Hearing Aid Batteries

Understanding Hearing Aid Batteries

Hearing aid batteries are the little things that keep you going. Understanding your batteries and what to expect is vital to getting the best from your hearing aids. Here we give you the ‘need to know’ information to be successful.

Need to Knows – Battery Life

One of the most common questions we get is “how long should my battery last”?

The first thing to remember is your battery is essentially powering a mini-computer, often for 14 hours per day.

The second is the smaller the hearing aid the smaller the battery required.

For most private hearing aids a battery will last around a week. If a person has previously had an NHS hearing aid this sometimes surprises them as they may have achieved around 2 weeks.

Invisible hearing aids require a smaller battery in order to stay discreet.

Another consideration is the strength of your prescription. If you have a small hearing aid but a significant hearing loss then the battery drain will be higher.

Lastly, with more technology onboard such as connectivity to the phone or music streaming the drain on the battery can be greater.

 

When to Change Your Batteries

There are a few indicators that can tell you when your batteries are running low

• The hearing aid becomes weak and you’re having to turn the volume up.
• Modern hearing aids will let you know when the battery is low by playing a beep or melody in to your ear. The warning is typically between 30 minutes to 1 hour. Always make sure you have some spare batteries with you if you’re out for the day.

 

Battery Covers

Your batteries will have little protective seals on them. This is to preserve them before use. Beneath the seal is a small hole which allows air to enter the battery once it’s removed. This activates the battery ready for use. We recommend only to take these off when you are ready to use them. The batteries will start to drain down as soon as it is removed whether you are using your hearing aid or not, so this will prevent you from trying to use it with a dead battery.

 

Maximise Your Battery Life

Get the most out of your batteries with these 3 tips:

• When you’re not using your hearing aid, turn it off. This is done by opening the battery door. Make sure you open it fully as this will allow the battery compartment to breathe and also stops corrosion.
• If not using the hearing aid for a longer period of time take the battery out completely. This way you can be sure it is definitely switched off and not draining away.
• Extremes of temperatures can significantly affect batteries. Try not to keep them anywhere that is too hot or cold.

Our Top Tips for Successful Battery Use

• Always carry a spare set of batteries with you. It can be extremely frustrating if your batteries lose power at an important meeting or gathering.
• Dirt and grease can cause damage to your hearing aids, always wash your hands before changing the batteries.
• Coins and other metal objects can cause your batteries to discharge prematurely. Try to keep your batteries away from them.
• Store your batteries at room temperature. Extremes of temperature can have a negative impact on the performance of batteries, and your hearing aids too.