How Long Should Batteries Last in Hearing Aids?
Hearing aid battery life varies considerably, but generally, you can expect a range of 3 to 22 days, depending on the hearing aid style, power usage, and battery type. This guide explores the factors impacting battery duration and offers tips for maximizing your hearing aid’s power supply.
Understanding Hearing Aid Battery Life
Hearing aids are sophisticated devices that rely on tiny, yet powerful, batteries to deliver clear and amplified sound. Understanding the factors influencing battery life is crucial for hearing aid users to plan effectively and avoid unexpected power outages. The question, How Long Should Batteries Last in Hearing Aids?, is complex and depends on several interconnected variables.
Factors Affecting Battery Life
Several key elements determine how long your hearing aid batteries will last. These include:
- Hearing Aid Style: Smaller hearing aids, like Completely-in-Canal (CIC) devices, use smaller batteries with lower capacity, typically lasting a shorter duration (around 3-7 days). Behind-the-Ear (BTE) models, which use larger batteries, often offer significantly longer battery life (up to 22 days).
- Hearing Loss Severity: Individuals with more severe hearing loss require greater amplification, which demands more power from the battery.
- Hearing Aid Features: Advanced features such as noise reduction, directional microphones, Bluetooth connectivity, and wireless streaming consume significant power and reduce battery life.
- Usage Time: The number of hours per day the hearing aids are worn directly correlates with battery consumption. Wearing hearing aids all day will naturally deplete batteries faster than wearing them only for a few hours.
- Environment: Noisy environments often require the hearing aid to work harder, increasing power drain.
- Battery Type and Quality: Different battery brands and types (zinc-air vs. rechargeable) have varying power capacities and discharge rates. Opting for high-quality batteries from reputable brands can often extend battery life.
- Humidity: High humidity can prematurely drain the batteries.
Zinc-Air vs. Rechargeable Batteries
Most hearing aids use zinc-air batteries. These batteries are activated when a sticker is removed, allowing air to enter and initiate a chemical reaction. Once activated, the battery begins to discharge, even when not in use. Rechargeable batteries, on the other hand, offer the convenience of being recharged multiple times.
| Feature | Zinc-Air Batteries | Rechargeable Batteries |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 3-22 days (depending on factors) | Typically 1-5 years |
| Convenience | Readily available | Requires charging station |
| Initial Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Long-Term Cost | Higher (due to frequent replacement) | Lower (if battery lasts expected lifespan) |
| Environmental Impact | More disposal required | Less disposal required |
| Power Output | Consistent | Can diminish over time |
Tips for Maximizing Battery Life
To extend how long your hearing aid batteries last, consider these tips:
- Turn off hearing aids when not in use: Open the battery door to break the circuit and conserve power.
- Store batteries properly: Keep batteries in a cool, dry place and avoid extreme temperatures.
- Wait before inserting new batteries: After removing the sticker, wait 1-2 minutes before inserting the battery to allow it to fully activate.
- Clean hearing aids regularly: Cerumen (earwax) buildup can drain batteries faster.
- Consider rechargeable hearing aids: If convenience and environmental factors are important, rechargeable models may be a good option.
- Disable unnecessary features: Turn off Bluetooth or wireless streaming when not needed.
- Purchase high-quality batteries: Name-brand batteries tend to offer more consistent performance.
Common Mistakes Affecting Battery Life
Avoid these common mistakes that can shorten battery life:
- Storing batteries in humid environments: Moisture can damage batteries and shorten their lifespan.
- Leaving batteries in the hearing aid when not in use: This continuously drains the battery.
- Using expired batteries: Expired batteries may not provide optimal performance or may leak.
- Not cleaning hearing aids regularly: Cerumen buildup can interfere with battery contact and reduce efficiency.
- Assuming all batteries are created equal: Lower-quality batteries may not last as long.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 12 frequently asked questions to give you more in-depth understanding of hearing aid battery life:
Can humidity affect hearing aid battery life?
Yes, humidity can significantly impact hearing aid battery life. High humidity levels can cause the battery to discharge prematurely, shortening its lifespan. It’s best to store your hearing aid batteries in a cool, dry place to avoid excessive moisture exposure.
How does streaming audio affect battery life?
Streaming audio, particularly via Bluetooth, requires significant power. If you frequently stream music, phone calls, or other audio content through your hearing aids, expect a noticeable reduction in battery life. Disabling streaming when not needed can help conserve power.
What are the different hearing aid battery sizes and their typical lifespan?
Hearing aid batteries come in several sizes, each with varying capacities and lifespans:
- Size 10: 3-7 days
- Size 312: 3-10 days
- Size 13: 6-14 days
- Size 675: 9-22 days
These are typical ranges, and actual battery life will vary based on the factors described earlier.
Why do my hearing aid batteries sometimes die unexpectedly?
Unexpected battery depletion can be caused by several factors, including extreme temperatures, humidity, internal hearing aid issues, or simply a defective battery. If this happens frequently, consult with your hearing healthcare professional to rule out any underlying problems with your hearing aid.
Are rechargeable hearing aids better than those using disposable batteries?
Whether rechargeable hearing aids are “better” depends on individual preferences and needs. They offer convenience and reduce environmental waste, but require an initial investment in a charging station. Zinc-air batteries offer consistent power, but require regular replacement.
Can I use expired hearing aid batteries?
It’s generally not recommended to use expired hearing aid batteries. Expired batteries may not provide optimal performance, and they are more likely to leak and damage your hearing aid.
How often should I clean my hearing aids to maximize battery life?
Regular cleaning is crucial for maintaining optimal hearing aid performance and maximizing battery life. Clean your hearing aids daily to remove cerumen and debris that can interfere with battery contact and overall function.
Does the brand of battery affect its lifespan?
Yes, the brand and quality of hearing aid batteries can impact their lifespan. Name-brand batteries from reputable manufacturers generally offer more consistent performance and longer life compared to cheaper, generic brands.
What’s the best way to store hearing aid batteries?
Store hearing aid batteries in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Avoid storing them in humid environments like bathrooms, as moisture can shorten their lifespan. Keep them in their original packaging until ready for use.
How can I test if a hearing aid battery is still good?
While there isn’t a foolproof way to test a hearing aid battery without inserting it into the device, you can use a battery tester specifically designed for hearing aid batteries. These testers provide a quick reading of the battery’s voltage, indicating its remaining power.
Why does one of my hearing aids drain batteries faster than the other?
This could be due to several reasons, including differences in hearing loss severity, feature settings, or potential internal issues with one of the devices. If one hearing aid consistently drains batteries faster, consult with your hearing healthcare professional to diagnose and address the problem.
How does altitude affect hearing aid battery life?
Higher altitudes can affect hearing aid battery life. The reduced oxygen levels at higher altitudes can impact the performance of zinc-air batteries, potentially shortening their lifespan. Keep extra batteries with you if you travel to mountainous areas.