Rechargeable hearing aids are designed so that you’ll have to stress less about running low on batteries, but the technology may also make you a little concerned when you rely on your devices to hear. Do rechargeable hearing aids work as well as advertised or do they even work at all?
Those questions are reasonable, as is the accompanying anxiousness. A hearing aid can be a necessary part of one’s day-to-day life, as necessary for a simple visit to the grocery store as they are for the enjoyment of a television show or movie. It’s important that a piece of technology works correctly and dependably, especially when it affects so many facets of life.
What Type of Battery do I Have?
By default, most modern-day hearing aids come with rechargeable batteries, so it’s likely if you bought your hearing aids recently, it has one of two types of batteries. Silver-zinc batteries, which can usually be distinguished by a battery door on the device, are rechargeable, but the batteries might have to be replaced every now and then. A Lithium-ion battery, however, will not have a battery door because the batteries will last as long as the hearing aid does.
Rechargeable Hearing Aids Need Special Care
For the most part, rechargeable hearing aids do work, and they work well. As battery technology has improved in the last several years, the reliability of these devices has increased dramatically. And, like any other electronic device, however, there are various easy maintenance steps that users can take to improve the dependability of their rechargeable hearing aids.
- Be Careful of Wires: Most hearing aids will have a wire element of some kind, either on the charging station or on the hearing aids themselves. Most hearing aid users are counseled to be careful of these wires; do not pull or hold your device by these wires as this can damage the connections that enable your hearing aid to charge.
- The Charging Station is Where Your Hearing Aids Should be Stored: If you consistently store your rechargeable hearing aids on their recharging station you can increase the life of your battery. Charging a battery that is not completely drained does not shorten long-term battery life. In fact, making sure that your hearing aids are charging when not in use can actually improve your long-term battery life. For lots of people, placing their charging station next to their bed is a convenient reminder to charge the devices when it’s not being used.
- Keep Your Hearing Aids Dry and Clean: No matter how often you use or do not use your hearing aids, they have ample opportunity to accumulate dust, debris, and moisture. Your hearing aid may not thoroughly charge if it is subjected to any of these three things. That’s why it’s crucial to keep your hearing aids clean and dry specifically when connecting your hearing aid to its charging station.
How to Replace a Rechargeable Battery
If you have lithium-ion batteries, they should last as long as your device does. So replacing those batteries shouldn’t be something you ever have to be concerned about. Simply continue recharging your hearing aids as long as needed.
However, you will want to occasionally change the batteries if you have a hearing aid that utilizes silver-zinc batteries. The lifespan of your battery can be increased by replacing them in the right way. Because of this, hearing experts suggest the following:
- Make sure you wash your hands before changing your hearing aid batteries.
- Don’t remove any packaging or plastic tabs until you’re ready to use batteries.
- Let the batteries sit out at room temperature for at least five minutes before removing any tabs that may be attached.
- Make certain you have a dry, room temperature spot to keep your batteries.
- Ensure that your battery compartment is clean and free of moisture.
Long Periods of Non-Use
Leaving your hearing aids on the charger for long periods of time is no longer the best way to store your hearing aids. If, for instance, you know that you will not be using your hearing aids for a few weeks or months, you can simply remove the charger and put your hearing aids in a dry and cool spot.
Think about leaving the battery door open so you can stop moisture from corroding the batteries if you have silver-zinc batteries.
Rechargeable for Everyday Use
For most individuals, and for everyday use, charging your hearing aids once a day should be enough for all of your needs. To get 24 hours worth of battery life with a lithium-ion battery will usually only require 3-4 hours every day.
Do rechargeable hearing aids work? Not only do they work, but rechargeable hearing aids will likely become much more common and dependable as the technology continues to develop. To see all the different models, contact your local hearing aid retailer.