Hearing aids are an essential tool for those with hearing loss. Knowing how to keep your hearing aid batteries lasting as long as possible is a helpful and cost-saving skill to have as a hearing aid user.
Ways To Extend the Lifespan of Your Hearing Aid Batteries
The average disposable hearing aid battery will last 3-7 days, depending on the size of the battery, the type of hearing aid, and how often it’s used, among other factors. In order to get the most out of each battery, consider the following tips:
- Use your oldest package of batteries first. Hearing aid batteries can be stored for a while, but the longer they sit, the shorter their lifespan. Using the oldest package first ensures they won’t get too old.
- Store batteries in cool, dry environments. Extreme temperatures and high humidity can damage your hearing aid battery and reduce its lifespan. Avoid keeping it in places like your bathroom or the refrigerator, as despite what you may have heard, the cold does not help batteries stay alive longer.
- Wash your hands before replacing your battery. Any dirt or grease that’s on your hands can transfer to the battery and interfere with its lifespan. It could potentially cause damage to your hearing aids as well by adding to buildup and debris.
- Let the battery sit out after removing the plastic tabs. Zinc hearing aid batteries are air activated. After removing the sticky tab on the back of the battery, let them sit out for five minutes before inserting them into your hearing aid. This tip can actually extend your battery’s life by a few hours to as long as a couple of days!
- Keep the battery compartment open when hearing aids aren’t in use. When you store your hearing aids at night, keep them somewhere cool and dry. You can even use a hearing aid dehumidifier drying box to remove extra moisture. Leave the battery door open while doing this to help prolong the battery lifespan.
Other Hearing Aid Battery Tips
In a survey about how hearing aid users manage their batteries, many patients expressed the importance of “maintaining a collection of easily accessible batteries for use.”
The last you want is to be in the middle of traveling for the holidays or enjoying a meal with friends at Helen’s Restaurant of Ellsworth and have your hearing aids lose power with no way to fix it. Carry extra batteries around in your purse, jacket, or glove compartment to make sure you’re never stuck without a replacement option.
If you find yourself struggling to change your batteries or feel as though they are being drained at a rapid rate, check in with your hearing aid expert to find a solution and get the most out of your batteries and hearing device.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Audiology Center of Maine today.