Ultimate Guide to Hearing Aid Batteries

One of the most challenging issues of hearing aids for many wearers is the topic of batteries. No one wants the unexpected and unwelcome surprise of a hearing aid that is suddenly not working. However, knowing when and how to change batteries can be complex. Below, we explore some of the most important issues related to batteries so that you can keep your hearing aids in top working order. 

How Long Do Hearing Aid Batteries Last?

There is no single or simple answer to this question. It depends on a wide range of factors. For example, larger hearing aids tend to have longer battery life than their smaller counterparts. A behind-the-ear hearing aid may have a battery life of up to two weeks. On the other hand, an invisible, in-ear model may have a battery life of only two to three days. These are only averages, and there is variation across models. 

Battery Quality Matters 

Tthe type and quality of batteries you purchase may impact how long the battery life is in your hearing aid. It may make sense to try a trial-and-error approach and see what brands last the longest for you and your hearing aid model. 

How You Use Them Plays a Role, Too

Another factor to remember is that how you use your hearing aids will also impact the battery life. If you have Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids and you frequently stream content from your other devices directly to your hearing aids, you are likely to quickly go through batteries.

How Much Do Hearing Aid Batteries Cost? 

Again, this is a question with a wide range of answers. The prices of hearing aid batteries can vary significantly. 

The first thing to remember is that not all hearing aids take the same size battery. The majority of in-canal hearing aids, as well as some of the smaller behind-the-ear options, use 312 size batteries. Behind-the-ear hearing aids generally use size 675 or size 13 batteries. There are also some hearing aid choices that use size 10 batteries. Therefore, before you purchase batteries, it is essential to know what size you need. 

There may be a significant price difference based on battery brand, as well. For example, a 24-count pack of Energizer 312 batteries costs $19.99 at many major retail outlets. On the other hand, by going to an online discount retailer, you can get 60 312 Renata batteries for $26.95. 

Pay More for Longer Use

Everyone is interested in saving money. The costs of replacing batteries every few days can be overwhelming for many hearing aid users. But, when you are shopping for hearing aid batteries, it is important to look at more than the initial purchase price. A more expensive battery could be more affordable in the long-term if it provides a longer battery life. In addition, sometimes, as noted above, it may take some trial-and-error purchases to determine what batteries have the longest battery life for your hearing aid model and use. 

Rechargeable Hearing Aid Batteries 

Some hearing aid users are increasingly frustrated with the cost of having to change out their batteries frequently. The good news for these people is that rechargeable hearing aid batteries are becoming increasingly widely available. 

Before using rechargeable hearing aid batteries in your device, it is important to check with your hearing aid professional to ensure that your model works with this option. Increasingly, most models are available in a rechargeable option. 

Advantages of Rechargeable Hearing Aid Batteries

Rechargeable batteries offer numerous advantages over the traditional battery approach. Some of those advantages include: 

1. It may be a more cost-effective approach. Even though rechargeable models may be more expensive to purchase initially, a user also does not need to replace batteries every day or week. The costs of replacement batteries definitely add up. Assuming at the low end of the price spectrum that a replacement battery for each hearing aid costs $1. If a person needs to replace batteries every week, hearing aid batteries may cost up to $100 per year. 

2. It may be a more cost-effective approach. Even though rechargeable models may be more expensive to purchase initially, a user also does not need to replace batteries every day or week. The costs of replacement batteries definitely add up. Assuming at the low end of the price spectrum that a replacement battery for each hearing aid costs $1. If a person needs to replace batteries every week, hearing aid batteries may cost up to $100 per year. 

3. It may be a more cost-effective approach. Even though rechargeable models may be more expensive to purchase initially, a user also does not need to replace batteries every day or week. The costs of replacement batteries definitely add up. Assuming at the low end of the price spectrum that a replacement battery for each hearing aid costs $1. If a person needs to replace batteries every week, hearing aid batteries may cost up to $100 per year. 

It is crucial, though, to remember that there are still limitations to rechargeable batteries and their technology. Most rechargeable batteries need to be recharged every night so that a user can get a full day’s use the next day. Also, if a person is extensively using their Bluetooth-enabled capabilities, a single charge may not be enough to get through a day. 

What Can You Do to Improve Battery Life? 

After considering the option of rechargeable hearing aid batteries, if you still decide to go with traditional batteries, is there anything that you can do to optimize battery life? Yes, there are definitely steps that you can take. Consider the following: 

Step 1

First, if you are buying your batteries in person at a store, make sure to check the expiration date on the package. As batteries approach their expiration date, they may become less effective in terms of their battery life. 

Step 2

Second, it is crucial to safely and properly store your batteries before they are used. Batteries do not like extreme temperatures or wet locations. Therefore, it is a good idea to find a cool and dry place, such as a kitchen cabinet or bathroom drawer, to store your batteries. 

Step 3

Lastly, remember that your hearing aid batteries come with a colored tab on the back of the battery. Make sure to leave that tab in place until you are ready to put your battery into your hearing aid. Once the tab is removed, the battery begins to wear down immediately. 

Bringing It All Together

Hearing aid users often do extensive research before purchasing the hearing aid model that works best for their lifestyle and hearing loss. But, some hearing aid users are less informed about the topic of hearing aid batteries. As a result, they quickly become frustrated with frequent battery changes and other topics. It is important to know that if you are using hearing aids, you will either need to choose the rechargeable battery option or change your batteries regularly. However, being informed about price differences and steps that you can take to improve battery life can make this process less frustrating.