What You Need to Know About Hearing Aid Batteries

Batteries don’t get much coverage in the press, but without them, our modern device-driven world would cease to exist. Batteries are at the core of practically every mobile electronic device, and hearing aids are no exception.

Here’s what you need to know about hearing aid batteries.

Hearing aid batteries come in a range of standard sizes

The assistive hearing device industry uses a range of standard battery sizes in its products. Most hearing aids on the market use one of four battery sizes: 10, 13, 312 and 675. The purpose of this standardization is to make it easy for those wearing hearing aids find the batteries they need when their old ones run out of charge. The smallest batteries, like 10, sometimes only last a few days, whereas larger varieties, like the 13, can keep going for as much as ten days of continuous use before needing to be replaced.

It should be noted that there are hearing aids on the market with rechargeable batteries, though they are rare. Rechargeable batteries can be charged overnight, but each charge doesn’t last as long as the charge in a standard, disposable alkaline battery.

Batteries may impact the performance of your hearing aid

Hearing aids are sophisticated pieces of kit which are sensitive to changes in power output from the battery. Batteries running low on charge can cause a range of audible artifacts which alter the quality of the user experience.

Sometimes low-running batteries can cause the hearing aid to emit a crackling or distorted sound when turned up to high volume. Low-running batteries can also cause some devices to issue a “bleep” sound to indicate that the cell needs replacing.

If you notice either of these effects, then swap out the battery for a new one.

You should open the battery door at night

During regular use, hearing aids can attract moisture. Sweat and humidity can cause water to condense in the battery compartment. To avoid moisture buildup, manufacturers and audiologists recommend leaving the battery door open at night to allow water to escape.

Batteries need to be kept away from extreme temperatures

The internal chemistry of batteries relies on operating within a certain temperature range. Putting a cell into a temperature environment outside of the normal range can lead to problems with the anode, cathode, electrolyte and other elements, leading to a loss of performance.

Hearing aid batteries can last up to 22 days

Although hearing aid batteries are small, some can last for up to 22 days. Other hearing aid batteries, especially those in in-the-canal devices, do not last as long. Some models require that the battery is changed every three days or so.

Hearing aid batteries can drain if they come into contact with conductive objects

You may inadvertently drain charge from a hearing aid battery if you leave it in contact keys, coins or anything else that could result in the release of charge. Keep batteries in the packet until required. Carefully remove them before placing them in your hearing aid.