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The Best Tricks To Make Your Hearing Aid Batteries Last Longer

Your hearing aids are a crucial part of your everyday life.  Properly caring for them keeps you connected to loved ones, helps maintain brain health plus promotes safety from hazards you may otherwise not hear.

The battery is the heartbeat of a hearing aid and even subtle changes in a battery’s output can mean the difference between clear hearing aid performance and poor volume/noise control.

At Expert Hearing Solutions, we want to help you maintain your hearing aids and extend the life of your batteries.  Here are some common questions about hearing aid batteries and our best tips:

How long do hearing aid batteries last?

Depending on the hearing aid type, battery type/capacity, and the amount of hearing aid use, hearing aid batteries can last anywhere from 3 to 22 days.

How do I know if I should change the batteries?

Here are the clear signs that you should switch the battery out for a new one:

• If sounds become distorted;
• If you have to turn up the volume more than usual;
• If you hear a beeping sound coming from your hearing aid.

Hearing aid batteries often lose power very suddenly. Always carry an extra set of batteries with you.

To protect your backups from losing their charge, keep them away from coins, keys or other metal objects in your purse or pockets.

I mixed up my batteries, how can I tell which one is new and which one is old?

Hold the batteries a foot off of a kitchen or bathroom counter. Always make sure the drain and nearby floor vents are closed. Gently drop the batteries onto the counter. Old batteries will bounce and roll away. New batteries will quickly settle. There’s a short video at the end of this post showing exactly what to watch for!

Why is there a seal on hearing aid batteries?

Hearing aid batteries start to lose their charge as soon as that protective seal is removed.  Always purchase unopened battery packages and make sure the seal on a new battery is unbroken.

What can you do to minimize battery drain?

• After removing the protective seal from the battery, let the battery sit for 3-5 minutes before installing it in your hearing aid. This time ensures the battery “activates” by allowing air into its core materials and bringing them to life.
• When not wearing your hearing aids, turn them off and/or open the battery door.
• If you won’t be wearing the hearing aid for an extended period of time, remove the battery entirely and store away from coins, jewelry and other metal objects.
• Avoid storing in extreme temperatures, like the refrigerator or near a hot, sunny window.

Want more fantastic hearing aid battery care tips?

• Store hearing aid batteries at normal room temperatures.
• Wash your hands thoroughly before changing batteries as oil and dirt on the batteries may cause damage. Also, these substances can clog up the air pores in the battery.
• Leave the battery compartment of your hearing aid open at night so moisture can escape.
• Use a hearing aid storage container or dehumidifier.
• Remove dead batteries immediately. They may swell and become difficult to remove.
• Check the expiration date on the battery pack before you purchase. Ideally, they should have an expiry date a year or further from your purchase date.
• Use the oldest pack of batteries you have on hand first.
• Do not remove the protective seal until you’re ready to use the battery. As soon as that is removed, the battery loses charge.
• Rechargeable battery hearing aids are a popular choice among people who don’t want to worry about batteries suddenly losing power. Rechargeable batteries need to be replaced only about once a year. If you’re interested in new technology like this, don’t hesitate to ask one of our hearing clinicians. We have the latest in hearing aid technology and offer free trials on all of the latest models.

By following these tips, your hearing aids and batteries will last a long time, and stay in excellent working condition. To help you stay prepared, Expert Hearing Solutions is currently offering 2 for 1 battery pack pricing.

Visit one of our locations throughout Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, the Okanagan, Saskatoon and Thunder Bay to stock up today!