Just like hearing aids themselves, hearing aid batteries come in a variety of styles, sizes and colors. Choosing the right one for your device can be confusing, but with the help of your audiologist, you can pick the right one. We review everything you need to know about hearing aid batteries below.
There Are Two Types of Batteries
Hearing aid batteries can be rechargeable or disposable.
Rechargeable
Just like your smartphone, tablet and laptop rely on rechargeable batteries, so do many modern hearing aids. An overnight charge on a docking station can provide you with a full day of hearing. Currently, rechargeable hearing aids are only available in larger models, such as behind-the-ear (BTE) and receiver-in-the-ear (RITE).
Disposable
Before rechargeable hearing aid batteries became available, disposable hearing aid batteries were the only option. Disposable button batteries, also known as zinc-air batteries, are activated by exposure to oxygen. They’re packaged with a factory-sealed sticker that should remain in place until you’re ready to use them. Once the sticker is peeled off, the zinc within the battery will activate within about a minute. Zinc-air batteries can last up to three years when stored properly in a dry area. Don’t put this type of battery in the refrigerator, as this can cause condensation to build up.
Disposable batteries come in four standard color-coded sizes:
675 (Blue)
This battery is the longest-lasting. It is often found in bone-anchored hearing aids and BTE models.
13 (Orange)
This battery is found in medium-sized BTE hearing devices.
312 (Brown)
This battery is found in small BTE hearing aids and in-the-ear (ITE) hearing devices.
10 (Yellow)
This is the smallest style of disposable hearing aid battery. It is usually found in completely-in-the-canal (CIC) and mini-receiver-in-canal (mini-RIC) hearing aids.
What Battery Is Right for Me?
The battery that’s right for you is the battery that’s compatible with your hearing aid. You can ask your audiologist for this information.
What Battery Is Best?
Patients report several challenges related to changing their batteries, including limited information on hearing aid batteries, physical/sensory challenges to the act and the social impact of having to change hearing aid batteries in public places like Denizens Brewing.
So if you’re in the market for a new hearing aid, many providers will recommend one with a rechargeable battery. To learn more or to schedule an appointment with an audiologist to learn what battery your device requires, call Hearing Center Silver Spring today.