Frequently Asked Questions: Starkey Livio AI 1200 BTE-R

1. Style & Fit

What is the difference between BTE-R and RIC-R? The BTE-R (Behind-The-Ear) has all the electronics and the speaker (receiver) housed in the casing behind your ear. The sound is delivered to your ear through a thin plastic tube. BTEs are generally more powerful and durable than RIC models, making them better for severe hearing loss or users who produce a lot of earwax.

Is the BTE-R comfortable to wear with glasses? Yes. Despite being slightly larger than the RIC version to accommodate a bigger battery and more power, the Livio AI 1200 BTE-R is ergonomically shaped to sit comfortably alongside eyeglass frames.

2. Battery & Power

How long does the battery last? The BTE-R model offers industry-leading battery life, providing up to 24 hours of use on a single charge. If you stream audio for several hours, you will still typically have plenty of power to get through a full day.

Does the charger need to be plugged in to work? Starkey offers a Standard Charger and a Mini Turbo Charger. The Standard Charger must be plugged into a wall outlet, but it also features a desiccant (drying) compartment to remove moisture from your hearing aids overnight.

3. Performance & AI

Does the 1200 model have “Mask Mode”? Yes! Through the Thrive app, the Livio AI 1200 includes a “Mask Mode” setting. This specifically boosts the frequency ranges that are muffled by face masks, making it much easier to understand people in medical or public settings.

Will it automatically adjust when I go from a quiet room to a noisy street? Yes. The AI in the 1200 tier constantly scans your environment. It can detect the difference between “Quiet,” “Wind,” and “Noise,” making automatic adjustments to the 12 channels to keep your listening experience comfortable without you touching the device.

4. Connectivity

Can I stream TV audio to my BTE-R hearing aids? Yes. While you can stream directly from a phone, you can also pair your hearing aids with a Starkey TV Streamer accessory. This allows you to hear the TV directly in your ears at your own volume, while others in the room listen at a volume comfortable for them.

Is it compatible with Android? Yes. It uses the ASHA (Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids) protocol. Most modern Android phones (Android 10 or later) allow for direct streaming of calls and media.

5. Safety & Health

Can the Fall Alert work if my phone is in another room? The hearing aid communicates with the Thrive App on your phone via Bluetooth. For the Fall Alert to send a text message to your contacts, your phone must be within Bluetooth range (about 10 meters or 30 feet) and have a cellular or Wi-Fi signal.

How do I track my steps? You don’t need to do anything! The sensors inside the BTE-R housing automatically count your steps and movement. You simply open the Thrive app at the end of the day to see your “Body Score.”

6. Maintenance

How do I clean the ear tube? Since the speaker is not in your ear, you can easily pull the tube off the hearing aid and wash it with warm soapy water or use a cleaning wire to push out any wax. Important: Ensure the tube is completely dry before reattaching it to the electronic hearing aid.

What should I do if the hearing aid gets wet? The device is IP68 rated, meaning it can survive being submerged in shallow water for a short time. However, if it gets wet, wipe it with a dry cloth and place it in your charger (which acts as a dehumidifier) to draw out any remaining moisture.