Hearing aid batteries: what you need to know

When selecting hearing aids, the type of battery is an important consideration. There are two main types: rechargeable and disposable hearing aid batteries.

Each one has pros and cons, depending on your type of hearing loss, lifestyle and preferences. Below, we look at both types and how to take care of either kind of hearing aid battery.

• Rechargeable hearing aid batteries
• Disposable hearing aid batteries
• FAQ about hearing aid batteries

Rechargeable hearing aid batteries

Most hearing aids sold today come with rechargeable batteries that are not removable. These hearing aids are generally best-suited for people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, and they almost always come in a behind-the-ear style.

Here are some common advantages and disadvantages of rechargeable models:

Pros:

• Cost-effective: You don't have to keep buying batteries
• Eco friendly: You no longer need to dispose of used batteries
• Easy-to-use: Take them out your ears and put them in the recharging unit to recharge. 
• Easy to incorporate into a routine: Place them in the charger overnight. They'll be ready by the morning.

Cons:

• Limited choices: Some hearing aid types and styles don't come with rechargeable batteries. Devices for profound hearing loss and devices that fit entirely in your ear may not have this option.
• Reliance on the charger: Once your hearing aids run out of battery power, you’ll need to take them off to charge. You cannot use disposable batteries in the meantime.

How long do rechargeable hearing aid batteries last?

Most rechargeable hearing aid batteries are made of lithium ion. This kind of battery can provide up to a full day of use, with one to four hours of streaming, on a full charge. They will need three to four hours of charging to provide a full charge. If you forget to charge them, a quick 30-minute charging period will provide another six hours of use. 

You can charge rechargeable hearing aids in four simple steps:

1. Connect the portable charging station to a power source using the cable provided.
2. Insert your rechargeable hearing aids into the charging station slots. There's no need to turn them off.
3. Use the LED lights on the front of the charging station to check the charging status of your hearing aids. Solid green means they are fully charged and ready to use.
4. When they're charged, remove hearing aids from the charging case. Hold onto the hearing aid casings and not the receiver wires.

How do I know when my hearing aids need recharging?

Most modern hearing aids will alert you when the battery is low. A beep or similar sound signifies low battery and the need to charge. 

If your hearing aids come with a smartphone app, you can check your battery usage and levels via the app. This can help you plan and know what to expect over time.

Tips for hearing aids with rechargeable batteries:

• Place your them in the active/plugged charging station when not in use, even if they are not depleted or low. “Constant charging” will not drain the battery or shorten the battery life.
• Do not store them in an unplugged charging station. This will drain the batteries and shorten their lifespan.
• Turn them off if you are not going to use them for an extended period of time and cannot put them in the charging base.
• Store them in a safe place when not in use, such as a hearing aid case.

Ask your hearing professional if rechargeable hearing aids may be right for you.

Disposable hearing aid batteries

In the past, all hearing aids used tiny button batteries to power them. Many still do, especially if you have profound hearing loss. Like rechargeable hearing aids, they have their pros and cons:

Pros:

• No downtime: If your batteries are dead, it's easy to swap in a new pair right away.
• No power required: You don't have to rely on a charger to keep them powered, which is especially handy when travelling.
• Affordability: Hearing aids that run on replaceable batteries tend to cost a bit less than rechargeable hearing aids.

Cons:

• Good dexterity is needed: Changing out tiny hearing aid batteries requires that you have good dexterity, especially compared to the ease of docking rechargeable hearing aids.
• Lethal if swallowed. Button batteries can be deadly to children and pets, who may accidentally swallow them. (Any child or pet who has swallowed one should receive emergency treatment.)
• Wasteful and harmful to environment: Over the lifetime of wearing hearing aids, you'll go through a lot of batteries. If not properly disposed of, they can harm the environment.

There are four common sizes of disposable hearing aid batteries: 10, 312, 13, and 675, indicated by the colour of the sticker. The larger and more powerful the hearing aid, the larger the battery required.

• Size 10 – yellow sticker, smallest battery
• Size 312 - brown sticker
• Size 13 – orange sticker
• Size 675 – blue sticker, largest battery

Battery colour coding system is used internationally. No matter where you travel, you can always find your colour coded battery size.

Most disposable hearing aid batteries are zinc-air batteries. They “turn on” when oxygen interacts with them. Manufacturers label zinc-air batteries with a colour coded sticker. 

The expiry date is on the battery package. The battery is good until this date, as long as the sticker on the battery is not removed.

Older hearing aids often used mercury battery cells. Most countries have now banned these cells for being poisonous. They are also harmful to the environment.

How to change hearing aid batteries

Some hearing aids have a notification such as a short beeping sound once their batteries are low. 

