When it comes to AI-powered hearing aids, 2025 brings two standout contenders: ReSound Vivia and Starkey Edge AI. Both are cutting-edge devices packed with powerful technology designed to help users hear better in noise, stream wirelessly, and enjoy everyday comfort. But they take very different approaches.
In this side-by-side comparison, we’ll explore how ReSound Vivia and Starkey Edge AI match up in areas like AI architecture, speech-in-noise performance, battery life, app functionality, wireless connectivity, telehealth support, and wellness features.
Let’s dive in and help you decide which hearing aid fits your hearing lifestyle best.
Quick Comparison Chart
|
Feature |
ReSound Vivia |
Starkey Edge AI |
|
AI Architecture |
Dual AI chips with DNN |
Single G2 Neuro Processor with DNN |
|
Speech Enhancement |
Intelligent Focus with 360 head tracking |
Edge Mode+ with on-demand clarity |
|
Battery Life |
Up to 30 hours |
Up to 51 hours |
|
Recharge Time |
10 minutes = 2.7 hours |
7 minutes = 3 hours |
|
App Control |
ReSound Smart 3D |
My Starkey |
|
Streaming Support |
LE Audio + Auracast |
LE Audio + Apple Watch support |
|
Health & Wellness |
Tinnitus relief + step tracking |
Fall alerts, balance, activity, social engagement |
|
Water Resistance |
IP68 |
IP68+ with Pro8 HydraShield |
|
Styles Available |
microRIE, RIE 61, RIE 62 |
RIC, custom ITE, BTE |
|
Charging Case Options |
Desktop, standard, premium with backup |
Premium with cleaning tool and extra charges |
|
Remote Care |
ReSound Assist |
TeleHear support via My Starkey |
|
Ideal For |
Android/iOS users wanting sleek design and Auracast |
iPhone/Watch users wanting all-in-one smart features |
What Sets ReSound Vivia Apart?
ReSound Vivia is the latest flagship hearing aid from GN Hearing. It builds on years of AI innovation and wireless leadership with a refined platform that blends intelligent sound processing, long battery life, and advanced connectivity.
Dual AI Chips for Smarter Sound
ReSound Vivia features a unique dual-chip design. One chip (the 360 processor) handles core sound processing. The second is a dedicated Deep Neural Network (DNN) chip trained on 13.5 million real-life speech samples. This allows Vivia to distinguish speech from noise with unprecedented precision.
This configuration enables Vivia to perform nearly five trillion operations daily. That kind of processing power helps you hear speech more clearly in noisy environments like restaurants, family gatherings, or busy streets.
Intelligent Focus for Better Conversations
Vivia’s “Intelligent Focus” uses directional microphones guided by the direction your head turns. This allows the hearing aids to automatically prioritize the conversation in front of you, reducing distractions and background noise from behind. It’s a feature designed for natural hearing in complex environments.
Unlike other hearing aids that focus only on volume adjustments, Vivia’s focus system works dynamically to replicate the way your brain naturally focuses on speech in noise.
Bluetooth LE Audio + Auracast for Wireless Freedom
ReSound Vivia supports Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio and is fully activated for Auracast broadcast audio. That means you can connect directly to public sound sources—like airport gates and concert venues—without extra accessories.
LE Audio allows for more reliable streaming with less battery drain. Auracast lets your hearing aids pick up live broadcasts in places like churches, theaters, and museums—making Vivia one of the first truly future-ready hearing aids.
You can explore the technical details of how these technologies enhance your hearing here.
Styles, Sizes, and Rechargeability
ReSound Vivia comes in three models:
- microRIE: Smallest rechargeable model on the market
- RIE 61: Disposable size 312 battery
- RIE 62: Disposable size 13 battery with telecoil
All three models feature sleek design, IP68 water and dust resistance, and are available in ten colors, including new navy blue and red. The microRIE model also includes tap control for easy adjustments without a phone.
Battery Life That Keeps Up
- Up to 30 hours on a full charge
- 20 hours with full streaming and Intelligent Focus
- 10-minute charge adds 2.7 hours of use
ReSound also offers multiple charger options, including desktop, standard, and premium cases with built-in backup power for three extra charges.
Learn how to take care of your hearing aid charger.
Streamlined App Control
Vivia works with the ReSound Smart 3D app, which offers:
- Real-time hearing adjustments
- Program changes
- Remote hearing care via ReSound Assist
- Auracast Assistant
- Find My Hearing Aids tool
You can also access tinnitus sound therapy and noise management features right from your phone.
What Makes Starkey Edge AI Stand Out?
Starkey Edge AI is Starkey’s most advanced hearing aid to date. With the G2 Neuro Processor, this hearing aid mimics the human brain more closely than ever.
One Chip, Countless Possibilities
Edge AI uses a single powerful processor that fuses sound processing, AI, and wireless features. This integrated chip architecture allows Starkey to create compact hearing aids with advanced speed and functionality.
Its Deep Neural Network, embedded directly on the chip, was trained on millions of sound environments. The result? Real-time processing that enhances speech clarity while minimizing background noise.
