Moisture is the main enemy
Modern Starkey devices carry water-resistant and, on rechargeable models, waterproof coatings, but no coating removes the need for drying. Coastal humidity condenses inside the receiver and microphone ports and gradually corrodes contacts.
Open the battery door every night, or place rechargeable devices in their charger, and keep a drying kit or desiccant pot beside the bed. A device dried nightly will outlast an identical one that is not, by a wide margin.
Daily routine that takes two minutes
- Wipe the shell with a dry cloth before storing overnight, never with water or alcohol
- Brush the microphone ports gently with the tool supplied at fitting
- Check the wax guard weekly and change it as soon as sound becomes weak
- Remove devices before showering, swimming, applying oils or using insect spray
- Store away from direct sun, and never on a car dashboard
Batteries and charging
Zinc-air batteries in sizes 10, 13, 312 and 675 activate when the sticker is removed. Wait a full minute before inserting, and the battery will last measurably longer. Keep spares at room temperature, not in a fridge.
Rechargeable devices should be charged nightly rather than topped up in short bursts. Keep the charger contacts clean and dry, and carry the charger when travelling; a full charge on Starkey Omega AI and Edge AI gives up to fifty-one hours.
When to bring them in
Come to the centre if sound is weak or intermittent, if you hear whistling that was not there before, if the device feels loose, or if it has been submerged. Most of these are solved in one visit with cleaning, a wax guard, new tubing or a receiver change.
Book a professional service every six months even when nothing seems wrong. Cleaning, de-humidifying and a check against your current audiogram keep a device reliable and prevent most out-of-warranty repairs.