A hearing aid that suddenly stops working is stressful, especially when you rely on it for conversations, calls and daily safety. The good news is that most faults are small and fixable at home.
This guide to Starkey hearing aids troubleshooting is organised by symptom. Find what you are experiencing, check the likely cause and follow the fix. It applies to modern rechargeable and battery-powered Starkey styles, including the newer Starkey Genesis Ai range.
The 2-Minute Reset: Try This First
Before looking for a specific fault, do this basic reset. It clears many temporary glitches:
- Switch both hearing aids off.
- Wipe the microphone openings, dome and receiver with a dry cloth.
- Check the battery or put the devices on the charger for a few minutes.
- Switch them back on and listen.
- Restart your phone if you use the app or streaming.
If the problem is still there, move on to the symptom that matches yours.
Symptom 1: No Sound at All
Likely causes: blocked wax guard, empty battery, damaged receiver, or the device is not fully on.
Fix:
- Confirm the hearing aid starts up (listen for the start-up tone).
- Replace the wax guard. This single step solves most “dead” hearing aid complaints.
- Inspect the receiver wire and dome for cracks, wax or moisture.
- Try a fresh battery or a full charge.
If there is still silence, the receiver or internal parts may need servicing. Our team can point you in the right direction through the contact page.
Symptom 2: Sound Is Faint, Muffled or Distorted
Likely causes: earwax, moisture, a clogged dome or incorrect program settings.
Fix:
- Clean the dome and replace the wax guard.
- Dry the devices overnight with a drying kit.
- Check the volume and active program in the app.
- Make sure the hearing aid sits fully inside the ear.
Keeping spare parts at home saves a lot of frustration. Our hearing aid accessories collection includes cleaning tools, wax guards, domes and care kits.
Symptom 3: Whistling or Squealing
Likely causes: loose fit, wrong dome size, wax in the ear canal, or a cover over the device.
Fix:
- Remove and reinsert the hearing aid slowly.
- Try a snugger dome size, or ask about a custom earmold.
- Keep hats, scarves and phones away from the ear when the sound starts.
- Have your ears checked for wax if whistling appears suddenly.
Persistent feedback after a correct fit usually means the settings need tuning. A remote hearing aid programming session can adjust feedback control and comfort without you visiting a clinic.
Symptom 4: The Hearing Aids Won’t Charge
Likely causes: dirty contacts, misplaced devices, faulty cable or weak power source.
Fix:
- Wipe the charging contacts on both the hearing aids and the case.
- Seat each device firmly in its slot and look for the charging light.
- Use a different cable or wall adapter.
- Avoid charging in very hot or cold rooms.
If the charger shows an error light or nothing happens at all, check the user guide for what the indicator means. A faulty charger or an old battery needs professional attention.
Symptom 5: Battery Doesn’t Last the Day
Likely causes: heavy streaming, high volume, old rechargeable cells or aging disposable batteries.
Fix:
- Reduce long streaming sessions.
- Charge fully each night rather than topping up.
- Store hearing aids at room temperature.
- With disposable batteries, wait one minute after peeling the tab before inserting.
A big drop in battery life over several years is normal for rechargeable models. If runtime is far shorter than before, ask for a battery check.
Symptom 6: Won’t Connect to Your Phone
Likely causes: outdated phone software, an old pairing record, or Bluetooth permissions blocked.
Fix:
- Toggle Bluetooth off and on.
- Restart the hearing aids.
- Delete (forget) the hearing aids from your phone’s Bluetooth list.
- Pair again using the Starkey companion app.
- Update both the app and the phone software.
Pair in a quiet place with the phone close to the devices.
Symptom 7: App Doesn’t See the Hearing Aids
Fix:
- Allow Bluetooth and location permissions for the app.
- Close the app fully and reopen it.
- Make sure both hearing aids are charged and switched on.
- Reinstall the app if the problem continues.
Symptom 8: One Side Works, the Other Doesn’t
Fix:
- Clean both devices and swap wax guards.
- Compare volume levels in the app.
- Swap left and right. If the fault follows the device, it needs service. If it stays in the same ear, check for wax or a fit issue.
Symptom 9: Sound Cuts Out Randomly
Likely causes: moisture, a loose receiver connection, low power or interference.
Fix:
- Dry the devices overnight.
- Reattach the receiver firmly.
- Fully charge or replace the battery.
- Note when it happens (sweat, showers, crowded places) to help your hearing professional.
Symptom 10: The Hearing Aid Got Wet
- Turn it off at once.
- Remove the battery if possible.
- Pat it dry and use a dehumidifier or drying kit.
- Never use a hairdryer, microwave or radiator.
Most hearing aids resist splashes and sweat, but few are meant for swimming or long showers.
Symptom 11: Ear Discomfort or Soreness
A poor fit is the usual cause. Don’t push a hard dome or earmold into the ear. Try another dome size, and stop using the device and seek medical advice if you notice pain, swelling or discharge.
Quick Reference: Problem vs First Fix
| Problem | First thing to try |
|---|---|
| No sound | Replace wax guard |
| Muffled sound | Clean dome, dry overnight |
| Whistling | Reinsert, check dome size |
| Won’t charge | Clean contacts, change cable |
| Short battery life | Full overnight charge |
| Bluetooth fails | Forget device and re-pair |
| Cutting out | Dry and reconnect receiver |
A Simple Care Schedule That Prevents Most Faults
- Daily: wipe the devices, check wax guards and charge overnight.
- Weekly: replace domes if worn and use a drying kit.
- Monthly: inspect receiver wires and the charging case for damage.
- Yearly: schedule a professional deep clean and settings check.
When It’s Time to Get Professional Help
Contact a hearing care professional if:
- The hearing aid is still silent after cleaning and charging.
- You see physical damage, cracks or corrosion.
- Error lights keep appearing.
- Your hearing suddenly changes. Sudden hearing loss is a medical emergency, so seek urgent care.
Our team and the HearUp Help Center are available for guidance. Premium hearing aids often come with a manufacturer warranty, so avoid opening the device or repairing it yourself.
Is It Time for New Hearing Aids?
If repairs keep piling up or your hearing needs have changed, newer technology can offer clearer speech, longer rechargeable life and better phone connectivity. Explore the current Starkey hearing aids range, or compare brands and models in our hearing aid price guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Starkey hearing aid not working?
Start with the basics: wax guard, battery or charge, and fit. These three account for most problems.
How do I stop my Starkey hearing aid from whistling?
Reinsert it correctly, check the dome size and make sure there is no wax blocking the ear canal.
What should I do if my Starkey hearing aids won’t charge?
Clean the contacts, seat the devices properly and try a different cable or power source.
Why won’t my Starkey hearing aids pair with my iPhone or Android phone?
Forget the old pairing, restart both devices, update the app and phone software, and pair again.
How often should I change the wax guard?
Usually every one to two weeks, or sooner if sound becomes weak.
Can I get my hearing aids reprogrammed without visiting a clinic?
Yes, remote programming can adjust many settings online, depending on your device and hearing profile.
Conclusion
Most Starkey hearing aid problems come from wax, moisture, charging faults or connection settings, and each one has a simple fix. Follow the symptom guide above, keep a regular cleaning routine, and ask for professional help when the problem doesn’t go away.
Need support with your hearing aids? Get in touch with our team today.