Hearing Aid Batteries
Giving you the power to hear your best.
Hearing Aid Batteries
Giving you the power to hear your best.
Keeping your hearing technology powered supports your
hearing in those situations where you need its assistance the most.
Try a one week no-risk hearing aid demo.
Types of hearing aid batteries
Hearing aid technology has changed a great deal over the last three decades, but one thing remains constant — it needs to be powered. The most common way that today’s hearing aids are powered are by disposable batteries, though there are an increasing number of reliable rechargeable hearing aids being introduced into the marketplace by manufacturers.
Regardless of the right type of powering system for the devices that are best for you, the most important thing to remember is that when your hearing aids are properly powered, they will work better in supporting your hearing health needs.
Standard Hearing Aid Batteries
Most of today’s hearing aids that are powered by disposable batteries use zinc-air batteries, the small, disc-shaped batteries that are sometimes called “button batteries.” These batteries come in a variety of types and sizes for use in different types of hearing aids. Depending on their size and type of hearing aid they’re powering, they can last from anywhere between three and twenty days before needing to be replaced.
Rechargeable Hearing Aid Batteries
While hearing aids powered by disposable zinc-air batteries are still the most common style of hearing available, there are an increasing number of rechargeable battery-powered hearing aids that you can choose from. Not all rechargeable hearing aids are appropriate for all types of treatable hearing loss, but the market is growing.
We’re excited about these developments, because there is a convenience and reliability factor that can come with a rechargeable aid, but given that many of these devices are still new, there are important differences between disposable and rechargeable battery powered aids you should be aware of.
We can help you figure out which hearing aid battery option is best for your lifestyle.
Standard hearing aid batteries
The Different Sizes, Lifespans, and Color-Codes of Hearing Aid Batteries
There are five standard sizes of disposable hearing aid batteries, with four of them being the most commonly used varieties. This is because different styles of hearing aids require different levels of power. Generally speaking, the larger the hearing aid, the larger its battery. Similarly, the more severe the hearing loss, the larger the hearing aid needed, and the larger the battery needed to power the device.
In order to avoid confusion, each one of these batteries has a distinct name and corresponding color.
Because these zinc-air hearing aid batteries are used to power different types of devices for different levels of hearing loss, their lifespans can differ considerably.
Size 10
Color: Yellow
Lifespan: 3 to 7 Days
Size 312
Color: Brown
Lifespan: 3 to 10 days
Size 13
Color: Orange
Lifespan: 6 to 14 days
Size 675
Color: Blue
Lifespan: 9 to 20 days
How Hearing Aid Batteries Are Activated
Zinc-air batteries get their distinct name from how their power is activated. You’ll notice that each cell is covered with a sticker, which keeps them sealed until they are to be used. Once the sticker is removed from the cell, air activates the battery and it is ready for use. Some experts recommend waiting as many as five minutes after you’ve activated the battery before placing it into your hearing device. You cannot “deactivate” your zinc-air battery by placing the sticker back on the cell, so be sure you plan to use it if you are going to remove its seal.
How to Store Hearing Aid Batteries
Zinc-air batteries should be stored in an environment that is dry and standard room temperature. High-temperature exposure can cause damage to zinc-air batteries, decreasing their lifespan and effectiveness. Despite what some might lead you to believe, storing zinc-air batteries in the refrigerator or in the freezer will not extend their shelf life. In fact, doing this can create condensation in the cells once they’re removed from cold storage, and, in effect, will damage the batteries and possibly your hearing aids, too. Stick to dry, room temperature spaces for best performance, and make sure to use your oldest batteries first.
Do you have questions about your hearing aid batteries?
Rechargeable Hearing Aid Batteries
While many people love their hearing aids, many don’t love changing batteries. Peeling off tabs and getting them inserted the correct way have caused headaches for many people, especially those with dexterity or vision issues. The batteries are small, as are the hearing aids themselves, which is great for comfort and for discretion, but not necessarily great for ease of use.
Hearing aid manufacturers took this constructive feedback from providers and patients, and have incorporated rechargeable batteries into many of today’s devices. Whenever the hearing aids are removed, they can be stored in their case which also doubles as a charging station, so if you’re familiar with rechargeable earbuds, this is essentially the same concept. A few hours of charging is all it takes to power the hearing aids for 24 hours or more of use.
Reduced Cost
It may not seem like much, but the cost of replacing traditional batteries can add up. A pair of hearing aids with traditional batteries can burn through over 100 batteries per year, equaling $75-100 annually. Multiply that cost times each year you wear your hearing aids, and a rechargeable hearing aid suddenly represents significant savings.
Regularly Charged
Imagine that you’re in the middle of dinner, or that you’re having an important conversation and suddenly your hearing aid dies. It’s a frustrating experience to say the least. What’s more, you forgot to bring spare batteries! Most hearing aid wearers have a dead battery story, and having a dead aid always seems to happen at the worst times. Provided you put your hearing aids in the charger each night, you will never get stuck again.
Ease of Use
Traditional hearing aid batteries are small and can be difficult to insert into the hearing aid. Rechargeable hearing aids are easy to handle and it is simple to slip them into the charging case. Those with dexterity and vision issues are especially thankful for this new capability.