You could make a strong case that the most vital part of your hearing aid is the battery: without it, nothing else works, and if it fails, your hearing fails with it. In this short guide, we’ll explain to you everything you need to know about hearing aid batteries so that you can get the most out of your hearing aids.
How Hearing Aid Batteries Work
Hearing aids take a unique type of battery called zinc-air batteries. Each battery has a sticker that covers small holes on the top of the battery. After the sticker is removed, air enters the battery through the holes, resulting in a chemical reaction that activates the zinc and makes the battery live. When the battery is live, it starts discharging power and reapplying the sticker will have no impact in preserving its life.
Hearing Aid Battery Types
Zinc-air hearing aid batteries come in four standardized sizes, marked with standardized number and color codes. The four sizes, from largest to smallest, are:
- 675-blue
- 13-orange
- 312-brown
- 10-yellow
Each hearing aid makes use of only one of the sizes, and your hearing specialist will inform you which size you require. Bear in mind that the numbers and colors above are manufacturer independent, but that manufacturers sometimes add additional letters or numbers to its packaging.
Hearing Aid Battery Life
Hearing aid battery life is reliant on a wide array of factors. Many patients get up to one week of life out of a battery if they use the hearing aid for 12 or more hours a day, but this will fluctuate according to:
- The size of the battery – bigger batteries have a longer life.
- The degree of hearing loss – More serious hearing loss demands additional power.
- Hearing aid features – wireless capability, noise reduction programs, and multi-channel processing, for example, call for more power to operate.
- Temperature – hot and cold temperatures can reduce battery life.
Your hearing specialist will discuss all of this with you, and will help you uncover the proper balance between hearing aid capability and battery life.
How to Lengthen the Life of Your Hearing Aid Batteries
You can effortlessly prolong the life of your hearing aid batteries with one simple trick. Just after you remove the sticker to activate the battery, wait 5-7 minutes before inserting the battery in your hearing aids. By removing the sticker and laying the battery flat side up for several minutes, air is able to completely activate the battery before you start making use of it, which extends its life.
A couple of other tips:
- Keep the batteries away from coins, keys, or other metal objects that could short the battery.
- When the hearing aid isn’t being used, turn it off and store it with the battery door open. If you don’t plan on using your hearing aids for a prolonged period of time, remove the batteries completely.
- Unopened batteries can last for years; nonetheless, fresher batteries are preferred because each year that goes by decreases the life of the battery.
- Store your batteries at room temperature. This tip is so crucial that the next section is dedicated to the subject.
How to Store Your Hearing Aid Batteries
There’s a dangerous misconception out there proposing that storing your batteries in the refrigerator extends their life. This is not only untrue; it produces the opposite effect!
The reasoning behind storing your batteries in the refrigerator is that the cold temperature will reduce the discharge of power. While this may be technically true, the amount of power you will save will be minimal, and the adverse effects of moisture will generate far greater negative consequences.
Storing zinc-air batteries in a cold environment enables micro condensation to form in an on the battery, causing corrosion and a high risk of premature failure. Therefore, for ideal performance, simply keep your batteries away from extreme hot or cold temperatures and store at room temperature.
Managing Your Hearing Aid Battery Supply
Once you figure out how long your batteries last, on average, you’ll want to keep a month’s supply. If your batteries last 1 week, and you make use of 2 batteries (1 for each hearing aid), then you’ll end up using approximately 8 per month. Simply set 8 as your reorder target, and once you reduce your stock down to 8, order another pack. Alternatively, you may want to consider the cost savings connected with bulk purchases and maintain a supply that lasts longer than one month. If you’re not certain, we are more than happy to help you set up a strategy and will handle all of your hearing aid battery needs. Just give us a call!
Have any other questions? Speak to one of our hearing specialists today!