Hearing aid batteries are a vital part of a non-rechargeable hearing aid’s performance. Because of this, many folks do all they can in order to get the most out of their batteries. However, some of these “life hacks” might not have the intended outcome many hope they will.
Here, we’ll explore some of the most common questions we receive about hearing aid batteries. We’ll also provide a few recommendations that our two decades in the field have shown us in helping our patients have the best hearing experiences possible!
Will storing my hearing aid batteries in the freezer help them last longer?
This is a question that comes up quite a bit. We’re not sure where this recommendation originates from, but we’re here to tell you, once and for all, that you should not be putting your hearing aid batteries in the refrigerator or freezer in an effort to keep them fresh and prolong their shelf-life.
In fact, you’re more likely damaging those batteries than you are preserving them. Here’s why: When you take those batteries out of the colder environment they’ve been stored in and then place them in a warmer environment, it creates condensation. When this moisture seeps into the batteries, it can cause them to oxidize and malfunction.
Relatedly, if you were to put those batteries directly into your hearing aids, you’re placing a moisture-rich battery inside of an electronic device, which could cause potentially irreparable damage to your hearing aids.
On the flipside, we also do not advise that your batteries are kept in environments that are too hot. Any extreme temperature is bad for batteries. Keep your hearing aid batteries in a cool, dry area for the longest shelf life and best performance.
Does the sticker on my hearing aid batteries serve a purpose?
Believe it or not, the small stickers on button batteries serve a pretty important purpose. Most of these button batteries are what is called a “zinc air” battery.
When the sticker is removed from these batteries, the battery is exposed to air, activating the battery. Once it’s removed, it’s activated. Placing the sticker back on the battery, unfortunately, will not deactivate the battery or prolong its life.
In order to get the best performance out of these batteries, it is recommended that you remove their stickers, wait about five minutes, and then place them into your hearing aids.
If you wear hearing aids that use zinc-air batteries, it’s always a good idea to carry an extra set or two with you in case your current batteries begin to fail. Having your hearing aids lose power in the middle of an important moment can be frustrating and take you away from enjoying the moment.
Do your best to keep your batteries in their factory packaging, or store them along with your hearing kit (your hearing aid case, cleaning tools — all the essentials.) The reason? One, you’ll always be prepared, no matter what situation you might find yourself in, and two, loose batteries make for poor performance. When these batteries come in contact with other metals, they can malfunction. Protect them, and they’ll perform better for you!
Do rechargeable hearing aids really work?
Yes! There are a number of rechargeable hearing aid styles across many of the most respected hearing aid manufacturers that perform just as well as traditional battery-powered devices.
First things first: Rechargeable hearing aids don’t yet come in all hearing aid styles. The most important thing for you to keep in mind when finding the best technology for you, is to follow your provider’s recommendations.
Our goal is to use the results of your tests to inform which technology will best suit your needs. If there are rechargeable battery options available for you, then great!
The top three reasons people love rechargeable hearing aids
- Convenience: Even small things like carrying extra batteries can seem like a hassle for some, so having a rechargeable option can give you that extra boost of confidence. Simply place your hearing aids in their charging dock before you go to bed at night, and you can go about your day knowing that your devices will support you!
- Reliability: Batteries can fail. There’s no two ways about it. Maybe they were improperly stored, were a part of a bad batch, or are just past their “best when used by” date. We tend to see these instances as more the exception than the rule, but they can happen. Rechargeable options mean you have fewer variables to contend with, when it comes to your device’s reliability.
- Ease of use: We have a lot of patients who have dexterity issues, and the small battery doors on most modern hearing aids can be a challenge, even for those of us with extremely adept fine motor skills. Rechargeable hearing aids remove this concern entirely. These devices can either be charged in their carrying case or in an easy to use charging dock. No battery doors or little button cells to struggle with, just easy to access better hearing. Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?
Looking to learn more about hearing aid batteries, rechargeable devices, and what can best support your hearing situation? Contact Colorado Ear Care today! We pride ourselves on providing everyone in our care the best testing, service, and treatment recommendations in our community.
Contact us today to see why we’re physician referred, patient preferred!