Maintaining Your Hearing Aid Battery LifeHearing aid batteries come in a wide range and assortment, and are used in the powering of hearing aids to assist those that are hard of hearing. They are very small, and even much smaller than standard watch batteries. A common question asked about them is, how long is my hearing aid battery life? Generally hearing aid battery life will last anywhere from one to three weeks, and this is based on usage for about sixteen hours daily. The batteries themselves are fairly inexpensive, so replacing them frequently will not be cost prohibitive. On average, they cost less than a dollar a piece. The smaller that the battery size is, the shorter the battery life. Hearing aid batteries are usually sorted according to their size, and they are given industry standard numbers with corresponding color codes. The sizes and their corresponding color codes are 5 (Red), 10 (Yellow), 13 (Orange), 312 (Brown), and 675 (Blue). The manufacturers all adhere to these industry standards as far as dimensions are concerned, though like with any battery purchase, some may vary according to quality and performance. A size 5 for example from any manufacturer will fit in any standard size 5 hearing aid.
Manufacturers have also come out with new technology for hearing aid batteries known as "zinc-air". This means that the batteries are activated by air, and a factory seal with render the batty inactive until the sticker is removed. Once you remove that sticker from the back of the hearing aid battery, oxygen from the air will come in contact with the zinc inside the battery. At this point, the battery is turned on. A lot of today's automatic hearing aids do not have an off button, so the only way to turn them off is through battery removal. You have to open the battery door when the hearing aid is not being used, and remove the battery from the circuitry unit in the hearing aid. Zinc air batteries will last up to three years if you store them properly. In order to maintain your hearing aid battery life, you want to store them in a cool, dry space. Refrigeration of these batteries is not recommended, it has no beneficial effect. In fact, you could actually destroy your batteries through refrigeration. The cold air will actually form water particles under the tabbed sticker. Because water is made of hydrogen and oxygen, the water vapors will find its way underneath the sticker. At this point, oxygen will come into contact with the zinc and the battery will be completely discharged by the time you go to use the battery. Thus, the most appropriate place to store your hearing aid batteries and maintain your hearing aid battery life is in a cool and dry place like a cupboard or drawer. Please remember while taking care of your hearing aid batteries that they are toxic and will be very dangerous if they are swallowed. Keep all of your hearing aid batteries and hearing aids away from pets and children. If either should consume a hearing aid battery, it is a medical emergency and you need to take the individual to a doctor, or preferably emergency room as soon as possible. |