.png){kind=logo}
One worry that many hearing aid users have is that their device will run out of batteries at the wrong moment. Whether that’s during a presentation at work or out with friends at The Wheel Barrel it’s important to know that your hearing aids are going to stay powered and work well for you.
Lifespan of Hearing Aid Batteries
Most hearing aids use disposable zinc-air batteries, while some use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. For those that use the disposable type, batteries come color and number-coded so that it is easy to tell what kind your device uses when you go to purchase replacements. The type of battery needed will depend on the style and size of your hearing aids.
The type of battery you use will affect its average lifespan, however, those averages can vary quite a lot depending on multiple factors. A 2013 comparison on ten brands of hearing aid batteries noted that individual amplification needs can significantly affect battery drain, and that standard measurements by manufacturers might not be the most accurate way to determine how long your battery will last.
Other factors that may influence battery life include:
Degree of hearing loss
The amount of use
Your listening environment
Whether or not you stream media to your device and how frequently
Tips For Hearing Aid Users
With the amount of variation in battery life, it’s helpful to keep a few tips in mind to make sure you keep your batteries lasting as long as possible and never run out of power at a bad moment.
Store your batteries properly in a cool, dry place.
Do not put them in the refrigerator. You may have heard that the cold can help extend battery life, but the moisture could actually harm your batteries.
Leave the battery door on your hearing aids open at night to minimize battery drain
If you are nervous about your battery dying during an important event, switch it out at home before you leave.
Stash extra batteries in different places at home, in your desk at work, in your purse or briefcase, or in your car so that you lower the risk of being without one if it needs to be replaced.
Consider purchasing a magnetic tool specifically made for hearing aid batteries to make it easier to grip and change them, even in public places.
For more information on hearing aid batteries or to schedule an appointment with a hearing aid expert, call Topeka ENT today.