If you wear hearing aids, you know that getting every bit of power from a battery is important. These devices may be the difference between participating in an interesting conversation or missing too much to understand it. Some factors that affect the life of hearing aid batteries include:
- Size and type of battery your device uses
- Your environment (dry, hot, humid, etc.)
- Technology level of your hearing aids
- Size of your hearing aids
- How well you care for and store batteries
- Length of time you are use your hearing aids each day
Hearing aid batteries typically last between three and 10 days, so your monthly bill can easily rack up if you aren’t making the most of your battery life. Thankfully, there are things that you can do to maximize their power and battery lifespan:
- Check the expiration date when purchasing batteries. Batteries can sit on a shelf for years and each year they lose a little more power. Buying the newest batteries with the furthest away expiration date can help you get the most power for your dollar.
- Use the oldest set of batteries first. Using your oldest set of batteries before your newer set will help you combat batteries sitting without use.
- Store your batteries in a cool and dry location. The bathroom is the worst place to store your batteries. Heat and moisture will not only zap their power, but can also destroy your batteries. The kitchen isn’t much better. A bedroom nightstand or closet shelf may be best.
- Don’t remove the tab until it’s time to use the batteries. When you remove the tab, the battery is immediately activated and starts draining power because hearing aid batteries are zinc-air batteries. This means that the zinc is activated once the air begins to flow through the tiny holes that the tab covers.
- Let your batteries breathe. Once you pull the tab to activate your batteries, let them sit with the tab off for around 5 minutes before installing them to let the air activate the battery properly.
- Always wash your hands before replacing the battery. Any dirt, dust or grease on your hands can clog up the air holes that keep the zinc-air batteries working properly. Any debris on your hands can affect the hearing aid itself.
- Turn off your hearing aids. If you won’t be using your hearing aids for a shower or nap, turn them off. This will help save the power in the batteries.
- Open the battery doors. At night, when you won’t be using your hearing aids, turn them off and open the battery doors. The power will drain slower when the batteries are allowed to stay cool and dry.
- Use a hearing aid dehumidifier. A dehumidifier will help remove any moisture that gets into your hearing aids and the batteries. This is another way to help prolong your battery life while also taking proper care of your hearing aids.
- Take out the batteries. If you won’t be using your hearing aids for an extended period of time, take the batteries out and store them in a cool, dry location until you are ready to use them again.
If you are experiencing any problems with your hearing aids and ear care, or need a hearing test, schedule an appointment with Sonora Hearing Care today. Our audiologists and staff are here to help you! We are following all safety guidelines to protect you and our staff.