Comparing the ReSound Vivia and the Starkey Edge AI

If you’re choosing between the ReSound Vivia and Starkey Edge AI, you’re not alone. These premium hearing aids both use artificial intelligence to help you hear clearly in noisy environments. But they take very different approaches. In this article, we’ll compare every important feature side-by-side so you can decide which one fits your needs.

Let’s dive into this in-depth comparison of the ReSound Vivia and Starkey Edge AI.

A ReSound Vivia hearing aid sits on a white background.

What Makes the ReSound Vivia Unique?

ReSound Vivia focuses on natural sound, speech-in-noise clarity, and future-ready connectivity. Its dual-chip AI system includes one chip for sound processing and another chip for deep neural network (DNN) functions. This allows the device to perform 4.9 trillion operations per day to separate speech from background noise.

ReSound Vivia Key Highlights:

  • AI Technology: Dual-chip architecture with a DNN trained on 13.5 million sentences.
  • Speech-in-Noise: Uses Intelligent Focus, which tracks where you look to help isolate speech.
  • Battery Life: Up to 30 hours on a single charge (or 20 hours with streaming).
  • Design: Smallest AI hearing aid on the market (microRIE), plus two other styles.
  • Auracast Support: Fully Auracast-activated and Bluetooth LE Audio ready.
  • Water Resistance: IP68 rated for protection against water and dust.
  • Control App: ReSound Smart 3D App, includes the first-ever Auracast Assistant.
  • Tinnitus Help: Includes ReSound Relief app with masking sounds and soundscape blending.

For more on how AI enhances hearing aid performance, read this research on AI-enhanced speech processing.

A Starkey Edge AI hearing aid sits on a white background.

What Makes Starkey Edge AI Special?

The Starkey Edge AI is all about maximized performance, health tracking, and long battery life. It uses an all-in-one G2 Neuro Processor, which mimics your brain’s auditory cortex to improve sound classification in real-time.

Starkey Edge AI Key Highlights:

  • AI Technology: Single-chip G2 Neuro Processor with Deep Neural Network 2.0.
  • Speech-in-Noise: Edge Mode+ provides on-demand enhancement in difficult settings.
  • Battery Life: Up to 51 hours per charge, even with streaming.
  • Design Options: Receiver-in-canal, in-the-ear, and custom in-canal styles.
  • Health Tracking: Fall alerts, step count, balance assessments via My Starkey app.
  • Durability: Waterproof up to 1 meter with Pro8 HydraShield protection.
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast ready.
  • App Features: Apple Watch compatible, with 2-way audio and remote TeleHear sessions.

Explore CROS hearing aids. 

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Feature ReSound Vivia Starkey Edge AI
AI Architecture Dual-chip (DNN + 360 chip) Single-chip G2 Neuro Processor
Battery Life Up to 30 hours Up to 51 hours
AI Noise Reduction Intelligent Focus Edge Mode+
App Control Smart 3D App with Auracast Assistant My Starkey App with health tracking
Health Features None Fall detection, fitness tracking, balance assessment
Styles microRIE, RIE 61, RIE 62 RIC, ITE, ITC, CIC
Auracast Fully activated Ready (pending update)
Waterproof IP68 IP68+ (up to 1 meter)
Tinnitus Tools ReSound Relief App Integrated sound therapy and Smart Assistant
Streaming Protocol Bluetooth LE Audio Bluetooth LE Audio

How ReSound Vivia Helps You Hear More Naturally

ReSound’s approach to AI is rooted in its Organic Hearing philosophy. The device uses your natural head movement to help decide which sounds to focus on. Vivia maintains spatial awareness so you can tell where sound is coming from, even in noisy rooms.

The Intelligent Noise Tracker system allows you to enjoy clear speech while tuning out clatter, traffic, and hums. In real-world testing, it significantly improved listening comfort and reduced mental fatigue.

It’s also the first hearing aid to fully support Auracast. That means you can tap into public broadcasts—like airport announcements—directly through your hearing aids.

How Starkey Edge AI Optimizes Every Moment

Starkey’s G2 Neuro Processor is designed to mimic how the brain hears. It analyzes sound 60 times per second, adapting in real time.

