Hearing aids are battery-powered devices or machines that are intended to improve your hearing. Small enough to wear behind or in your ear, they help make sounds better and louder. They are nowadays powered by disposable, removable batteries or rechargeable hearing aids batteries that are not removed. The type of battery has a huge impact on the performance of the hearing aid, its cost, and the duration of using them all through the day. Whether you are buying a new hearing aid, or replacing an older model, it is crucial to look through the battery options. You have to decide whether you want a rechargeable hearing aid or a non-rechargeable one.
Hearing Aids with disposable batteries
They are disposable and button-shaped batteries. The batteries of these hearing aids can be removed. They are still the only option for specific types of hearing aids. They require to put fresh ones in every few days to weeks, depending on the type of hearing aid. They sit in a box in the hearing aid. You can easily access them through the battery door. When the hearing aid loses power, you switch out the battery and replace with a new one.
The most common type used is zinc-air batteries. They have different sizes, usually small, depending on the level of hearing loss the patient has. They have to be changed on a regular basis, generally every 5 to 14 days depending on the size of the battery and your hearing loss severity.
Hearing Aids with rechargeable batteries
They are built-in batteries with three types of rechargeable batteries that are used in the market today: lithium-ion, silver zinc and nickel metal hydride. The lightest and the fastest charging time of all ones are the lithium-ion.
Rechargeable hearing aids are grown to be more common and natural than other models. They are available for behind-the-ear, in-the-ear, receiver-in-canal, and in-the canal-styles. With the advancements of latest technology, the batteries are powerful and long-lasting, just like the ones found in laptops and cellphones.
The batteries are put on chargers and are not removed from the device or hearing aid. They are built-in and don’t require habitual removal. Instead of taking out the batteries, you place your hearings aids on a charging unit each night, just like you do to recharge your smartphone.
Most of these hearing aids are suited to fit people with mild to moderate hearing loss. Yet, rechargeable “power” ones are recently used for patients with severe to profound hearing loss. That means those who are able to hear very loud speech or sounds and are unable to hear speech at a normal range.
Pros and cons of each Hearing Aid
1. Lifelong performance and 24-hour usage
Disposable batteries are the norm or the standard ones. If you are used to disposable hearing aid batteries, you simply know how it goes. It is simple and basic. You don’t need to keep in mind charging the batteries every night. They provide 24 hours and more of continuous usage, or up to 18 hours for those with heavy usage of direct streaming. In addition, they are usually stored with the rest of the accessories, all in one place. However, hearing aid chargers are usually kept on the bedside table. It is risky to forget them when packing for work, travel or going out. Another drawback might be any damage to the cord or charger. You will be stuck without power until the part is replaced and fixed or until you buy an extra charger, thus paying extra money.
On the contrary, looking at it from a different perspective, rechargeable hearing aids give you the luxury of simply charging it overnight and having it full power all next day. You can use Bluetooth and direct streaming from talking on the mobile to listening to music and TV without worrying about the power. They are easier to use and handle without worrying about changing batteries every now and then. This can reduce the monthly expenses on the long run. Whereas in non-rechargeable batteries, you should constantly change them and have to always carry backups.
2. Sealed cases
Another thing you can stop worrying about is the dust and moisture affecting the batteries. Because lithium-ion batteries are totally sealed, the hearing aids will become more resistant to moisture and dust. This reduces maintenance issues, boosting the life of the hearing aid and advancing its performance.
However, sealing cases are tricky because when they reach the end of their life, they cannot be changed by the patient. They need to be exchanged by the manufacturer.
3. Easy to handle
Changing out very small hearing aid batteries for those suffering from vision or dexterity issues can be tiring and tough. The packaging itself might be difficult to get into and use.
Rechargeable hearing aids are quite the opposite.
4. Safe and environment-friendly
The tiny batteries of non-rechargeable hearing aids can be dangerous to kids, pets and even few adults who may unintentionally swallow them. On the other hand, changing batteries yearly, more than 100 batteries estimated, means huge amounts of toxic metals going to landfills. As a result, non-rechargeable hearing aids can be environmentally friendly due to the fact that you are recharging rather than buying, thus generating less waste.
5. Prices
Depending on the type and model of your hearing aid, the charging unit, any replacement batteries, and the hearing aid itself all cost a lot. When it is time to exchange your batteries in rechargeable hearing aids, you might pay double the amount you normally pay on standard or traditional hearing aid batteries.
Looking at it from a different angle, although they are costly, they can be more cost-effective on the long run, since you don’t have to pay and buy lot of batteries.
How can you determine which hearing aid is best for you? It is a personal and individualized choice based on your preference and finances. It also became now a more informed decision since you are able to distinguish between the differences of each. Whichever hearing aid you decided to go with, you can be sure that it will improve your life, work, and relationships and enhance your social life and emotional welfare.