Starkey G Series AI 16 hearing aids overview

Launched in May 2026, the Starkey G Series AI 16 hearing aids are the mid-level tier in the G Series AI range. The AI directionality is active and performs well across the environments most people spend most of their time in. The Bluetooth connectivity is the same as at higher tech levels.

The step down from the 20 level is in the depth of noise processing at the more demanding end of the spectrum, and for people whose daily life does not regularly take them there, that is not a practical limitation.

The 16 is particularly well-suited to people who are honest with themselves about where they actually struggle: mainly at home, in one-to-one conversations, or in moderate social settings rather than consistently noisy environments.

All G Series AI 16 hearing aids are fitted and fine-tuned in person by an HCPC-registered audiologist, either at one of our 93+ clinics or during a free home visit. Every price includes the hearing test, fitting, and aftercare for life.

Quick highlights:

• Available in two BTE (Behind-the-Ear) styles
• Highest speech-in-noise performance in the G Series AI range
• Full Friendly AI directionality at maximum capacity
• Best wind noise and machine noise reduction in the range
• Bluetooth streaming via My Starkey app
• Telecoil for hearing loops
• Compatible with the StarLink wireless accessory range
• Suitable for mild to severe hearing loss

AI directionality in practice

The G Series AI 16 handles quiet to moderately noisy environments consistently and without requiring any manual input. The automatic adjustment between a quiet room, a garden, a car journey, and a routine social setting works smoothly at this tier, and the experience of everyday domestic hearing is noticeably better than with NHS aids or basic amplification devices.

Where the 16 is less powerful than the tiers above is in busy, multi-speaker environments: a loud restaurant, a large family gathering, or a noisy open-plan workspace. The AI processing is present but working with less capacity in those situations. If those situations are a regular part of your week, it is worth understanding what the 20 does differently before making a decision.

Speech in noise

The G Series AI 16 delivers solid speech-in-noise improvement in everyday situations. Conversations in moderately busy environments, meetings with a small number of people, and social settings with manageable background noise are all handled well. It is in the most complex, noisy environments that the 16 has less capacity than the 20 or 24 levels.

For people whose main hearing frustrations are at home, on the telephone, or in one-to-one conversation rather than in demanding social noise, the 16 level covers the ground that matters most.

Hearing aid models available

Starkey G Series AI 16 Power BTE 13: Traditional 13 battery, telecoil, app control, hearing in small groups, hearing in noise, and Bluetooth. Available in colours silver, beige, graphite grey, and chestnut and technology levels 24, 20, 16, 12, and 10.

Starkey G Series AI 16 Ultrapower BTE 13: Traditional 13 battery, telecoil, app control, hearing in small groups, hearing in noise, and Bluetooth. Available in colours silver, beige, graphite grey, and chestnut and technology levels 24, 20, 16, 12, and 10.

Connectivity

The 16 level has the same Bluetooth connectivity as the 20 and 24. It streams from iOS and compatible Android devices via the My Starkey app, giving you control over volume and programmes from your phone. For many people upgrading from NHS hearing aids, this smartphone connectivity, even at 16, represents a meaningful change in how they interact with their hearing aids day to day.

This model also includes telecoil technology. For anyone who attends venues with hearing loop systems, including many GP surgeries, theatres, post offices, and places of worship, this is a feature that makes those environments significantly more accessible. The coverage of loop systems across UK public buildings is broader than most people expect, and telecoil puts them to proper use.

Both styles are compatible with the full StarLink wireless accessory range: TV Streamer, Table Microphone, Remote Microphone Plus, Mini Remote Microphone, and Remote Control 2.0.

Who should consider the G Series AI 16?

People with mild to moderate hearing loss whose main difficulties are in everyday domestic and moderate social environments. It is a particularly good starting point for people who are new to private hearing aids and want to experience AI-assisted technology without the highest level of investment. It is also well-suited to people who are cautious about overspending on features they are unlikely to draw on regularly.

The 16 is less well matched to people who are consistently in noisy, multi-speaker environments. If that describes your daily life, the 20 or 24 level will serve you better, and your audiologist will make that case clearly after your hearing test.

Series AI 24 vs G Series AI 16: What is the difference?

These two tiers sit at opposite ends of the G Series AI range, and the difference between them is more than incremental. The 24 runs the AI directionality at full capacity, with the strongest noise processing, speech separation, wind noise reduction, and machine noise management that the platform offers.

The 16 level delivers reliable everyday improvement in quiet to moderate environments, but has less capacity in demanding noise situations. If your daily life involves consistently challenging listening environments, the 16 will feel the limitation.

If your hearing challenges are mainly domestic or in moderate social settings, the 16 covers what you need without paying for processing power you will rarely draw on. When in doubt, tell your audiologist exactly where you struggle most, and the right tier will become clear quickly.

What’s included in the price with Hearing Aid UK?

• Free hearing test, carried out by a qualified audiologist
• Personalised fitting and fine-tuning to your hearing profile
• Aftercare for life, including all follow-up adjustments
• Free home visits available across the UK
• Appointments at any of our 93+ clinics nationwide
• 60-day money-back guarantee, no quibble
• Manufacturer warranty
• Independent advice, no obligation to buy
• Which? recommended service, trusted by over 31,000 customers
• Looking on behalf of a loved one? You’re welcome to attend with them – many family members find it helpful to be there for the discussion.

Why choose us?

We’re completely independent, which means there are no manufacturer agreements, no brand quotas, and no incentives influencing what our audiologists suggest. If the Starkey G Series 16 is right for you, they will say so. If something else would serve you better, they will say that instead. That is what independent advice actually means in practice.

Our audiologists are fully qualified and experienced with all the latest technology. Getting hearing aids can feel like a big step, and our audiologists understand that. They will explain what they are recommending and why, answer your questions honestly, and make sure you walk away feeling like you actually understand what happens next.

Conclusion

The Starkey G Series AI 16 is the right choice for people who want reliable, AI-assisted hearing improvement across everyday environments without paying for noise-processing capacity they are unlikely to use. For anyone taking their first step into private hearing aids, or stepping up from NHS aids and wanting to understand what modern technology actually feels like, this is a practical and well-priced starting point.

The next step is a free hearing test with one of our HCPC-registered audiologists, either at a local clinic or during a free home visit. They will confirm whether the G Series AI 16 suits your hearing profile and recommend the right style for your lifestyle. No obligation, and no pressure to decide on the day.

Key takeaways for Starkey G Series AI 16:

• Mid-level tier with reliable AI directionality and automatic environment adjustment across everyday settings
• Same Bluetooth connectivity as higher tiers; same telecoil capability in the BTE model
• The right tier for people whose hearing challenges are mainly in quiet to moderately noisy environments
• A practical, well-priced entry into AI hearing technology for first-time private hearing aid buyers
• All prices include hearing test, fitting, and aftercare for life

Need more support with Starkey G Series AI 16 hearing aids?

Not sure what to expect? When you get in touch, you will speak with someone who can answer your questions and arrange a free hearing test if you decide you would like one. The test is free, the advice is impartial, and there is no obligation to buy anything.

Call 0808 281 6027 or book your free hearing test in a local clinic or at your own home online here. Please note that there will be an additional surcharge of £125 if we are pairing a single hearing aid with an existing aid bought from another company, where we are taking over the aftercare responsibilities and looking after both hearing aids.