Hearing Aid Batteries

Like any portable electronic device, hearing aids rely on batteries to work their magic. There are two main types of batteries, which you will need to choose between at the time you select your hearing aids. For years, disposable zinc-air batteries were the only option for hearing aids, but in the last few years, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries have become a reliable and popular option.

Rechargeable Batteries

For most people who wear RIC (receiver-in-canal) or BTE (behind-the-ear) hearing aids, rechargeable batteries are now the best option. The rechargeable batteries used in hearing aids are the lithium-ion type—the same as you’ll find in your smartphone, tablet, or laptop computer.

For the most part, only RIC and BTE hearing aids can use rechargeable batteries. This is because the current state of the technology requires a battery that is too large to fit inside smaller hearing aids, though Starkey does make an ITE (in-the-ear) hearing aid with a rechargeable option.

There are a few main reasons to choose a rechargeable hearing aid. For one, you’ll never need to buy hearing aid batteries! Your rechargeable hearing aids will come with the batteries sealed inside, and they will last as long as your hearing aids, themselves.

Rechargeable hearing aids are also a little easier to care for than hearing aids that use disposable batteries. This is because they do not require an accessible battery compartment. The battery compartment is one of the major pain points on a hearing aid. Moisture and dirt can work their way into the compartment over time, which can corrode the battery terminals. With rechargeable hearing aids, this is never an issue. Simply wipe your hearing aids with a clean, dry cloth at the end of each day, and place them in their charging station overnight.

Most rechargeable hearing aids provide power for 18–20 hours before needing a charge, even while utilizing a wireless Bluetooth connection. For most people, this will easily allow for all-day use. From a dead battery, it takes about 3 hours on a charging station to attain 100% power. If you charge your hearing aids overnight, you’ll wake up every day with enough power to get you through to bedtime.

Disposable Batteries

ITE and smaller hearing aid types generally do not use rechargeable batteries, as the tiny battery that would be required cannot provide enough power to offer a full day’s use on a single charge. While this may change one day, the current state of the art requires a disposable zinc-air battery for use with most ITE and smaller hearing aids.

Nearly all RIC and BTE models also still offer the choice between rechargeable and disposable batteries. This is because rechargeability isn’t the right choice for everyone. Depending on your lifestyle, rechargeable batteries may not be right for you. If you are forgetful about charging your phone at night, for example, you might want to opt for disposable batteries. Or, if you spend extended periods away from electrical outlets, camping, or hunting, disposable batteries may be a better option, as you can carry them along with you and replace them as necessary.

Zinc-air batteries can provide power for significantly longer than rechargeable batteries. The largest disposable batteries will last for 9–20 days, while the smallest will last about 3–7 days.

Disposable batteries come in four standard sizes. The largest is about half the diameter of a dime. You can purchase hearing aid batteries in many places—grocery stores, department stores, electronics stores, drug stores, gas stations, and hearing care providers. Of these, the best option is usually to purchase them from a hearing care provider. This is because disposable batteries have a shelf life of about three years, and the stock sold by hearing care providers is typically replenished more often than at more general-purpose retailers, meaning your batteries will be fresher and will likely last longer.

Disposable zinc-air batteries work because of a reaction between zinc and oxygen. For this reason, the zinc needs to be sealed against oxygen until the battery is intended to be used. There is a sealing tab on each battery, with the color code indicating the size. When you’re ready to use a battery, pull the tab and let it sit in the open air for one minute before placing it in your hearing aid. Letting it sit out for a minute will allow the reaction to take place more uniformly and provide better, longer power.

To care for hearing aids with disposable batteries, it’s best to wipe your hearing aids with a clean, dry cloth when you remove them from your ears, open the battery compartments, and leave them that way overnight. Opening the battery compartments will allow any moisture that has accumulated in the day to evaporate, which can significantly extend the lifespan of your hearing aids.

Zinc-air batteries are hazardous to pets and children, so be sure to keep them in a safe place. It’s best to save your dead batteries and return them to your hearing care provider for recycling.

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Rechargeable Batteries

Disposable Batteries

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Hearing Aid Batteries