The last thing you want when enjoying a night out with friends is for your hearing aid batteries to die mid-conversation. To prevent this, it’s important to always be prepared. Below we review when to replace your hearing aid batteries and tips to help your batteries last longer.
The Different Types of Hearing Aid Batteries
There are two main types of hearing aid batteries: zinc-air batteries and lithium-ion batteries.
Zinc-air batteries come in four sizes that are universally numbered and color-coded as follows:
- Yellow size 10 are used in mini RICs, CICs and IICs.
- Brown size 312 are used in Mini BTEs, RICs and ITCs.
- Orange size 13 are used in BTEs and ITEs.
- Blue size 675 are used in power BTEs.
Lithium-ion batteries are the kind used in rechargeable hearing aids. These batteries get recharged instead of replaced; they should last the entire lifespan of your hearing aid.
How Often Hearing Aid Batteries Should Be Replaced
Hearing aid batteries typically last anywhere from three to 22 days, though most last about a week. The lifespan of the batteries depends on several factors, including the type of hearing aid, type of battery, how often the hearing aids are worn and how much the wearer streams media to their hearing aids.
Many people wait for their hearing aid battery to run out before they replace it, but this is can be problematic because you risk your hearing aid battery running out at an inopportune time. Instead, you should invest in a planner so you know when to pick some up from Myerlee Pharmacy and change the battery on a regular schedule. It’s also good to keep a spare set on hand just in case.
If you have rechargeable hearing aids, be sure to charge them every night.
How to Make Your Batteries Last Longer
To help your batteries last longer, the experts at Gulf Coast Audiology recommend:
- Waiting five minutes between pulling the tag and inserting the batteries, since they are oxygen-activated.
- Opening the battery door at night.
- Storing the batteries in a cool, dry place.
- Washing your hands before handling the batteries.
For more information about hearing aid batteries or to schedule an appointment with a hearing aid expert, call Gulf Coast Audiology today.