There is a wide range of types and styles of hearing aids. What they all have in common is they get their power from batteries. But how do you choose which type of battery to use? We review what type of hearing aid batteries will work best for you below.
Rechargeable Hearing Aid Batteries
Like your cellphone and laptop, hearing aids have the option of containing a rechargeable battery. With an overnight charge, which is the best time to charge your devices since they are not in your ears while sleeping, your hearing aids are powered for the whole day. Most rechargeable hearing aids even come with an easy-to-use docking station.
Rechargeable batteries are currently only offered in larger hearing aid options, such as behind-the-ear and receiver-in-the-ear models.
Disposable Hearing Aid Batteries
Disposable batteries are a one-time-use option; before rechargeable batteries became popular, this type of battery was used in all hearing aids.
Zinc-air batteries, also known as button batteries, are different than the kind you put in your smoke detector. These batteries are activated by exposure to oxygen. They are packaged with a factory-sealed sticker that should remain on until you need to use them. Once you peel off the sticker, the zinc within the battery will activate, which takes about one minute.
When stored correctly in a dry area, zinc-air batteries can last for three years. Do not store your batteries in the refrigerator, as this can cause condensation to build up under the sticker.
Disposable batteries come in four standard sizes, which are color-coded to eliminate guesswork.
675 (Blue)
This battery is the longest lasting and is often found in bone-anchored hearing aids and behind-the-ear models.
13 (Orange)
This battery is found in medium sized behind-the-ear hearing devices.
312 (Brown)
This battery is found in small behind-the-ear hearing aids and in-ear hearing devices.
10 (Yellow)
This is the smallest style of disposable hearing aid batteries. This battery is usually found in completely-in-the-canal and mini-receiver-in-the-canal hearing aids.
How Long Do Batteries Last?
The lifespan of your hearing aid battery depends on a number of factors, including how many hours a day you wear your hearing aids, how many control functions you use, and how much audio you stream via Bluetooth through your hearing aids.
Spending hours of your day at the San Diego Zoo will use up your battery faster than if you are at home.
Which Battery Is Right for You?
The best battery for you depends entirely on the type of device you have. Patient reports indicate several challenges related to changing their batteries including limited information on hearing aid batteries, physical/sensory challenges to the act and the social impact of having to change hearing aid batteries. For this reason, if you are in the market for a new hearing aid, most providers will recommend one with a rechargeable battery option.
To learn more about hearing aid batteries or to schedule an appointment with a hearing aid expert, contact San Diego Hearing Center today.