Battery Life and Your Hearing Aids

Hearing aid batteries are one of the most essential pieces to your device. They’re integral to the performance of hearing aids, supplying the power they need to function correctly and amplify sounds efficiently. However, because of how much they are responsible for powering, the lifespan of them can be shorter than you may expect or find convenient. Some batteries only last for a few days, meaning you’re always chopping and changing them.

The good news is, you can extend the battery life of your devices with proper care and maintenance. How is this possible?

Handle your hearing aids with clean hands

Never touch your hearing aids if your hands are dirty. Small bits of debris can get into the battery compartment and cause all sorts of problems that damage the hearing aid. It’s not just dirt too, greasy hands are a problem for batteries as well. So, always handle your hearing aids with clean hands and you will prevent any battery deterioration, which extends its life.

Always leave the battery door open when you’re not using your device

Luckily, your hearing aids aren’t worn all day, every day, chances are you take them off and store them when you are sleeping. In fact, a hearing instrument specialist always recommends you remove them at night or whenever you don’t actually need to use them. This alone will prolong the battery life as you turn off your hearing aids so they don’t consume any power.

But, one special trick is to open the battery door as well. This is an essential maintenance tip as it dramatically reduces the chances of battery corrosion. Commonly, corrosion occurs when moisture gets into the battery chamber and is trapped in there while the door is closed. By opening it, any moistures can drain out, leaving your battery in the best condition possible. As a result, it will last much longer.

Don’t install new batteries immediately

You may not know this, but hearing aid batteries are a specific type of battery called zinc air. With batteries like this, they contain zinc that reacts when it comes into contact with air. This will activate the battery, allowing it to provide power. As such, all hearing aid batteries come with a tab that you have to peel off so air can reach the zinc.

Now, a common misconception is that you should install the battery as soon as you peel off this tab. You can actually improve the lifespan by simply waiting  if you wait for a few minutes. Pause for five minutes and this makes sure the air gets deep into the battery and actually reacts with the zinc inside it. Therefore, you can insert a properly activated battery that’s ready to go, rather than one that’s possibly only 60-70 percent activated.

However, don’t wait any longer than five minutes as the battery will soon drain!

Keep your hearing aid in a cool dry place

When you’re not using your hearing aids, make sure you store them in a cool place away from moisture. A bedside table is highly convenient and you can keep them in their case for added protection. This prevents moisture from getting into your hearing aids, which enters the battery chamber and causes corrosion. As such, you will have longer lasting batteries.

Also, store any battery packs in a cool dry place as well, such as your closet or cabinet

Avoid getting the hearing aid wet

Similarly, you should avoid wearing your hearing aids when there’s a risk of getting them wet. Never wear them in the shower, never go swimming with them and make sure you protect them if it’s raining. This is for the same reasons stated above; to prevent battery corrosion and boost the battery life.

Use new hearing aid batteries

Never use hearing aid batteries that are past their expiration date. They won’t last long at all and you risk damaging the device as well. Always try and use new batteries as they tend to last a lot longer.

When should you change the batteries?

Batteries should be changed when you start to notice any significant changes in hearing aid performance. There could be lots of distortion, too much feedback or low volume levels. Change the battery and these problems should go away. If they don’t, then there may be issues with the device rather than the battery. So, bring it to a hearing instrument specialist and you will get it assessed and repaired.

At The Hearing House, we offer a variety of services relating to hearing aids and hearing healthcare. If you need help with maintenance and repairs, then please feel free to give us a call. You can reach us at (715) 384-4700 and we’ll book you in for an appointment where all of your needs can be discussed.