Question
What is Edge Mode and How is it Engaged?
Answer
Starkey Edge Mode we introduced last year. This is the industry's only on-demand adaptive tuning algorithm based upon instantaneous analysis of the environment. Edge Mode is putting AI at the fingertips of the patient, it’s an extra gear of adaptation. This unique feature is available only from Starkey. Edge Mode allows the patient when they get into a situation that is not the normal type of listening environment that they come across, it allows them to tap into some reserve power processing capabilities that we don't have available any other way. It's all done onboard the processing of the hearing aid.
Now let's say you've got your patient, they're wearing their EvolvAI devices. It's a beautiful fall day, they're going for a walk, they decide to pop into their favorite coffee shop. They go into the coffee shop and suddenly it's an extreme situation. Maybe you've got a bunch of people talking really loudly in the corner. Maybe there's music playing. The acoustics are really bad because it's tile and the ceiling is high. You've got a coffee grinder going somewhere, espresso machine going somewhere. They go up to order their coffee and the person buying the counter is wearing a mask. This is the worst-case scenario possible.
What do they do when they get into that situation? They can access Edge Mode. Edge Mode is in the moment analyzing that unique environment and has a new set of rules for all of the adaptive features for the compression architecture, for the directional microphone, speech, and noise, loud noise, transient. Every tool has a new setting ready and waiting to be engaged to provide that maximum comfort and clarity.
They engage Edge Mode through a tap on the hearing aid, through their mobile app if they want and they get the best sound quality for that moment. They get their cup of coffee, they go back outside, where they go for a walk, they're back into a normal environment. Disengage edge mode, go back to the automatic performance. It's a unique tool that essentially provides an infinite individual momentary memory creation for them anytime, anywhere, any place they need it.
This Ask the Expert is an excerpt from Evolving into Effortless: Starkey’s Next Generation of Hearing. For more information, visit www.starkey.com or visit Starkey's Partner Page on AudiologyOnline.
