Are you thinking of optimising your hearing with the latest hearing aids? This is an important decision and one not to be taken lightly.
There are a lot of hearing aids on the market and you will find there are similar features across all hearing aids. However each brand will offer something different and it will take some research and discussion with your Hearing Healthcare Provider to find out which one will suit your needs best. You may wish to consider the style of hearing aid, how much it will cost, what colour to choose, as well as all the technological features available.
The table below compares Phonak vs Starkey hearing aids. If you need some guidance in working out the best hearing aid for you, Hearing Choices can help.
Phonak vs Starkey hearing aids head-to-head comparison
Right now, Phonak is the winner in the Phonak vs Starkey hearing aids comparison due to its advanced hearing aid technology features. However, with the imminent release of the wearable technology in Starkey’s Livio AI hearing aid, they too will earn a 5-star rating. Let’s look at what happening now.
Comparing Phonak vs Starkey hearing aids technology features, you can’t go past Phonak’s streaming to all mobile phones with the Audéo M (Marvel) model. It also has fantastic telehealth functionality and comes ‘Roger Ready’ for connection to any FM or streaming systems required. Starkey models (including the new Livio AI) will stream direct to iPhone for phone calls, but streaming for Android phones is through an app (either the TruLink for Muse IQ or Thrive for Livio AI). Starkey hearing aids have great telehealth functionality and this will be ramped up a notch with the Livio AI.
Both the Audéo M and Muse IQ provide beautiful speech sound in noise, even in challenging listening situations. For directional capabilities, Phonak vs Starkey hearing aids, is an easy comparison as both excel in this area, allowing the wearer to hone in on the person they wish to listen to.
Phonak vs Starkey hearing aids have rechargeable options with both utilising Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. The Lithium-ion rechargeable battery gives longer lasting charge and portable recharging options for the models fitted with these batteries.
Tinnitus programs and Telecoil options are available in Phonak vs Starkey hearing aids. And both brands have a variety of styles available from BTE to IICs.
To summarise, the Phonak Audéo M has excellent sound quality, ‘made for all’ Bluetooth streaming to all mobile phones, excellent charge length with its Lithium-ion rechargeable battery, artificial intelligence, accessory ready and a fantastic telehealth functionality. It is one of the best hearing aids on the market today. The Starkey Muse IQ is close, but does not have the ‘made for all’ phone streaming capabilities of the Audéo M or its accessory ready capabilities. However, Starkey is about to change the playing field.
Starkey’s new Livio AI will match the exceptional technology of Phonak’s Audéo M. It will be the first hearing aid to embrace wearable technology in its algorithms. This hearing aid will give the user not only improved hearing, but also many other benefits through Body and Brain Health Tracking. With other features such as fall sensors, language translator, Siri integration and real-time notifications for phone calls, texts and emails, this hearing aid is all about hearing and health gains, optimising the wearer’s experience in many aspects of their life.
The Phonak vs Starkey hearing aids comparison is a close one, with Phonak ahead for now. The Livio AI will change this with the first available ‘wearable’ hearing technology.
Don’t forget to check your Health Rebate for private insurance. And if you are on a pension, you will find both of these brands have hearing aids that are fitted under the Hearing Services Program scheme for Pensioner
