Hearing Aid Batteries 101

To get the most out of your hearing aid you should learn the basics about its batteries. A hearing aid battery’s lifespan can vary depending on its size, features, and the environment. The severity of the wearer’s hearing loss will also play a big role. The more severe the hearing loss becomes, the more amplification is needed. This drains more of the battery and reduces its lifespan. Some other important factors include:
Battery Size

The size of the battery is important. Smaller batteries usually have shorter life spans since they require fewer ingredients to power them than larger batteries. This means there are fewer ingredients for the battery to use. Similar to a car’s gas tank, larger gas tanks allow larger vehicles to travel longer and farther before they have to be refilled.
Daily Use

How much someone uses their hearing aid will also affect how long it lasts. Someone who only wears it 1 to 2 hours a day for 3 to 4 days a week will be able to use their battery much longer than someone who wears it 7 to 8 hours a day for 7 days a week.
Features

While premium features – such as noise cancelation and wireless/Bluetooth capability – are nice to have, they can cut down on a battery’s life from 20 to 300%. Just like today’s smartphone’s which have high resolution cameras, internet access and an infinite number of apps, they use more battery power than phones from the past.
Environment

Environment can have a big impact. During winter when it’s not as humid, batteries can dry out, which can reduce their life. During summer, the higher temperatures and increased humidity can make batteries moist, causing them to swell and leak. Travel can also play a role. Since hearing aid batteries require oxygen to function, the increased altitude and reduced oxygen in the air can decrease the battery’s voltage and overall lifespan.
Caring for your Batteries

When not using your batteries, store them at room temperature and keep the battery door open to prevent moisture buildup. You should also wait at least 2 minutes after taking the tabs off the hearing aid batteries to give them time to charge. Keep in mind that hearing aid batteries are highly toxic if swallowed, so store them safely away from children or pets. By following these tips you should be able to get the most out of your hearing aid batteries.
If you have any questions contact Sophisticated Hearing today. We will be more than happy to help you with your hearing aid battery problems.