“How often should I change my hearing aid batteries?” is one of the most common questions that we get from hearing aid users. Battery manufacturers use an equation to give an estimate; however, there are several factors that determine the battery life of a hearing device.
Battery Types:
Zinc Air is the most common battery type. Zinc air batteries have a tab. When the tab is pulled off, oxygen mixes with zinc oxide and the battery is activated. For best results, it is recommended to wait up to 5 minutes, after pulling the tab off the battery, before inserting the battery into the hearing device.
Rechargeable is another popular option. Though rechargeable batteries are not available with all hearing aids, more manufacturers are starting to offer them as an alternative to zinc air. Rechargeable devices are placed in a charger overnight.
Battery Life:
All hearing aids have an indicator to let you know when your battery life is low and needs to be changed. There are a number of factors that can determine the life of the battery.
Here are just a few:
Length of wearing time:
The longer the device is being worn, the faster the battery will drain.
Streaming and remote usage:
The ability to stream phone calls or music is a very popular feature; however, it can drain your battery more quickly.
Moisture:
Yes, moisture can drain your battery faster as well! You may not sweat and there might not be any humidity in the air, but your hearing aid can still accumulate moisture. It is recommended that hearing devices using zinc air batteries be kept in a hearing aid de-humidifier, such as the Zephyr, overnight to prevent moisture build up and keep your hearing device working in tip top shape!
If you feel as though you are going through batteries faster than you should be, give us a call!
-contributed by Marnie Belfor, Audiology Technician
At Hearing Health Center, our goal is try and help everyone that walks through our door despite cost. As part of our evaluation we work with you to find the right solution for your hearing loss and your hearing healthcare budget. Not only do we accept insurance benefits, but we also offer payment plan options for patients to pay over time.
Additionally, we don’t want anyone not hearing because of cost, so we work with many charitable foundations that provide support for those that qualify. From the Department of Rehabilitation Services of Illinois to our very own Fisher Foundation, we offer a wide range of help to fit the needs of each and every patient.
“I got my new hearing aids when I was in town for our concert. All I can say is WOW! I didn’t know I could hear like this. It makes me so sad that Brian Johnson (lead singer of AC/DC) has to quit doing what he loves because of his hearing. It’s time I speak out.”
