How to Preserve Hearing Aid Batteries

As a hearing aid user, we know that battery life and hearing aid battery preservation is important to you. So, it's understandable that you would want the best information about how to care for your batteries, preserve battery life, and troubleshoot problems. 

The great thing about hearing aid batteries is that they are fairly easy to store and care for. Also, most major hearing aid battery  manufacturers are very receptive to the needs and concerns of their customers and will help you with questions and care instructions as needed. 

Even so, we'd like to answer some of your basic questions about caring for hearing aid batteries and preserving battery life. 

Proper Care and Storage of Hearing Aid Batteries

The most important step in preserving batter life is to learn how to care for and store your batteries properly. An improperly stored battery could be damaged or lose much of it's ability to charge, which is not good for any hearing aid user. 

The sticker on the battery is what prevents it from activating. Because of this, it's important that batteries be stored in such a way as to prevent the sticker from separating from the battery. Moisture is probably the biggest enemy to proper battery storage. 

Do not store your hearing aid batteries in the refrigerator or the bathroom. Contrary to popular belief, storing your batteries in the refrigerator will not make them last longer. Store your hearing aid batteries in a dry place such as a cupboard or shelf that you know is in a low-moisture area.

Additionally, hearing aids need to be stored up high and away from the reach of children and pets. All hearing aid batteries are dangerous and toxic if swallowed. If this should happen, seek immediate medical attention for the individual.

Natural Battery Power Loss

The hours or charge each battery has will vary on the style of the hearing aid and therefore the size of the battery. A smaller battery will drain faster than a larger battery. For example, a size 10 battery only lasts an average of 3-5 days.

Many people have smaller hearing aids for cosmetic appeal, which means a smaller battery that doesn't last as long. Batteries will also drain faster the more severe your hearing loss is. They will also drain faster the more you use bluetooth and other hearing aid devices. 

The average battery life of a hearing aid is about a week if you are using your hearing aids 12 to 16 hours a day. 

Tips for extending the life of your hearing aid battery

• Let the battery sit for 5 to 7 minutes after removing the sticker.
• Leave the battery door open when you are not using your hearing aid (for instance, when you are sleeping).

Do you want to store your batteries for long periods of time? Just know that unused batteries lose about 3% of their capacity every year. Batteries of all brands and types fade over time. After about 4 years of storage your hearing aid batteries will have about an 85-88% charge.

As you can see, with just a little extra care you can store your batteries properly and preserve the life of your hearing aid batteries.