how long do hearing aid batteries last

How Long Do Hearing Aid Batteries Last?

One of the most common questions we get at Better Hearing Clinic is, ‘how long do my hearing aid batteries last?’

The answer to this is: ‘it depends.’ But once every seven days is the general rule of thumb.

Consider this your ultimate guide to hearing aid battery life, including discussions on changing batteries, power requirements, and using rechargeable batteries instead of disposable batteries.

All About Hearing Aid Batteries by Dr. Jennifer Glatz: 

If you’re new to the world of hearing aids, you probably have questions about cleaning, maintaining, repairing, and charging. Of course, there’s no better way to learn about hearing aids than chatting with experts who specialize in hearing loss

One of these experts is Dr. Jennifer Glatz, AuD, a practicing doctor who spent 16 years as a Clinical Audiologist with Cochlear Americas. Jennifer received her Doctor of Audiology (AuD) degree from the University of Florida and is a proud member of the Better Hearing Clinic in McAllen, TX

We’re honored to sit down with her today and answer common questions related to hearing aid batteries.

Q: Dr. Glatz, thank you for joining us. Let’s start with the basics: Why are hearing aid batteries so important?

A: Hearing aid batteries are the lifeblood of your hearing aids. Without them, your device won’t function. They power the amplification process that allows you to hear sounds more clearly.

The trick is learning how to optimize the performance of your hearing aids by changing the batteries before they run out of power.

Q: How long should hearing aid batteries typically last?

A: The lifespan of a hearing aid battery depends on several factors, including the type of hearing aid, the battery size, and the usage pattern. Generally, disposable hearing aid batteries last anywhere from three to 20 days, while rechargeable ones may last a full day on a single charge.

Q: That’s quite a range! What factors influence hearing aid battery life?

A: The main factors are the size of the battery, the power requirements of the hearing aid, and how often you use your device. For example, larger batteries typically last longer because they have a higher capacity. Additionally, streaming audio or using advanced features like Bluetooth may drain the battery faster.

Q: When should users know it’s time to change their hearing aid batteries?

A: Most modern hearing aids emit a warning signal when the battery is running low. This could be a beeping sound or a voice prompt indicating the battery is low. However, if your hearing aid doesn’t have this feature, you might notice a decrease in volume or clarity, which are signs that the battery needs replacing. It might be time for an upgrade to a newer device.

Q: Are there any tips you can offer to extend the life of hearing aid batteries?

A: Absolutely! Here are a few tips:

  • Keep your batteries at room temperature and away from moisture. Too much moisture can short-circuit your spare batteries.
  • Open the battery compartment at night to let any accumulated moisture evaporate. If you have a hearing aid dehumidifier at your disposal, try running it while you’re asleep.
  • Store batteries in their original packaging until you’re ready to use them — don’t take them out prematurely. Doing so will sap your battery power and unnecessarily expose them to the elements.
  • Consider investing in rechargeable hearing aids, which can save you money in the long run (and are more environmentally friendly).

And of course, don’t forget the five-minute rule. When replacing your hearing aid’s zinc-air battery, wait at least five minutes before placing it in your device. This ensures you get the greatest amount of battery power and spend the least amount of money on replacements in the future.

Q: What are the environmental considerations when it comes to disposing of hearing aid batteries?

A: Hearing aid batteries contain heavy metals like mercury and zinc, which can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly. That’s why it’s essential to recycle your used batteries at designated recycling centers or battery drop-off locations to avoid causing any unnecessary damage to the environment. 

Talk to your hearing care provider if you don’t want to go through the hassle of recycling yourself. Many hearing aid clinics offer recycling services for disposable batteries, so be sure to inquire about this on your next visit. Bring them on in! We’ll take care of them for you.

Q: How do you replace the batteries on a hearing aid?

This largely depends on the hearing aid style you purchase. However, I can give you a few basic pointers:

  • Open the battery drawer using your fingernail.
  • Flip the hearing aid over and use a pen to remove the metal top.
  • Get your new battery and remove it from the packaging.
  • Peel off the sticky paper and wait five minutes for the battery to activate.
  • Insert the new battery into your hearing aid. Take note of where the positive and negative sides.
  • Close the battery drawer and turn your hearing aids on. You should be good to go.

If you’re more of a visual learner, this video may be useful:

Q: Any final thoughts or advice for our readers regarding hearing aid batteries?

A: Remember that your hearing aids are only as good as the batteries that power them. By following proper battery care and maintenance tips, you can ensure that your devices continue to provide you with clear, crisp sound for years to come. And if you ever have any questions or concerns about your hearing aid batteries, don’t hesitate to reach out to your McAllen audiologist for assistance.

Conclusion on Hearing Aid Battery Questions

Hearing aid technology has come a long way, but the basics — including batteries — haven’t changed much. This guide should help you better understand the maintenance process, including when it’s time to change out your batteries.

Read here for more information about how long hearing aids last.

If you would like some assistance with troubleshooting hearing aid batteries, or if you need extra help with battery replacement, don’t hesitate to contact Better Hearing Clinic. We’re proud to be the number one audiologist for new hearing aids in McAllen, and with hundreds of patients served every year, we take our title very seriously.

We invite you to contact the Better Hearing Clinic by stopping by our office on McColl Road. Otherwise, you’re welcome to call us at 956-630-7629 to set up an appointment with our knowledgeable team.

Hearing Aid Batteries FAQ

How Long Do 312 Hearing Aid Batteries Last?

The lifespan of 312 hearing aid batteries is around 111.5 hours. Keep in mind this can drop for a number of reasons, including humidity, age, and exposure to air.

How Often Should I Change Hearing Aid Batteries?

You should aim to change out your hearing aid batteries every three to 10 days. As a rule of thumb, change your batteries once per week. Remember: it’s best to avoid unnecessary outages by replacing your batteries before they age out.

Worried about changing your batteries on your own? You can contact the team at Better Hearing today to request assistance with battery changes.

How Long Do Rechargeable Hearing Aid Batteries Last?

The average rechargeable hearing aid battery life lasts between 18 and 19.5 hours. This ensures you can hear throughout the day then charge your batteries overnight.

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