It can be incredibly frustrating when your hearing aids stop working—especially when the issue lies with the charger. In my experience as a clinical audiologist, most hearing aid failures are due to poor maintenance and clogged wax traps. But when those are clear and the problem persists, your charger may be the culprit.

This guide is specifically for troubleshooting the Starkey Custom Charger used with Starkey Evolv AI and Livio AI rechargeable hearing aids.

🔴 Problem: Lights on the Starkey Charger Are Flashing Red

Flashing red lights on the charger usually mean the charger is receiving power, but the hearing aids are not charging properly.

Steps to fix:

1. Remove the hearing aids from the charger, wait 10 seconds, and place them back in.
2. If red lights continue to flash, clean the charger contacts:
   • Unplug the charger.
   • Use an alcohol pad to clean the metal charging ports on the charger and the hearing aid.
   • Let everything dry for at least 1 minute.

If the issue persists after cleaning, consult your audiologist. They can determine whether the charger or hearing aid needs repair or replacement.

⚠️ Problem: No Lights Turn On When I Place Hearing Aids in the Charger

First, check the lights on the back of the charger:

If those lights are glowing or flashing, the charger is receiving power and possibly charging its internal battery (which holds up to 3 full charging cycles).

If no lights appear:

• Ensure the USB cable is fully connected to a power source.
• Try a different cable or connector box.
• If the issue persists, contact your audiologist about a replacement charger.

See the official Starkey charger manual here.

⚡ Problem: Back Lights Are On, But the Front Lights Are Off

This suggests the hearing aids are not seated correctly in the charger. Often, the removal string gets in the way of proper contact.

What to do:

• Remove and reposition the hearing aids, ensuring nothing is blocking the metal contacts.
• If only one aid fails to charge, try switching positions to isolate the problem:
  • If the left aid doesn’t charge in the left port but does in the right port, the issue is with the left port (charger).

In such cases, a new charger may be needed. Discuss your options with your audiologist.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Starkey rechargeable batteries last?

On average, Starkey rechargeable batteries last about 35 hours per charge when new. Over time, battery life decreases:

• After 3 years: ~29 hours
• After 4 years: ~22 hours

If your battery doesn’t last a full day, you may need a replacement battery through Starkey’s repair service.

Should I repair or replace my hearing aids?

Most hearing aids are replaced every 4–6 years. Around the 4-year mark, you’ll notice improved performance with newer models. If you’re debating repair vs. replacement, consider:

• Out-of-warranty repair costs (~$450 per aid)
• Current new hearing aid prices from ZipHearing

Evaluate what makes sense for your lifestyle, hearing loss, and budget.

For more maintenance tips, see: How to Make Your Hearing Aid Batteries Last Longer.