Hearing Aids

Hearing Aid Batteries

Like any electronic or technological device, hearing aids run on batteries. For many years, most hearing aids were powered with tiny button batteries that needed to be changed every few days to weeks. 

However, thanks to technological advancements, modern hearing aids now come with rechargeable batteries. When choosing a hearing aid, the battery type that would work for you should be something you should consider.

Two main types of hearing aid batteries

Most modern hearing aids now come with the option of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

Rechargeable batteries

Most modern hearing aids now come with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Ideally, these batteries are recharged at night, when the devices are taken out of the ears while sleeping. 

Hearing aids with rechargeable batteries usually come with a charging case which makes recharging on-the-go easier and more convenient.

Standard disposable batteries

Aside from rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, zinc-air batteries are also a common option. Also known as button batteries, zinc-air batteries are air-activated with a factory-sealed sticker that allows them to remain inactive until the tab is removed.

Once the sticker is peeled from the back of the battery, oxygen will mix with the zinc in the battery and activate it. When stored at room temperature in a dry environment, zinc-air batteries can remain stable for up to three years.

Color-coding for disposable batteries

To make it easier for hearing aid users to distinguish between various battery sizes, manufacturers have color-coded hearing aid batteries.

Below are the sizes and their corresponding colors:

  • Size 13 batteries – orange
  • Size 675 batteries – blue
  • Size 10 batteries – yellow
  • Size 312 batteries – brown

Battery life for hearing aid batteries

Normally, smaller batteries have shorter battery life than larger batteries. Non-rechargeable hearing aid batteries can last anywhere between 3-7 days, depending on usage and Bluetooth streaming. 

The life of hearing aid batteries are dependent on the size of the battery and the power required by the hearing aid.

If you are experiencing unusually short battery life, there might be issues with the hearing device. 

When this happens, contact your hearing care provider and schedule an appointment for a device check-up.

Extending the life of hearing aid batteries

Extending the lifespan of disposable hearing aid batteries could help save time and money. 

Below are some tips to help stretch hearing aid life: 

Turn the hearing aids off when not in use. 

Not turning off the hearing aid when not in use is a common mistake of first-time hearing aid users. 

While some hearing devices have an auto shut-off feature when it is removed from the ear, make it a habit to double-check if the hearing aid is switched off whenever you remove it from your ear(s).

Leave the battery compartment open overnight. 

By doing this, the device can naturally “air out” any moisture that may have accumulated throughout the day.

Store the hearing aid batteries at room temperature. 

Batteries are highly sensitive to extreme temperatures. Proper storage may help prolong battery life. As much as possible, avoid exposing hearing aid batteries to extreme heat and humidity.

Can putting batteries in the refrigerator extend their lifespan?

Storing batteries in the refrigerator has no proven benefits and could even cause condensation to form under the sticker. When this happens, the battery life could be reduced prematurely.

Are you ready to hear better?

Fort Bend Hearing provides comprehensive preventative, diagnostic and rehabilitation hearing services for pediatric and adult patients. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

Hearing Aid Battery Topics

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Are you ready to hear better?

Fort Bend Hearing provides comprehensive preventative, diagnostic and rehabilitation hearing services for pediatric and adult patients. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

Where to purchase hearing aid batteries

Fort Bend Hearing is an audiology clinic in Sugar Land, Texas that provides comprehensive preventative, diagnostic, and rehabilitation hearing services for pediatric and adult patients. 

You may purchase hearing aid batteries at our clinic along with hearing aid accessories, hearing protection, and more.

Give us a call or a visit for any of your hearing care needs!