How Starkey's Latest Edge AI Technology Improves Speech Understanding

Speech understanding in challenging environments remains one of the primary concerns for people with hearing loss. In social settings, background noise can make conversations difficult to follow, leading to missed words and reduced participation in discussions. Many people find themselves withdrawing from social situations or feeling exhausted from straining to understand speech in noisy environments.

The brain naturally processes speech by filtering out unwanted sounds and focusing on the voices we want to hear. When hearing loss occurs, this ability becomes compromised, making it harder to distinguish speech from background noise. Traditional hearing aids have made progress in addressing this challenge, but many users still struggle in complex listening environments with multiple speakers or competing sounds.

Starkey's Edge AI hearing aids address these challenges through advanced artificial intelligence and innovative sound processing technology. Building on years of research in hearing science and artificial intelligence, these devices represent a new approach to improving speech understanding in real-world situations.

The Power of the G2 Neuro Processor

At the core of Edge AI is Starkey's new G2 Neuro Processor, featuring a fully integrated neural processing unit (NPU). This processor operates like the human brain's auditory cortex, processing sound at the speed of subconsciousness. The G2 Neuro Processor excels at classifying complex soundscapes, enhancing speech, and reducing noise in real-time.

The G2 Neuro Processor works through three distinct processing areas:

• Sensory Processing: Uses inputs to map out a perceptual topography of the listener's environment
• Subconscious Processing: Processes tasks effortlessly and continuously in the background via Sound Manager
• Conscious Processing: Puts additional flexibility, control, and intent in the hands of the wearer

Advanced Speech Enhancement

Edge AI brings several improvements to speech understanding:

• 30% more accurate at identifying speech
• 6dB reduction in low-level noise
• Cleaner, purer signal processing
• Appropriate classification of multi-talker babble

Practical Features for Daily Life

Edge AI offers practical solutions for common listening challenges that make everyday life easier and more enjoyable.

Water and Debris Protection

The rechargeable styles of Edge AI are waterproof up to 1 meter, providing protection against moisture and debris. This advanced protection system means you can wear your hearing aids with confidence during exercise, in light rain, or in humid conditions.

Long-Lasting Battery Performance

With up to 51 hours of use from a single charge, Edge AI maintains industry-leading battery life. This extended power means you can go through multiple days of heavy use, including streaming audio and phone calls, without needing to recharge. The long battery life provides peace of mind for travel and busy days.

Future-Proof Connectivity

Edge AI integrates the new Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio streaming protocol, which delivers several advantages:

• Lower power consumption
• Next-generation connectivity standard
• Easier device pairing
• Quicker connections
• More robust streaming
• Auracast ready

Customization Through the My Starkey App

The My Starkey app puts control at your fingertips:

• Control center for hearing aids
• Apple Watch compatibility
• TeleHear remote sessions
• Health and balance assessment tools
• Convenience features for daily use

Available Models

Edge AI comes in multiple styles to suit different preferences:

• RIC RT (Receiver-In-Canal with Disposable Battery)
• mRIC R (mini Receiver-In-Canal Rechargeable)
• RIC 312 (Receiver-In-Canal with Size 312 Battery)
• ITE R (In-The-Ear Rechargeable)
• ITC/HS R (In-The-Canal/Half Shell Rechargeable)
• CIC (Completely-In-Canal)

Technology That Adapts to You

Edge AI's sound processing system adapts to various listening environments:

• Restaurants and social gatherings
• Outdoor activities
• Work environments
• Entertainment venues
• Quiet conversations at home

The system automatically adjusts to provide the best possible hearing experience in each situation, reducing the need for manual adjustments.

Real-World Performance and Benefits

The true value of hearing aid technology becomes apparent in daily life situations. Edge AI demonstrates its capabilities across various challenging scenarios that hearing aid users face regularly.

Social Gatherings and Restaurants

In busy restaurants or social events, Edge AI's neural processor rapidly identifies and focuses on the voices you want to hear. The system's ability to reduce low-level noise by 6dB while maintaining speech clarity means you can participate in conversations more naturally, even in noisy environments.

Workplace Communication

Modern work environments often involve video calls, in-person meetings, and various background sounds. Edge AI's Bluetooth capabilities enable seamless transitions between different audio sources, whether you're on a video call, in a meeting, or having a one-on-one conversation with a colleague.

Active Lifestyle Support

For those who maintain active lifestyles, Edge AI's durability features prove invaluable. The waterproof protection in rechargeable models means you can:

• Exercise without worry about moisture damage
• Participate in outdoor activities in various weather conditions
• Maintain your regular routine without concerns about hearing aid durability

Entertainment Enhancement

Whether watching television, listening to music, or attending live performances, Edge AI's sound processing maintains audio quality while making sure speech remains clear and distinguishable. The system's ability to handle different types of audio input means you can enjoy entertainment without compromising on sound quality.

Health and Wellness Integration

Beyond hearing enhancement, Edge AI contributes to overall well-being through:

• Activity tracking to monitor daily movement
• Balance assessment tools for proactive health management
• Integration with health monitoring through the My Starkey app
• Convenient features for managing daily hearing needs

The Fitting Experience

When you choose Edge AI hearing aids at Silicon Valley Hearing, you'll receive a personalized fitting experience. We use Real Ear Measurements to make sure your devices are programmed precisely for your unique hearing needs. This verification process helps achieve optimal performance and sound quality.

Experience Edge AI at Silicon Valley Hearing

Dr. Marni Novick and our team at Silicon Valley Hearing understand that choosing new hearing aids is an important decision. We take time to understand your specific hearing needs and lifestyle requirements to determine if Edge AI is the right solution for you. Contact our Los Gatos office to schedule a consultation and experience the advantages of this advanced technology firsthand.