Edge Mode+ for On-Demand Clarity
Edge Mode+ is a game-changing feature available through the My Starkey app. It gives users the ability to activate advanced noise reduction instantly. Just tap your phone or Apple Watch, and your hearing aids immediately adjust to prioritize voices in tough listening situations.
It’s especially helpful in unpredictable environments like restaurants, group conversations, or sporting events.
Smart Assistant and Health Tools
Starkey Edge AI does more than help you hear. It helps you stay healthy:
- Fall detection and alerts
- Balance assessments
- Activity and step tracking
- Social engagement monitoring
You also get access to voice commands, reminders, and even real-time language translation.
These features make Edge AI one of the only hearing aids that actively supports cognitive and physical well-being.
Water Resistance and Durability
Edge AI comes with Starkey’s Pro8 HydraShield coating, which makes it waterproof up to one meter. It’s IP68+ rated—higher than many competitors—meaning it resists sweat, rain, dust, and debris.
Power to Last and Keep Going
Edge AI offers the best-in-class rechargeable battery life:
- Up to 51 hours on a single charge
- Quick 7-minute turbo charge gives 3 hours of use
- Premium charger includes 3 extra full charges and a magnetic cleaning tool
Starkey’s custom ITE models offer up to 42 hours of battery life, and disposable battery models provide up to 7 days of power.
Compatibility and Streaming Quality
Both hearing aids offer outstanding wireless connectivity. They use Bluetooth LE Audio to reduce battery drain and ensure crisp, low-latency sound.
ReSound Vivia supports hands-free calling and app control for both iOS and Android. Its full Auracast activation makes it ideal for early adopters. The Smart 3D app also delivers a user-friendly interface with clear menus and customization options.
Starkey Edge AI goes further with 2-way audio streaming, real-time language translation, and full Apple Watch control. Its app includes wellness tracking and remote care built into one seamless platform.
Discover more about Bluetooth and noise-canceling hearing aids.
Tinnitus Relief: Support From Both Hearing Aids
Tinnitus can disrupt daily life. Both ReSound Vivia and Starkey Edge AI include features to help manage it.
ReSound Vivia Tinnitus Support
ReSound Vivia includes a built-in Tinnitus Sound Generator. Through the ReSound Smart 3D app, you can access nature sounds, white noise, and customizable relief tones. The app allows users to adjust pitch, volume, and modulation to suit their needs. It also saves favorite soundscapes for quick access.
Users can stream tinnitus therapy through Bluetooth or let the hearing aids provide relief passively. These tools reduce awareness of tinnitus and improve relaxation throughout the day.
Starkey Edge AI Tinnitus Support
Starkey Edge AI offers Multiflex Tinnitus Technology. It generates a customizable masking sound designed to distract from tinnitus. Users can personalize the sound via the My Starkey app. Edge AI also supports paired use with mindfulness and breathing exercises. This holistic approach helps reduce stress, which is a known trigger for tinnitus.
Edge AI’s tinnitus feature is available in all models, including custom ITE options, giving users more choices for discrete, effective relief.
Find out more about using apps for tinnitus relief.
Which Is Better?
Both hearing aids offer strong tinnitus tools. ReSound Vivia shines with flexible soundscapes and Bluetooth support. Starkey Edge AI excels with its whole-person health model and customizable masking tones. Your choice depends on whether you want app-based variety or integrated health tracking alongside tinnitus management.
Real-World Feedback: What Users Are Saying
ReSound Vivia earns praise for its comfort, clarity, and natural sound. Users enjoy the size, streaming quality, and color options. However, in louder environments, some report mixed results with speech enhancement.
Starkey Edge AI is frequently noted for its sharp sound and speech boost. Many love its health features and the long battery life. Its tap-to-activate Edge Mode+ is a favorite among those who attend events or travel often.
In professional testing labs like HearAdvisor, Edge AI scored higher in “speech in noise” categories, while Vivia showed superior wireless performance and app usability.
Which Hearing Aid Is Right for You?
Choose ReSound Vivia If You:
- Prefer a more natural sound and spatial awareness
- Want a sleek, near-invisible design
- Need full Auracast support now
- Use Android or iOS devices for hands-free calls
- Value simplicity and comfort with a powerful app
Choose Starkey Edge AI If You:
- Want the longest battery life available
- Need health tools like fall detection and balance tracking
- Prefer a customizable hearing aid with hands-free voice control
- Use an Apple Watch or iPhone
- Attend events or travel often and need instant noise adjustment
Understand how to find the best hearing aid domes, no matter which device you choose.
Final Thoughts
ReSound Vivia and Starkey Edge AI represent the best in hearing aid innovation. Both deliver advanced AI, reliable connectivity, and excellent sound quality. Your choice depends on what features matter most to you.
If you’re ready to hear the difference, contact a provider who can help you try both options.
Ready to take the next step? Contact your nearest American Hearing + Audiology location and schedule a consultation with a hearing care provider who puts your hearing first.
