What are the Best Hearing Aid Batteries

If you wear a hearing aid you probably already know about the frustrations of poor-quality batteries. Issues such as hearing loss and tinnitus are annoying enough without the constant need to keep changing the battery on your hearing aid. Therefore, it’s worth spending some time considering what are the best hearing aid batteries for your device so you can buy quality long-lasting batteries with high performance and durability. 

It’s important to buy the right type of batteries for your hearing aid. Each battery contains a shield that prevents damage to the hearing aid itself. Using the incorrect battery type could cause your hearing aid to malfunction. 

Always buy your batteries from a reputable source and consider seeking the help of a professional hearing instrument specialist before purchasing any hearing aid equipment. 

Type of batteries

Hearing aid batteries come in many different forms with all types of sizes, features and capabilities. Here are the various types to consider:

Rechargeable hearing aid batteries

If you have a relatively new style of hearing aid it’s likely they have rechargeable batteries. Most commonly found on behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, they are extremely convenient and useful. Rechargeable batteries can be put on charge before you go to bed, wake up and they are ready for another day reducing battery loss frustration during the day. They allow users to benefit from increased power, longer-lasting performance and are better for the environment too. 

Disposable batteries

The most common type of batteries used for hearing aids are standard zinc-air disposable batteries. These batteries are air-activated so they come in special packaging with a factory-sealed sticker to avoid them being activated before use. 

Once you peel the sticker back you must wait one minute for it to fully activate with the air before placing inside your hearing aid device. Once the sticker is removed you cannot deactivate the battery. You can, however, store factory sealed zinc-air batteries for up to three years in a dry and safe environment. 

Disposable zinc batteries come in four sizes and colors to make them easy to identify and use. The four standard sizes of zinc-air batteries are 10, 13, 312 and 675. 

• Size 10: Mostly used in the mini receiver in the ear (RITE) and completely in canal (CIC) hearing aid devices. They are always color-coded in yellow and are sized 5.8mm x 3.6mm. Due to their small size, they are used in the smallest hearing aid devices and typically last three to 10 days. 
• Size 13: Mostly used in the behind the ear (BTE) and in the ear (ITE) hearing aid devices. They are always color-coded in orange and are sized 7.9mm x 5.4mm. They typically last seven to 14 days. 
• Size 312: Mostly used in the BTE, RITE and ITE hearing aid devices. They are always color-coded in brown and are sized 7.9mm x 3.6mm. They typically last three to 10 days. 
• Size 675: Mostly used in power BTE hearing aid devices. They are always color-coded in blue and are sized 11.6mm x 5.4mm. They are the longest-lasting hearing aid disposable batteries available, typically lasting between nine to 20 days. 

Battery care 

In order to get the most out of your batteries, it’s important that you use and care for them correctly. This can help extend the life of the batteries and ensure your hearing aid continues to function at high performance. Here are a few tips for caring for your hearing aid batteries.

Switch off your device

When not in use, always switch off your hearing aid device and open the battery compartment. This stops you from wasting the battery and helps remove any moisture that might have entered the device. 

Store at room temperature

Storing your device at room temperature helps get optimal performance out of your hearing aid batteries. Never leave the hearing aid in extreme heat or cold. It’s wise not to leave them in any humid conditions also such as a bathroom while showering or taking a bath. 

Safe place

Finally, ensure that you don’t have the batteries rolling around in the inside of your pockets, handbag or backpack. If left to roll around with other metal devices such as coins or hairclips the batteries could become damaged via short-circuit. 

Advice on hearing aid batteries 

If you feel like you need to change your hearing aid batteries or are buying for the first time and unsure of which ones to choose, you can call us now at 510-768-7091 to discuss your requirements. It’s always worth speaking to an HIS before buying any component for a hearing aid device. 

Come learn more about the Center for Better Hearing and how our HIS can find the perfect solution for your hearing aid needs.