One of the questions that we are often asked is, “What is the difference between Beltone hearing aids and Starkey hearing aids?”
It’s a great question, and it signifies that you’re thoroughly researching your options to ensure that you make the best possible decision for your long-term hearing health.
In this article, we’re going to answer this question in plain English.
The internet is full of contradictory and confusing information that compares the number and types of features in different devices. The problem is that no two hearing aid manufacturers give their features the same names, which leaves the patient wondering how to compare apples and apples, not apples to a school bus. Our aim is to give you a fuller and more detailed understanding about the differences between choosing a Beltone hearing aid and a Starkey hearing aid.
The Differences
The differences start with the actual business models embraced by each company. And those differences can be found at the inception of each company:
Beltone was founded in the early 1940s by Sam and Faye Posen to help one of their dear friends who had trouble hearing. Mr. Posen himself created Beltone’s first hearing aid, repaired the hearing aid, and worked directly with his friend to achieve the best possible results for his friend. This legacy of providing the devices and care under one roof has been Beltone’s model for over 80 years. To this day, Beltone Hearing Centers offer ONLY Beltone award-winning products like the Beltone Envision, and Beltone products are available ONLY at Beltone Hearing Centers.
Starkey’s history begins in the late 1960s, when Bill Austin merged his multi-line hearing aid repair service company with Starkey Laboratories, which was known for manufacturing ear molds. Under Mr. Austin’s leadership, Starkey has grown into one of the world’s largest hearing aid manufacturers, with popular products such as Omega AI and Starkey Edge AI. Starkey hearing aids are available through independent clinics, which sell many aids from many different manufacturers.
Plainly stated, the Beltone patient experience is a little like buying a car from a company dealership (manufacture, fit, service, lifetime partnership), while a private clinic is like purchasing from an independent car lot (middleman purchases car from dealership, may or may not provide service on site).
Beltone and Starkey both have products with similar technology features. See the chart below comparing each company’s latest products, Beltone’s Achieve and Imagine vs. Starkey’s Evolv AI.
The Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core technology behind the Beltone Envision, and how does it manage noise?
The Beltone Envision utilizes a DualChip and Triple Processor system powered by a Deep Neural Network (DNN) chip. Its primary focus is on Exceptional Noise Control.
- AI Training: The AI is specifically trained to recognize and suppress thousands of unwanted, annoying noises (e.g., kitchen clatter, traffic, wind) while prioritizing the human voice.
- Intuitive Focus: The technology is designed to mimic natural human hearing by prioritizing sounds based on where the user is looking (head direction), offering a more intuitive and focused listening experience in loud, complex environments like restaurants.
How does Envision’s noise reduction compare to that of Starkey AI’s Edge Mode?
Both offer top-tier noise reduction, but with different specialties.
Beltone Envision focuses on a continuous, automatic reduction of a wider spectrum of specific background sounds, engineered to be one of the best for clarity in generalized noisy situations.
Omega AI offers an on-demand boost of AI processing power, making up to 80 million adjustments per hour for sudden or exceptionally challenging environments. Beltone’s system is designed for a more seamless, constant performance.
Is Beltone Envision a good option for someone who is frequently in noisy environments?
Yes. Beltone explicitly positions the Envision as an industry leader for hearing in noise. Its dedicated DNN chip and “follow the gaze” prioritization of speech make it highly effective for complex, busy listening situations.
Are the Envision hearing aids weatherproof?
Yes. All Envision styles feature a durable, all-over weatherproof and sweatproof nanocoating, ensuring daily reliability and durability against moisture and dirt.
What kind of control does the Beltone HearMax App offer?
The app gives users full control, including:
- Volume and program changes
- The ability to enable extra support for extremely noisy situations with a single button tap
- The Auracast Assistant for simplified streaming connections
- The Find My Hearing Aids feature
- Check My Fit to ensure the devices are seated correctly
The Breakdown
In the categories that matter most to consumers, rechargeable battery life, and service, Beltone appears to have the edge. While the Starkey Omega AI model includes industry-leading AI technology, with features like health tracking and soundscape adaptation, these new and improved features can be overwhelming to individuals looking for a more streamlined hearing solution
Beltone Envision is the world’s smallest AI-powered hearing aid, and features are straightforward: a full day’s charge on one recharging session, reliability in any weather, several styles and colors to choose from, and Bluetooth streaming to multiple devices. The HearMax app allows you to make discreet changes from your phone, enabling you to take control of your hearing experience.
Another key difference between Beltone and Starkey was mentioned previously: the convenience of purchasing and service.
With Beltone, you schedule your free hearing screening
at any of our 60+ locations across Michigan and Ohio, and you’ll receive all your care, service, and technology under one roof. If you travel, you can receive service at any of the 1500+ service centers across the United States.
You benefit from us being both the manufacturer of the hearing aids and the group that delivers your hearing care, because we need to be experts only in our products (unlike private practice clinics, which must be familiar with many different manufacturers).
Our 80 years of developing, manufacturing, and servicing our own hearing aids gives us a foundation to provide excellence as your partner in your hearing health journey.
To purchase a Starkey aid, you must find a local, privately owned clinic. You will be asked to purchase one of their service plans, which may or may not be transferrable to other locations. If your hearing aid is broken or lost, you will be working through a third party (the clinic, not the manufacturer) for a resolution.
The truth is that all hearing aid manufacturers want to help their patients hear better, thus improving the quality of their lives. And most hearing aid manufacturers, including Starkey, have products that will help you hear better.
The Beltone Envision has an edge in technology and battery life. But more than that, you will also find a world of difference in the level of service and experience at Beltone.
We will take the time to find customized solutions to your hearing needs and will remain your partner in your hearing journey.
To schedule an appointment, please contact us at 888-BELTONE, or online at www.beltonehearingaid.com