The Edge Mode+ feature can be activated on-demand when you’re in a tough hearing situation. Whether you’re in a busy restaurant or at a family gathering, the AI responds instantly to help isolate voices.

Starkey also packs in health tracking, including fall detection and a balance assessment tool developed in partnership with Stanford University. It’s more than a hearing aid—it’s a wearable wellness device.

Battery Life: Which Lasts Longer?

Battery life can make or break your day. Here’s how they compare:

  • ReSound Vivia: Up to 30 hours, or 20 with streaming and Intelligent Focus. Quick charge gives 2.7 hours.
  • Starkey Edge AI: Up to 51 hours. Quick charge gives 3 hours in 7 minutes.

If battery longevity is a top priority, Starkey wins this round.

Understand the best way to take care of your hearing aid charger. 

App Control and Remote Support

ReSound Smart 3D App:

  • Auracast Assistant for one-tap connection.
  • Custom programs and volume control.
  • Remote assistance from your hearing care provider.
  • Seamless integration with tinnitus support through ReSound Relief.

My Starkey App:

  • Health tracking, fall alerts, and daily goal setting.
  • Edge Mode+ activation for real-time AI adjustment.
  • Apple Watch compatibility.
  • TeleHear for remote adjustments.

Both apps are easy to use. ReSound is ideal for those who want streamlined control. Starkey is great if you want wellness insights too.

Friends enjoy an outdoor dinner party.

Which One Performs Better in Noisy Environments?

Noise reduction is where these hearing aids shine. But they go about it differently:

  • ReSound Vivia: Uses Intelligent Focus to track head movement and direction of speech. Maintains spatial cues.
  • Starkey Edge AI: Uses Edge Mode+ and a DNN trained on millions of environments. Boosts speech by up to 13dB.

Starkey’s system may provide more aggressive noise cancellation. ReSound’s approach preserves more natural sound.

Style and Comfort

ReSound Vivia’s microRIE is among the smallest AI-powered hearing aids available. It’s lightweight, nearly invisible, and comes in 10 colors.

Starkey Edge AI offers more custom-fit options, including ITC and CIC models. It’s also waterproof in rechargeable styles.

If you prefer invisible or custom in-ear options, Starkey offers more variety. If you want discreet with advanced features, ReSound’s microRIE is unmatched.

Explore the best hearing aid domes. 

Connectivity and Streaming

Both hearing aids support Bluetooth LE Audio and are Auracast ready, but:

  • ReSound Vivia is fully Auracast activated now.
  • Starkey Edge AI is Auracast ready but may need a future update.

If you want to stream from public systems today, ReSound has the edge.

Tinnitus Support

  • ReSound: ReSound Relief app offers guided meditation, soundscapes, and noise masking.
  • Starkey: Built-in tinnitus therapy and real-time sound adjustments via Smart Assistant.

Both offer robust tinnitus support. Your provider can activate these features during fitting.

Learn more about apps for tinnitus relief. 

Who Should Choose ReSound Vivia?

Choose ReSound Vivia if you want:

  • A more natural hearing experience.
  • Full access to Auracast now.
  • A small, discreet design.
  • Seamless Bluetooth streaming.
  • Clear speech without losing background context.

Who Should Choose Starkey Edge AI?

Choose Starkey Edge AI if you want:

  • Maximum battery life.
  • On-demand AI help in noise.
  • Wellness tools like fall alerts and step tracking.
  • More style options including custom in-ear.
  • Enhanced speech clarity in chaotic settings.

Final Thoughts

Both the ReSound Vivia and Starkey Edge AI are excellent choices. They are packed with modern technology, AI-driven speech enhancement, and useful features for daily life.

Your best option will depend on your personal priorities. Do you want natural sound and a discreet design? Go with ReSound Vivia. Prefer extended battery life and health tracking? Starkey Edge AI may be your match.

Still unsure? That’s where we come in. Let our team help you try these hearing aids and find your perfect fit.

Contact Stanford Hearing to schedule your consultation today.