How to Extend the Life of Your Hearing Aid Batteries

Hearing aids are vital devices for those with hearing impairments, enabling them to engage more fully in daily life. However, one of the most common challenges hearing aid users face is managing the battery life of their devices. The performance of hearing aids heavily relies on the batteries, often referred to as “cells.” The type of cell used in hearing aids can significantly influence the duration and quality of use. This article will explore various strategies to extend the life of your hearing aid batteries, ensuring that you get the most out of your hearing aids.

Understanding the Basics: The Cell Used in Hearing Aids

Before diving into the strategies for extending battery life, it’s essential to understand the types of cells used in hearing aids. Most hearing aids use zinc-air batteries, which are small, button-shaped batteries. These batteries are activated by exposure to air, specifically oxygen, which starts a chemical reaction that generates power for the hearing aid.

Zinc-air batteries come in four standard sizes, which are colour-coded for easy identification:

• Size 10 (Yellow): Smallest in size, typically used in mini hearing aids.
• Size 13 (Orange): Used in behind-the-ear (BTE) and in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids.
• Size 312 (Brown): Common in both BTE and ITE hearing aids.
• Size 675 (Blue): Largest, often used in powerful BTE hearing aids.

Each size offers different battery life spans, with larger batteries generally lasting longer. However, regardless of the size, there are several strategies you can employ to maximize the life of the cell used in hearing aids.

Proper Storage of Hearing Aid Batteries

Proper storage of hearing aid batteries is crucial for extending their life. Here are some tips:

1. Keep Batteries in a Cool, Dry Place: Store your hearing aid batteries in a cool, dry place. Excessive heat and humidity can shorten the battery life. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as extreme cold can also negatively impact battery performance.
2. Avoid Metal Objects: Keep batteries away from metal objects like keys or coins. Metal can short-circuit the battery, leading to rapid depletion of power.
3. Use the Original Packaging: Store the batteries in their original packaging until you are ready to use them. This protects them from environmental factors that could drain their power prematurely.

Activation and Usage Tips

Since zinc-air batteries are activated by air, how you handle and activate them can influence their longevity.

1. Wait Before Using: After removing the battery tab, wait about five minutes before inserting it into your hearing aid. This allows the battery to fully activate, leading to a more stable and longer-lasting charge.
2. Turn Off the Hearing Aid When Not in Use: One of the simplest ways to extend battery life is to turn off your hearing aid when you’re not using it. For instance, if you’re going to sleep or won’t need your hearing aids for a while, make sure to turn them off completely.
3. Use a Battery Saver Function: Some hearing aids come with a battery saver function. This feature can help conserve power when the hearing aid is not actively amplifying sound.

Battery Handling Practices

How you handle the cell used in hearing aids can also affect its longevity.

1. Clean Hands Before Handling: Always make sure your hands are clean and dry before handling hearing aid batteries. Dirt, moisture, or oils from your skin can transfer to the battery, potentially causing corrosion and reducing battery life.
2. Avoid Frequent Battery Switching: Constantly switching batteries between devices or removing and reinserting them can cause them to drain faster. Try to minimize battery movement once installed.
3. Check Battery Expiration Dates: Batteries have expiration dates, and using old batteries can result in poor performance and shorter life. Always check the expiration date on the packaging before using a new battery.

Maintenance of Hearing Aids

The condition of your hearing aid can also impact the battery life. Regular maintenance is crucial for ensuring that your hearing aid is functioning optimally, which in turn can help preserve battery life.

1. Keep the Battery Compartment Clean: Dust, dirt, and moisture can accumulate in the battery compartment, leading to poor battery performance. Regularly clean the battery compartment with a dry cloth or a designated hearing aid brush.
2. Check for Corrosion: If you notice any signs of corrosion in the battery compartment, clean it immediately. Corrosion can prevent the battery from making proper contact, reducing its efficiency and lifespan.
3. Service Your Hearing Aid Regularly: Regular professional maintenance of your hearing aid can identify issues that might cause batteries to drain faster. This includes ensuring that the device is free from moisture and that all components are functioning correctly.

Environmental Considerations

The environment in which you use and store your hearing aids can have a significant impact on battery life.

1. Avoid Humid Environments: Humidity can cause batteries to drain more quickly. If you live in a humid area, consider using a hearing aid dehumidifier to store your devices overnight.
2. Protect From Extreme Temperatures: Both extreme heat and cold can reduce battery life. Avoid leaving your hearing aids or batteries in places where they might be exposed to such conditions, like a car dashboard.
3. Altitude and Battery Life: If you travel to high altitudes, be aware that the lower oxygen levels can cause zinc-air batteries to deplete faster. It’s advisable to carry extra batteries if you are planning to be at high altitudes for extended periods.

Choosing the Right Battery Brand

Not all hearing aid batteries are created equal. The brand of the battery can also play a role in how long it lasts.

1. Opt for High-Quality Batteries: Invest in high-quality batteries from reputable brands. While they might be slightly more expensive, they often provide a more consistent power output and longer life.
2. Test Different Brands: Different brands might perform better in your specific hearing aid model. Don’t hesitate to test a few to see which one offers the best performance.
3. Avoid Bulk Buying: While it might be tempting to buy batteries in bulk to save money, keep in mind that batteries have a shelf life. Buying too many at once might result in some going to waste if they expire before you can use them.

Monitoring Battery Life

Being proactive about monitoring the battery life of the cell used in hearing aids can help you manage and extend its longevity.

1. Use a Battery Tester: A battery tester can help you check the charge level of your batteries, ensuring that you don’t replace them prematurely or wait too long and risk the battery dying at an inconvenient time.
2. Replace Batteries Before They Die: It’s better to replace your hearing aid batteries before they die completely to avoid being caught off guard in an important situation. This also ensures that your hearing aids are always functioning at their best.
3. Track Battery Life: Keep track of how long your batteries typically last. If you notice a sudden decrease in battery life, it could be a sign that something is wrong with the hearing aid or the battery itself.

New Technologies and Innovations

Advancements in hearing aid technology and battery design continue to improve, offering new ways to extend battery life.

1. Rechargeable Hearing Aids: Consider using rechargeable hearing aids, which eliminate the need for frequent battery replacements. These hearing aids use lithium-ion batteries that can last all day on a single charge and typically have a lifespan of several years.
2. Smart Hearing Aids: Some modern hearing aids come with smart technology that can optimize power usage based on your listening environment, further extending battery life.
3. Battery-Free Hearing Aids: Research is ongoing into battery-free hearing aids, which use alternative energy sources such as solar power or body heat. While these are not yet widely available, they represent the future of hearing aid power solutions.

Conclusion: Maximizing the Life of the Cell Used in Hearing Aids

Extending the life of the cell used in hearing aids is about more than just saving money; it’s also about ensuring that your hearing aids are always ready to support you when you need them. By following the strategies outlined above—proper storage, mindful handling, regular maintenance, and staying informed about new technologies—you can maximize the performance and longevity of your hearing aid batteries.

Always remember that the right care and attention to detail can significantly improve your experience with hearing aids, helping you maintain a clear, consistent connection to the world around you. Whether you’re using traditional zinc-air batteries or exploring newer, rechargeable options, taking these steps will help you get the most out of your hearing aids and ensure that the cell used in hearing aids serves you well for as long as possible.