form. It’s a reasonable choice for very budget-conscious buyers, though the technology is a generation behind Genesis AI. The Thrive app is compatible, and CROS/BiCROS options are available on the 1200 and 1600 tiers.

2. Model S

The most accessible entry point in Starkey’s range. Starting from ₹25,000 per unit (Model S-2, RIC 312 or BTE 13), it covers 10–12 channels and uses the Thrive platform without health monitoring. It’s suitable for mild hearing loss where basic amplification is the main requirement, and it’s compatible with StarLink wireless accessories.

3. Picasso and SoundLens iQ

Picasso is a legacy custom solution (CIC, ITC, ITE styles), starting from ₹25,000 per unit (Picasso 1000) up to ₹2,00,000 (Picasso 2400). SoundLens iQ targets the invisible-in-canal segment, starting from ₹90,000 for the SoundLens iQ 1600.

For most buyers today, we’d point you toward Genesis AI or Evolv AI ahead of these older platforms. That said, if cost is the deciding factor, our audiologists can assess whether a newer entry-level model suits you better than an older mid-range one. That conversation is worth having before you commit.

Which Starkey Hearing Aid Is Right for You?

It depends on your hearing profile, lifestyle, and budget, but a few patterns are worth spelling out clearly.

1. If You Want the Best Technology and Health Monitoring Matters to You

Genesis AI 20 or 24 in a rechargeable style is the natural choice. The Fall Alert feature makes a meaningful difference for older adults, and the IP68+ waterproofing means the device can handle daily wear without you having to think about it.

2. If Discretion is the Primary Concern

The Signature Series CIC R or the Genesis AI IIC are the two options to evaluate. Your audiologist will assess whether your ear canal anatomy allows for an IIC placement first, since not every ear can accommodate this style.

3. If Budget is the Deciding Factor

Evolv AI 1200 or 1000 delivers solid technology without the health features of Genesis AI, starting from ₹45,000 per unit. These models still carry IP68 water resistance, Thrive app support, and Multiflex Tinnitus technology.

One thing to keep in mind regardless of which model you’re considering: Starkey’s custom devices, particularly CIC and IIC styles, require an ear impression taken by a trained audiologist. They can’t be fitted off the shelf, and the fit quality makes a significant difference to how they perform. If you’re leaning toward any custom form factor, the first step is a proper hearing evaluation at a clinic.

You can also compare Starkey against the other brands we carry on our hearing aid brands page before deciding.

One area worth knowing before you decide: Starkey’s self-fitting app (My Starkey) is capable, but users who want to do frequent fine-tuning between clinic visits may find platforms like Phonak’s myPhonak or Signia’s app offer more granular control. Starkey’s strength is in hardware, health sensing, and custom fit rather than app depth. 

Try Starkey Hearing Aids in India at Centre for Hearing®

We’ve been fitting hearing aids since 1973, and Starkey’s Genesis AI is one of the most technically capable platforms we’ve seen across that time, particularly for older adults who live independently and for families who want to know a parent is safe without it becoming a recurring conversation.

Our RCI-certified audiologists will carry out a full hearing assessment, walk you through the options that fit your lifestyle, and recommend the right model and tier for your situation. We also offer a free hearing aid trial so you can experience the difference before committing.

Book your free consultation at +91 9811 227 269 or write to care@centreforhearing.org . Home visit facility is available if visiting a clinic isn’t convenient right now.

Our clinics are in Delhi NCR, Gurugram, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Patiala, and Jalandhar. Find your nearest Centre for Hearing® clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Starkey hearing aids available in India? 

Yes. Starkey Laboratories India Pvt. Ltd. is based in Noida, and the brand operates across the country. However, the company does not entertain direct customer enquiries. For the purchase of Starkey, you need to contact an authorised dispenser. Centre for Hearing® carries the full Genesis AI and Signature Series range across all our clinic locations.

2. What warranty do Starkey hearing aids carry in India? 

Genesis AI and Signature Series products carry a 3-year worldwide warranty. Evolv AI and Livio carry 2 years. Model S, Picasso, and SoundLens iQ also carry a 2-year warranty.

3. Which is the most affordable Starkey hearing aid in India? 

The Model S-2 starts from ₹25,000 per unit. Within the Evolv AI range, the Evolv AI 1000 starts from ₹45,000 per unit for a RIC 312 style.

4. Is Starkey Genesis AI genuinely waterproof? 

The rechargeable models carry an IP68+ rating, tested to immersion up to one metre. The waterproofing is part of the device’s core design, not a surface coating. Non-rechargeable models carry IP68 surface protection, which is water-resistant but not submersion-rated.

5. Where do i get the best deals and discounts on latest Starkey hearing aids?

Centre for Hearing® has a chain of professional clinics in Delhi, Gurgaon, Dwarka, Noida, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala and Mohali where you can get best price on Starkey hearing aids.