Hearing aid batteries do not last as long as other types of batteries. The cost of premium-quality, single-pack hearing aid batteries is about the same as a cup of gourmet coffee. Yet hearing aid batteries have an unpredictable battery life. You can estimate the battery life for your hearing aid, based on a number of variables, and follow these tips that may extend the battery life, no matter what the variables are.
History
Mercury batteries used to be the only type of battery on the market sized for modern-day hearing aids. Mercury batteries provide maximum and steady power output until the battery life ends, unlike other types of batteries that decrease power output until battery life ends. However, mercury is a toxin, unsafe to humans and the environment. The hearing aid industry now provides zinc air batteries as a safer alternative to mercury, but these batteries still contain roughly 3 percent mercury content. Even a small trace of mercury harms the environment because used batteries end up in landfills and leak poisons into the food supply. New, mercury-free batteries have approximately the same battery life and power capabilities as the zinc air hearing aid batteries. Zinc air batteries release power after you remove the sticker from the back of the battery. Air activates the energy stored in the battery.
Type of Brand
Quality brands offer more power and longer-lasting life for hearing aid batteries. Generic brands may not use quality sticker backings, which seep air into the battery, partially activating it. Generally, a brand-name hearing aid battery can last from a few days to 2 weeks. Generic brands may last about half that time, and the sound quality may vary as power output fluctuates. User opinions and preferences vary, and some consumers prefer the generic brands, since people with some types of hearing impairments may not recognize the difference. Generic hearing aids may provide a lower battery life, but the generic hearing aid batteries cost less than brand-name batteries. Consider purchasing a battery recharger to save money on batteries and recharge as needed.
Types of Hearing Aids
Generally, the larger the hearing aid, the more power requirements the aid needs. The larger hearing aids, such as those worn behind the ear, require more power because of the advanced technology equipment these types of hearing aids carry. Taxing any hearing aid unit by setting it to its maximum capabilities will lower the battery life.
Smaller hearing aids do not need higher power requirements, but the power stored in the miniature-sized batteries do not last long, requiring frequent battery changes. Some of the smaller hearing aids, such as the disposable types, can provide uninterrupted, quality sound for up to 4 months. You do not need to change batteries in this type of hearing aid, but you must purchase a new hearing aid unit that comes fully charged. Your audiologist or hearing aid dealer can recommend the type of battery that is appropriate for your type of hearing aid.
Considerations
You may have a technical problem with the hearing aid, rather than with the batteries, especially if you do not perceive the sounds the same as you did before. Power interruptions are common technical errors that do not stem from the battery or battery source. Check for earwax in your earpiece, and check that you inserted the battery correctly.
Open the battery door to at night when you retire. This reduces the energy drain on the battery, making it last longer and airing out moisture accumulated in the hearing aid or its parts and accessories. Hearing aid batteries attract moisture, and this can come from any part, including the ear mold, volume control or battery door.
Keep your hands clean when handling your hearing aid so you don't leave oil and water residue on it. Use a soft cloth when handling the battery door, and wipe the battery before insertion.
Prevention/Solution
Do not buy more than 90 days' worth of hearing aid batteries. Buying in bulk for discount prices does not guarantee freshness. Even though the batteries do not activate until you pull the sticker from the backside, keeping a low stock of batteries prevents the possibility of damage to the stickers from varying temperature changes and the chance of losing some of the packets, especially if you store them in other areas. Some users store batteries in their cars, purses, briefcases and other convenient areas that could damage the individual packets.
A hot laptop inserted into a briefcase that holds an extra supply of batteries can cause peeling of the activating sticker, releasing some of its energy. When the laptop cools, the sticker cools and adheres back onto the battery. It may appear as a fresh battery when you decide to use that particular pack, but the battery will have already released some of its power, and you would not know the difference.
References
- Cheryl Myers (self, former hearing aid wearer, now with cochlear implant)
- Audiology Online: Mercury vs. Zinc Air Batteries
