All hearing devices, like any other electronic, need power to function. They work on mini batteries that come in different types and sizes. Traditionally, hearing aids used small “button” batteries that the wearer had to change every few days to weeks. Nowadays, hearing aid models come with rechargeable batteries. Here is everything you need to know about hearing aid battery types, sizes, storage, and lifespan.
Hearing devices have developed with time due to the advances in computer and electronic technology.
Broadly speaking, hearing aids function on two different types of hearing aid batteries: disposable and rechargeable.
Disposable batteries
Disposable hearing aid batteries are primarily zinc air batteries. They are powered by oxidizing zinc with the oxygen in the air. The life expectancy lasts anywhere from 3- 20 days. It depends on the size of the battery and the usage and technology of the hearing device.
All hearing aids come with disposable Zinc-air “button” batteries. They are typically used in “power” hearing aids for severe and profound hearing loss because they have higher battery demands- more power and size. Because they are air-activated, a factory-sealed sticker allows them to stay inactive until you remove it. Once you peel it from the back of the battery, the oxygen will interact with the zinc inside the battery and turn it on. Once the tab is removed, it takes around two minutes before the hearing aid is activated.
Zinc-air batteries remain functional for up to three years when they are stored in room temperature and dry environment.
Sizes of batteries with colors
Hearing aids usually come in different styles and sizes and with different power needs. There are 4 sizes of disposable batteries, which are all color coded. The sizes are from the smallest to the largest: 10, 13, 312 and 675. They are all smaller than the diameter of a dime.
Because the size difference is hard to notice and difficult to remember, battery packaging is color-coded. That is why finding and purchasing the right one becomes easier.
Size 10 batteries- yellow, three to seven days
Size 312 batteries- brown, three to 10 days
Size 13 batteries- orange, six to 14 days
Size 675 batteries- blue, nine to 20 days
If you are experiencing shortened battery life, there might be a problem with the device. In this case, you can contact your audiologist to make sure everything is working properly.
Rechargeable hearing aid batteries
Rechargeable hearing aid batteries are the most convenient way to use for powering your hearing aids. They work in a way very similar to smartphones. You need to charge them regularly to keep them functioning properly. You can simply drop the device in the charger at night without worrying about it dying.
The most common types of rechargeable batteries are present in nickel-metal hydride, lithium ion and silver zinc. They are available in both in-the-ear and behind-the-ear models.
Silver zinc and nickel-metal hydride rechargeable hearing batteries
Both types of batteries last anywhere from 12-16 hours when they are fully charged.
The duration of the batteries varies depending on the usage, whether combined with phone or television streaming.
The primary advantage of the device using these batteries is that they are interchangeable with the disposable batteries. They would need to be replaced every 12 months or so.
Lithium-ion rechargeable hearing aid batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are the latest generation of rechargeable hearing aid batteries.
They last anywhere between 25-30 hours on a single charge, and about 18-22 hours even streaming from the television or phone directly into the hearing aids.
The one disadvantage is that they are not interchangeable with the disposable hearing aid batteries and they require a visit to the device manufacturer for the rechargeable battery to be replaced.
They need to be replaced approximately once every 4 years.
How can you charge them?
Most of them are accompanied by an easy-to-use docking station. Every night, you just take out the hearing aids, clean them, and plug them into the charger- in the designated (right or left) docking station. By morning, they are ready for another day of full use.
The left ear is typically marked blue and the right ear is marked red. Most chargers have flashing lights that indicate they are charging and a solid light that indicates they are charged. In recent and new hearing aid models, you don’t need to turn them off prior to placing them for charging.
When choosing the right one, it’s a good idea to think which battery type works best for you. Now you are more aware of what to expect from your hearing aid batteries. If you are in need of more information about hearing aid batteries, visit our official website.