How Can I Get My Hearing Aid Batteries to Last Longer?
It can be frustrating when your battery on your hearing aid dies, especially since they are essential to having a hearing aid that functions properly. However, this scenario can become even more frustrating if you don’t have any spares on you. While hearing aids are considered to be life-changing, you can’t hear if your device doesn’t have the juice it needs to function properly. Unfortunately, hearing aid batteries typically only last 3-10 days depending on the battery and the device you have. However, there are steps you can take to help them last as long as possible.
While the battery life on your hearing aid is determined by a variety of factors, there are steps you can take to extend the life of your hearing aid battery. If you would like to know how to get your hearing aid batteries to last longer, check out these helpful tips.
· Anytime you plan on handling your hearing aid and/or batteries, make sure you wash your hands first. Greasy, dirty hands can cause damage to your device and can affect the lifespan of your battery.
· Never remove the plastic tabs on the battery until you are ready to use them. Otherwise, you will activate the battery, and the battery will no longer be full when you finally get around to using your battery.
· When it is time to replace your battery, and you’ve removed the plastic tab, let the battery sit for 5 minutes. This will allow it time to activate as the zinc mixes with the oxygen, and can help increase your battery life.
· Today’s hearing aid batteries are no longer meant to be stored in the refrigerator, as extreme temperatures are not good for your batteries. So be sure to store your batteries in a dry location, at normal room temperature.
· If you are not using your hearing, keep it turned off in a safe spot. Open up the battery door so that moisture can escape, and if you plan on not using your device for an extended period of time, remove the battery entirely.
· If you stock up on hearing aid batteries, follow good practices by using your oldest packet first, never your newest packet. Over time power becomes reduced, so by using the oldest first you never have to worry about your batteries becoming too old.
· Always check the expiration date listed on the batteries, and when you purchase batteries, make sure you buy batteries that have an expiration date at least a year out from your purchase date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hearing aid batteries generally last between 3 to 10 days, depending on the type of battery and the specific hearing aid device you have. Factors such as usage and battery quality also influence battery life.
Before handling your hearing aid batteries or device, always wash your hands thoroughly. Clean, grease-free hands help prevent damage and contamination that can shorten your battery’s lifespan and impair your device’s function.
The plastic tab prevents the battery from activating by blocking oxygen exposure. Removing it too early activates the battery prematurely, reducing its charge before you actually use it, which shortens the effective battery life.
After you remove the plastic tab from the battery, let it sit for about five minutes. This allows the zinc inside to mix with oxygen in the air, activating the battery fully and helping to maximize its performance and longevity.
Hearing aid batteries should be stored in a dry location at normal room temperature. Contrary to older advice, refrigerators and extreme temperatures can damage batteries, reducing their shelf life and effectiveness.
If you are not using your hearing aid, turn it off and keep it in a safe spot. Open the battery door to allow moisture to escape, and if you won't use it for an extended period, remove the battery entirely to prevent battery drain and damage.
Use the oldest battery packets first before opening the newest ones. Over time, batteries lose power even if unused, so cycling through older stock first ensures you always have fresh, effective batteries ready.
Checking the expiration date ensures your batteries haven’t lost power over time. Choose batteries with expiration dates at least a year beyond your purchase date to guarantee optimal performance when you need them.