How to handle hearing aid batteries

The lifespan of traditional hearing aid batteries depends on a few factors, including the battery size, the type of hearing aid, how often you use it, and the amount of streaming you do.

Typically, there are four sizes of hearing aid batteries:

• Size 10 (yellow)
  These are the smallest and last for about 3-7 days.
  
  
• Size 312 (brown)
  These are slightly larger and last for about 7-10 days.
  
  
• Size 13 (orange)
  These are even larger and last for about 10-14 days.
  
  
• Size 675 (blue)
  These are the largest and last for about 14-20 days.

Rechargeable batteries are also available, and they can last for a full day of use before needing to be recharged.

The lifespan of rechargeable hearing aids also varies. If properly charged overnight, they can often last a full day. However, run time depends on the hearing aid model and age, your listening environment (e.g. streaming audio can drain a battery faster), hearing aid settings, and type of battery.

What you'll need

• New hearing aid batteries (correct size and type).
  
  
• Battery removal tool (optional).

Steps to change your hearing aid batteries

1. Open the battery compartment.
   
   
2. Take out the old battery. Don't use sharp metal objects.
   
   
3. Put in the new battery with the "+" side facing up. Make sure it fits snugly.
   
   
4. Close the battery compartment securely.
   
   
5. Put on your hearing aid and test it.

Sealed units

• Most rechargeable hearing aids have sealed battery compartments that are not designed to not be opened. This is often for safety and to protect against water. Do not try to open and replace the rechargeable battery on your own.

Professional replacement

• If the rechargeable battery isn't lasting very long after it's been fully charged or fails altogether, contact your audiologist to determine the best course of action. They may be able to send the hearing aids to the manufacturer for battery replacement or servicing.

In most of the cases, the reasons for a short running time are not necessarily production faults, but rather:

• Environmental influences (e.g. humidity, temperature).
• Personal hearing habits have changed (longer period of use per day, higher noise level, new features of the hearing aid are being used).
• The hearing aid was in use longer than usual (e.g. night at the theatre). The hearing aid is new, or the type or brand of the hearing aid has changed.
• The new hearing aid has additional features that require more energy. 

 

Improper handling can also reduce the running time of the hearing aid battery, e.g.:

• The battery tab is removed and the activation period as too short. It has to be 2 minutes or more before it is inserted into the hearing aid.
• The hearing aid is not switched off overnight or after a long period of non-use.
• The battery loses capacity due to a short circuit when mishandled (e.g. through contact with metal objects).
• The battery is stored in a warm environment (e.g. in a parked car in the sun).

All of today's hearing aid batteries work on the basis of zinc and oxygen. That is why you will always find a colored sticker on one side of the hearing aid battery.

This sticker keeps the battery close to airtight. As soon as you remove this sticker, the zinc/air battery is activated by drawing in oxygen through tiny holes. Therefore, you should not remove the sticker until you need the battery.

It is recommended that you remove the sticker from the battery, and wait about 2 minutes, before you insert the battery. If you need immediate assistance, you can call us at 0800 522 422.