If you depend on a hearing aid, you know that choosing the right batteries is crucial to its proper functioning. Hearing aid batteries are small but play an essential role in the daily operation of your hearing aid. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of hearing aid batteries, the differences between them, and how to choose the right battery for your specific needs.
1. The Different Types of Hearing Aid Batteries.
Hearing aid batteries are available in four standard sizes: 10, 13, 312 and 675. These batteries are usually zinc-air batteries, meaning they are activated by contact with air when the seal is removed. Each size has its own specific color coding to avoid confusion:
- Battery 10: These are yellow coded and are the smallest batteries, used mainly in miniature hearing aids such as in-ear and completely-in-canal (CIC) models.
- Battery 13: These batteries are orange-coded and slightly larger. They are commonly used in behind-the-ear (BTE) and in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids.
- Battery 312: These are brown coded and are often used in hearing aids that need to be both small and powerful, such as in-the-canal (ITC) devices.
- Battery 675: These blue-coded batteries are the largest and are mainly used in high-performance BTE hearing aids.
2. How Do Zinc-Air Hearing Aid Batteries Work?
Zinc-air batteries work in a unique way compared to traditional alkaline batteries. They are activated when the protective sticker is removed and oxygen reaches the battery. This oxygen reacts with zinc in the battery, generating electricity. Because they are activated only when they come into contact with air, zinc-air batteries have a longer shelf life, often up to three years if the sticker is not removed.
3. Life of Hearing Aid Batteries.
The life of a hearing aid battery depends on several factors, including the type of hearing aid, the strength of sound, the amount of use, and the size of the battery. In general:
- Battery 10: Lasts an average of 3-7 days.
- Battery 312: Lasts an average of 7-10 days.
- Battery 13: Lasts an average of 10-14 days.
- Battery 675: Lasts an average of 14-20 days.
Keep in mind that battery life can vary greatly depending on the use of wireless features such as Bluetooth. If your hearing aid is constantly connected to a smartphone or other device, it can drain the battery significantly faster.
4. Rechargeable Hearing Aid Batteries.
In addition to traditional disposable zinc-air batteries, rechargeable hearing aid batteries are gaining popularity. These batteries offer the advantage of no longer having to buy or throw away batteries, which is both cost-saving and environmentally friendly. Rechargeable hearing aid batteries are usually lithium-ion or silver-zinc batteries, and can often last an entire day after charging overnight.
Benefits of Rechargeable Batteries:
- Environmentally friendly: Reduction of waste due to disposable batteries.
- Cost-saving: No constant purchase of new batteries.
- Ease of use: No more hassle of changing small batteries.
Disadvantages of Rechargeable Batteries:
- Higher initial cost: Purchasing a rechargeable hearing aid can be more expensive.
- Battery life: Although rechargeable batteries can be reused, they have a limited life and must be replaced after a number of years.
5. Tips for Optimizing Battery Life.
Although the lifespan of hearing aid batteries is limited, there are several ways to optimize their lifespan:
- Let the battery “breathe.” After you remove the sticker, wait 5 minutes before inserting the battery into the hearing aid. This gives the battery enough time to fully activate.
- Turn off the hearing aid when not in use: This may seem obvious, but many people leave their hearing aid on when it is not needed. Turning it off saves a lot of battery power.
- Store batteries in a cool, dry place: Although some people store batteries in the refrigerator, this is not necessary and can even be harmful. Simply store them at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
- Avoid touching the flat side: The flat side of the battery is the negative terminal. Avoid contact as much as possible to prevent corrosion.
- Use the battery until it is completely empty: This ensures that you use the full capacity of the battery.
6. Quality and Brands of Hearing Aid Batteries.
Not all hearing aid batteries are created equal, and the choice of brand can have a significant impact on the performance of your hearing aid. Well-known brands such as Duracell, Rayovac, and Power One are known for their reliability and longevity. These brands often offer batteries designed specifically for hearing aids, with stable current flow and less chance of leakage.
Why choose a premium brand?
- Reliability: Premium brands offer consistency in quality and performance.
- Less chance of leakage: Cheap batteries can leak faster, which can cause damage to your hearing aid.
- Longer life: While premium batteries may be slightly more expensive, they often last longer, making them more cost-effective in the long run.
7. Environmental Impact of Hearing Aid Batteries.
Although hearing aid batteries are small, they can have a significant environmental impact if not disposed of properly. Zinc-air batteries contain zinc and other metals that can be harmful to the environment. It is therefore important to return used batteries to a collection point so they can be recycled properly.
Rechargeable batteries are a more environmentally friendly alternative because they reduce the amount of battery waste. However, even these batteries must be properly recycled at the end of their life.
8. Conclusion: Which Hearing Aid Battery is the Right One for You?
Choosing the right hearing aid battery depends on your personal needs, the type of hearing aid you use, and your lifestyle. If you value ease of use and environmental friendliness, rechargeable batteries may be a good choice. For others, traditional zinc-air batteries may be preferable because of their reliability and long shelf life.
Regardless of your choice, be sure to choose high-quality batteries to get the most out of your hearing aid and ensure that you can always enjoy clear, powerful sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can hearing aid batteries be recycled?
Yes, hearing aid batteries can and should be recycled. This prevents harmful impact on the environment.
2. How do I know when my battery is low?
Most modern hearing aids provide a warning signal when the battery is low. This can range from a beep to a spoken warning.
3. Why doesn’t my battery last as long as expected?
This may be due to factors such as your hearing aid settings, use of wireless features, or battery quality.
By being aware of the different types of hearing aid batteries and their characteristics, you can choose the one that best suits your hearing aid and lifestyle.
Buy hearing aid batteries at Horend Goed
As hearing care specialists, we naturally carry all brands and types of hearing aid batteries in our webshop. Ordered on weekdays before 15:00 = same day shipping! We recommend PowerOne batteries.
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Power One Evolution P10€6,40 -
Power One Evolution P13€6,40
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Power One Evolution P675€6,95
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Power One p312€4,95
