Hearing Aid Batteries
Every portable electronic device needs something to power it, and hearing aids are no different. If the batteries are running low, even the highest quality hearing aid can work poorly. To complicate things, not all hearing aids take the same battery.
Our team at The Hearing Centers of Indiana wants you to be fully educated in every aspect of hearing aid technology, including batteries.
Zinc-air is the most common form of hearing aid battery. This form of battery is not rechargeable and, after use, must be disposed of. To activate zinc-air batteries, the battery is exposed to oxygen from the air. You'll notice how hearing aid batteries are covered with a small plastic strip the first time you buy them. This helps to keep the cell charge preserved until it is time to use them.
Find the best hearing aid batteries in Salem, IN, Pendleton, IN, Bedford, IN, & Carmel, IN
Hearing Aid Battery Sizes
Hearing aid batteries come in five sizes. The right one for you varies based on the design and size of your hearing aids. Fortunately, the hearing aid industry has designated a number on the battery packaging to make it easier to match it to yours.
Here are some of the popular battery types for hearing aids:
675
This is a cell that is around half the size of a quarter. They are used primarily for behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids. The size also makes them the longest-lasting battery - it can provide power from nine to twenty days.
13
This model is commonly used in in-the-ear devices smaller in size than the behind-the-ear style. The battery life is shortened accordingly, running for six to fourteen days.
312
The 312 battery measures 7.9 mm by 3.6 mm and has the same diameter as the 13, but is less thick. This helps it to fit better on smaller models. The life of the battery is from three to ten days.
10
This is the smallest battery out there for hearing aids and is mostly used for completely-in-the-ear-canal or invisible-in-the-canal hearing aids. The battery life is also the shortest, lasting just three to seven days.
How can I get my battery to last longer?
- After removing the tab, let the battery rest for 3-5 minutes before putting it into your hearing aid. This "activation" period enables air to reach the materials inside the battery and unlock them.
- When you're not wearing your hearing aid, try turning it off or open the battery door to minimize battery drain.
- If you are not using the hearing aid for an extended period, remove the battery entirely.
- Prevent storage at high temperatures to avoid battery power loss and to reduce battery life.
Contrary to common belief, storing your battery in the refrigerator may not extend battery life and, owing to moisture exposure, can decrease its performance. Battery life can also be reduced by contact with coins or keys, which can cause damage. It's essential to keep your batteries in their original box or a battery case.
What about rechargeable batteries?
There is nothing new about rechargeable batteries in hearing aids. Still, the recent arrival of rechargeable lithium-ion technology has made them a much more viable alternative to the batteries listed above.
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries have 24 hours or more of recharge-free battery life. And that's with constant use, like power-sapping audio streaming for up to 5 hours. This degree of energy reliability gives you the faith that when you need them, your hearing aids will always be on.
It's easy to recharge them - slot your hearing aids overnight into the charging pod, and you're ready to go the next morning. On a maximum charge, some hearing aids provide up to 36 hours of battery life.
An essential part of wearing hearing aids is taking care of your hearing aid batteries. Learn more from the Hearing Centers of Indiana about hearing aids and hearing aid batteries. Don't hesitate to contact us to book an appointment or ask any questions you may have.