There are various factors that can determine how long hearing aid batteries last, including your use, any features installed such as tinnitus maskers and weather conditions in which you reside.
When it comes to extending the lifespan of hearing aid batteries, there are a few simple measures you can take. For instance, store them in an area free from moisture and keep them out of reach of small children and pets.
In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids
Your hearing aid battery life depends on several factors, including its type and size of batteries as well as how often and for how long you wear them every day and which programs you utilize. On average, however, hearing aid batteries usually last three to 10 days before needing replacing.
Before purchasing batteries, check their expiration dates, which should be printed on their sides. If any appear too close in time or are unnecessary purchases, don’t buy them and save both money and energy by not investing.
As another factor that may reduce battery life of hearing aids is how they are handled and stored, how you store and handle them may also have an impactful. Batteries should be kept dry to avoid corrosion or water damage which could damage either device or battery itself.
To prevent this from happening, it’s a good idea to turn off hearing aids when not in use in order to reduce power usage and clear away any moisture that has built up throughout the day. This will also help ensure they function at their optimum capacity when they need to.
Some people choose to keep the battery door open when not using their devices, which helps minimize moisture absorption by the battery and extend its lifespan. If you reside in a humid region, dehumidifiers may also help.
Many people also opt for disposable hearing aid batteries, which come in various sizes and are generally cheaper than rechargeable options. Be sure to regularly change out both types of batteries.
If you’re uncertain of the length of time the battery will last for, speak to your hearing care provider. They can give an accurate estimation based on factors like hearing loss severity and how often hearing aids are worn throughout the day.
Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids
BTE hearing aids are one of the most versatile styles on the market and can accommodate a range of hearing loss types. Furthermore, they come in an assortment of styles and colors from subtle to more eye-catching as well as multiple power levels and size options.
Hearing aids worn behind-the-ear (BTE) tend to be smaller and more adaptable, often being more powerful as well. Plus, BTEs often feature larger batteries which extend battery life.
BTE hearing aids sit behind or in front of the outer ear, with tubing connecting it to an earmold that fits custom-fit to each ear shape or style – ideal for those with more complex ear anatomy.
Ear molds are typically constructed of durable silicone or plastic materials that make them highly comfortable. Furthermore, you can customize these ear molds to match the hue of your hair or skin tone for maximum customization.
Another advantage of these hearing aids is their discreet nature – particularly for people with long hair – though they do tend to pick up background noise more readily than ITE styles.
An important factor in how long hearing aid batteries last is how often people wear them; on average, our survey found that people wear their hearing aids around 13 hours daily.
As opposed to this scenario, if someone only uses hearing aids intermittently for several hours each day they could use their batteries for five to seven days before needing replacing.
Temperature, altitude and technical factors all play a part in how long an individual’s hearing aids will run on one battery charge. For instance, spending lots of time outside in cold temperatures or high altitudes will quickly deplete their batteries.
As such, it is crucial that hearing aids are properly fitted and adjusted, in order to reduce battery drain. Furthermore, taking good care to keep them clean will extend their lifespan and prolong battery drain.
Rechargeable hearing aids
Rechargeable hearing aid batteries offer great financial savings and reduced environmental impact, as these hearing aids utilize lithium-ion batteries sealed inside rather than disposable ones that must be stored outside.
Your hearing aids’ lifespan depends on various factors, including battery type and level of hearing loss. If your condition is severe, they may use up the battery more quickly, so replacing batteries more often will likely be required.
Batteries can gradually lose their charge over time if they are not charged regularly or stored properly, so to get the most from your rechargeable hearing aids it is essential that they are regularly charged and stored in a cool, dry area.
Many rechargeable hearing aids can be recharged in just 3 hours and some even offer fast charging options that extend battery life by more than six hours! This ensures you never find yourself without hearing aids when they’re most necessary!
Rechargeable hearing aids offer several advantages over disposable ones, including longer battery life. You will usually only need to replace disposable batteries once every three years while as your rechargeables age and lose charge more frequently you may need to replenish their supply more frequently.
If you use rechargeable hearing aids, it is advisable to visit with an audiologist for advice and tips on maintaining and storing them correctly. They will also assist in selecting batteries suitable for your devices and needs.
Your audiologist can also provide advice regarding charging times recommended by various manufacturers. It’s essential that batteries are charged in an ideal environment with cool, dry temperatures at the appropriate time and location.
An empty rechargeable hearing aid battery can be charged back up in less than three hours; topping off completely discharged batteries may take as little as 30 minutes – providing an additional six hours of use, depending on what kind of hearing aid is in use.
How long do hearing aid batteries last?
Hearing aid batteries are an integral component of hearing devices and they can be costly. To make sure you get the maximum benefit out of them, ensure you purchase batteries that last as long as possible for your hearing aids.
Battery options for hearing aids may either be rechargeable or disposable; your decision depends on your individual preferences and what will work best for you as an end-user.
Though disposable batteries may be less costly, their longevity may not match that of rechargeable hearing aid batteries which have the ability to last five years with proper maintenance and charging. Rechargeable hearing aid batteries must be connected every time they’re used and should always be charged before use.
When searching for hearing aid batteries at an attractive price, be sure to carefully read and observe the expiration dates on the packaging. These dates can differ depending on who sold them to you; always look out for a clear and concise expiration date before making your purchase.
Mishandling or storing batteries in extreme temperatures should also be avoided as this can damage or shorten their life span.
Batteries should be stored between 50-85 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal storage conditions. Never store them in the fridge or places with high levels of heat and humidity as this can expose them to excessive heat or humidity and shorten their lifecycle.
Temperature and altitude can also play a factor in how long a battery will last, with lower temperatures leading to faster battery drain. Furthermore, regions at high altitude often experience less oxygen than areas closer to sea level – an element which could impact how well batteries perform in those regions.
As important, it is also vital that hearing aid batteries do not come into contact with moisture, as prolonged exposure could shorten their lifespan and cause corrosion or interfere with its functionality.
If you plan on leaving your hearing aids unattended for any extended period of time, be sure to remove their batteries so any moisture trapped can evaporate and to prolong its lifespan by opening up its top tab to let air in.