Hearing Aid Batteries: Everything You Need to Know

A hearing aid is only as good as the power source keeping it running. For the millions of Americans who rely on hearing devices every day, understanding batteries - how they work, how long they last, how to store them, and how to dispose of them responsibly - is an important part of getting the most from your device. Here is a comprehensive guide to hearing aid batteries.

Types of Hearing Aid Batteries

Hearing aid batteries come in two primary categories: disposable zinc-air batteries and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Each has distinct advantages depending on your lifestyle, device type, and preferences.

Disposable Zinc-Air Batteries

Zinc-air batteries are the traditional standard for hearing aids. They are activated by oxygen - when you remove the colored sticker tab on the back of the battery, air enters through small holes and begins the chemical reaction that powers the cell. This is why you should wait about 60 seconds after removing the tab before inserting the battery; this short wait allows the battery to reach full power.

Zinc-air batteries come in four standard sizes, each color-coded for easy identification:

• Size 10 (yellow tab): The smallest common size; used in very small, discreet hearing aids. Lifespan: 3 to 7 days.
• Size 312 (brown tab): A popular size for receiver-in-canal (RIC) and in-the-ear (ITE) devices. Lifespan: 3 to 10 days.
• Size 13 (orange tab): A mid-sized battery used in behind-the-ear (BTE) devices. Lifespan: 6 to 14 days.
• Size 675 (blue tab): The largest standard size, used in powerful BTE devices. Lifespan: 9 to 20 days.

Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Batteries

Rechargeable hearing aids have become increasingly popular in recent years. These devices use built-in lithium-ion batteries that charge overnight in a docking station - similar to how you charge a smartphone. Most fully charged rechargeable hearing aids provide 18 to 24 hours of use, including several hours of Bluetooth streaming.

The advantages of rechargeable hearing aids include:

• No need to handle small batteries (a significant benefit for people with limited dexterity)
• No ongoing battery purchase cost
• Consistent power delivery throughout the day
• Reduced environmental waste

The main limitation is that if the battery life degrades over years of charging cycles, the entire device may need service or replacement - unlike disposable battery devices where you simply swap in a new cell.

How Long Do Hearing Aid Batteries Last?

Battery life depends on several factors beyond just the battery size:

• Usage hours: Wearing your hearing aid 16 hours per day will drain batteries faster than 10 hours per day
• Streaming: Using Bluetooth to stream audio from a phone or TV consumes significantly more power than standard use
• Environmental conditions: Cold temperatures reduce battery efficiency; altitude and humidity can also affect performance
• Hearing aid processing power: More sophisticated processing and features use more energy

A general rule: if your batteries are lasting significantly less time than expected, check that the hearing aid is not producing excessive feedback, that microphone ports are clean, and that the battery contacts are free of corrosion.

How to Get the Most from Your Batteries

• Wait 60 seconds after removing the tab on a zinc-air battery before inserting it in your hearing aid
• Store batteries at room temperature - not in the refrigerator (a common misconception). Refrigeration can cause condensation that damages the cells.
• Keep the protective tab on until you are ready to use the battery. Once the tab is removed, the battery begins to deplete even if not in use.
• Open the battery door when not wearing your hearing aid. This allows air circulation, reduces moisture buildup, and extends battery life.
• Keep batteries away from keys and coins - metal contact can short-circuit the cells.
• Check the expiration date when purchasing. Fresh batteries perform better than older stock.

Storing Your Batteries

Hearing aid batteries should be stored in a cool, dry place at room temperature. A kitchen drawer or medicine cabinet is ideal - though the bathroom medicine cabinet is suboptimal due to humidity from showers. Batteries stored properly can retain their charge for up to three years, though most manufacturers recommend using them within one to two years of manufacture for best performance.

Buy in bulk when on sale - battery packs of 40 to 60 cells are significantly more economical than small retail packs.

Disposing of Hearing Aid Batteries Safely

Hearing aid batteries contain zinc, manganese, and other materials that should not be discarded in regular household trash. Most communities have battery recycling programs - check with your local hardware store, pharmacy, or municipal waste program for drop-off locations.

Never incinerate batteries. And keep all batteries - both fresh and used - away from children. A swallowed button battery is a medical emergency. If a child swallows a battery, call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) immediately.

Key Takeaways

• Zinc-air batteries come in sizes 10, 312, 13, and 675 - color-coded for easy identification
• Wait 60 seconds after removing the tab before inserting a zinc-air battery
• Store batteries at room temperature, not in the refrigerator
• Rechargeable hearing aids offer convenience but require overnight charging
• Recycle used batteries responsibly - do not discard in household trash
• Keep all batteries out of reach of children

Understanding your hearing aid's power source is a small investment of time that pays off in reliable, consistent performance every day.