One of the products every hearing aid user becomes familiar with is the small battery responsible for powering your devices. In addition to understanding which battery is the right fit for your specific hearing aid, you also need to understand how it works and how to care for it. At Nu-Life Hearing Centre, we will work with you to make sure you are comfortable handling your batteries and know the proper ways to maintain them.
While rechargeable hearing aids are becoming more popular, many hearing aids still use disposable button batteries. Known as zinc-air buttons, these batteries have a protective plastic tab that you remove to activate the surface. Once the battery is activated, wait about one minute before placing it in the hearing aid.
Battery sizes
There are four standard sizes of hearing aid battery. They are color coded for easy identification:
- 675: The 675 is the largest standard battery at 11.6×5.4mm. The color code is blue and is used to power behind-the-ear (BTE) devices.
- 13: The 13 is 7.9×5.4mm. The color code is orange and is used in both large and small devices.
- 312: The 312 is 7.9×3.6mm. The color code is brown and is used in smaller hearing devices like mini-BTEs.
- 10: The 10 is the smallest standard battery at 5.8×3.6mm. The color code is yellow and is used in the smallest hearing aids like completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids.
Battery storage and use
Air-zinc batteries should be stored at room temperature. Refrigeration might harm them in the long run because of condensation that can build. Batteries are typically usable for about three years, but you should check the expiration date before placing one in your device. Additionally, once the seal tab is removed, the battery must be used. Store batteries in convenient locations that are easily accessible to you. Many people carry a spare pair with them in case a battery needs replacing while out and about. Don’t carry them loose in pockets as they could become lost or the seal removed.
There are a few suggestions about using hearing aid batteries. Always leave the seal tab on until the battery is ready for use. Always turn off the hearing aid when not in use and open the battery compartment to stop drainage. Batteries are recyclable at many hearing centers.
Rechargeable Hearing Aid Batteries
Today’s hearing aids are incredible feats of engineering that pack a lot of technological features into a small package, but they require quite a bit of power to perform.
Rechargeable hearing aid batteries deliver a lot of power for their tiny size as well as extra convenience and the comfort of knowing that you’re using an environmentally friendly technology. Although they may have a higher initial price tag, many hearing aid users find that the cost is ultimately either equal to or less than what they would spend if they opted for disposable batteries. If you feel this may be right for you, feel free to browse the rechargeable hearing products we have to offer!