Another indicator of a low battery is distorted sound or a need to turn up the volume more than usual. Switch the batteries immediately when this occurs.

To avoid disruptions from expired hearing aid batteries, carry extra batteries with you. You can store them in the carrying case or pouch that accompanies your hearing aids.

To use a zinc-air battery, remove the sticker from the flat and shiny positive side of the battery. Once the battery is exposed to air, the life of the battery has started. After you remove the sticker, wait at least two minutes before placing it in the hearing aid. The ideal time to wait is five minutes. Zinc-air batteries cannot be reactivated by replacing the sticker.

How long do hearing aid batteries last?

Depending on the size, you will need to replace disposable hearing aid batteries every few days to weeks. 

Hearing aid batteries can die quicker if you don't store them properly. The batteries should be kept in a cool, dry place. A hearing aid dehumidifier can also remove moisture from your hearing aid batteries, increasing the battery life.

A general guideline for hearing aid battery life based on every day use is as follows: 

• Size 10 (yellow) - three to six days
• Size 312 (brown) - 10 to14 days
• Size 13 (orange) - two to three weeks
• Size 675 (blue) - three to four weeks

Features like wireless capability influence the running time of the hearing aid battery. Battery life is also variable based on the power of your hearing aids and hours of wear each day. If you wear your hearing aids 16 hours each day, the batteries will last anywhere between three and 22 days.

Ask your hearing care professional what you can expect from your hearing aid battery.

Storing hearing aid batteries

Zinc-air batteries have a long shelf life. They can be stored for up to three years in a dry environment at room temperature, as long as the sticker is not removed. Always refer to the expiry date on your battery package.

Do not store your hearing aid batteries in hot or humid environments, such as in a hot car. This can shorten the longevity of your battery power. 

Finally, avoid storing batteries in the refrigerator. Cold temperatures do not slow down the expiry period.

Batteries in contact with metal objects such as keys or coins can short-circuit. Never carry individual batteries loose in a pocket, wallet or handbag. 

Store your batteries in your hearing aid accessory case or in the original package.

Battery care tips

If you are experiencing shortened battery life, these tips can help:

• Store batteries at room temperature
• Keep away from heat or humid environments
• Do not refrigerate
• Keep your hands clean when handling the batteries. Grease and dirt may damage the battery, causing it to be ineffective
• Keep batteries away from keys, coins or other metals objects
• Open battery door at night or when not in use to avoid battery drain and prevent moisture build-up
• Remove dead batteries from hearing aids immediately to avoid corrosion
• Clean your hearing aids and get them repaired when needed

Still experiencing lower than expected battery life? Consult your hearing aid's user manual. You can also contact your hearing professional to ensure everything is working properly.

How to dispose of hearing aid batteries

Most hearing clinics have a battery disposal service to recycle your used batteries. 

Hearing aid batteries are toxic to people and pets if ingested. Dispose of them carefully and do not leave them where children and pets can find them.

Where to buy hearing aid batteries

Hearing aid batteries are available at grocery or electronic retail stores and pharmacies.You can also buy hearing aid batteries through your hearing aid clinic.

Some clinics even have "battery clubs" to help you save money. Battery clubs offer discounted or free batteries as part of a warranty package. Your battery club membership also keeps information on your battery size.

If you are in Canada and looking for hearing aid batteries, use our directory to find a hearing aid clinic near you.

FAQ

How long do 312 hearing aid batteries last? 

10 to 14 days.

What is the cost of hearing aid batteries? 

The cost of hearing aid batteries will vary based on the pack size. An eight pack of batteries can cost around $15 to $20 CAD.

Which brand of 312 hearing aid batteries last the longest? 

Duracell has one of the longer lasting 312 hearing aid batteries.

Why does one hearing aid battery die before the other? 

Your hearing loss in one ear may require more amplification than in the other. The ear that requires more amplification uses more of the battery. This may cause one battery to die before the other.

What is the five-minute rule for hearing aid batteries? 

The five-minute rule helps to extend the life of your hearing aid batteries. After you remove the sticker from the battery, wait five minutes before putting the battery in the hearing aid. This five-minute wait allows the air to activate the battery. This can add extra days to your battery life!

Where do I pack hearing aid batteries when flying? 

You can pack hearing aid batteries in your carry-on and/or your checked bag. Though your hearing aid batteries may set off the metal detector, they will not get damaged by the detector during a security check. For more information, check with the airline you are flying with.

Which brand of hearing aid batteries last the longest? 

This will vary based on the size of your hearing aid battery. Speak with your hearing professional for information specific to your hearing aid battery needs.