A hearing aid battery is an essential component of the minicomputer known as a hearing aid. Since it will be an ongoing maintenance item for your hearing aid, it will benefit you to know about hearing aid batteries, sizes, function, and which batteries might be better than others.
Battery Basics
The batteries for your hearing aid come in four standard sizes: 10, 312, 13, and 675. Large hearing aids require a more substantial battery as do people with severe or profound hearing loss. The larger the battery is, the more energy it can supply. It is essential for you to know the energy requirements for your respective battery as well as the design of your hearing aid. To make purchasing a battery easier, manufacturers use color-coded labels:
- Size 10 – yellow
- Size 312 – brown
- Size 13 – orange
- Size 675 – blue
A battery’s lifespan is dependent upon the size of the battery and the amount of power needed. The average range is between 5 and 14 days based on a 16-hour day of use.
Types of Batteries
Disposable
The most common hearing aid battery on the market today is the zinc-air button disposable battery. These air-activated batteries remain inactive until the user removes a factory-sealed sticker. Oxygen then interacts with the zinc in the battery to turn it on. After removing the label, you cannot replace it. Zinc-air batteries will remain stable for three years if stored at room temperature.
Rechargeable
Rechargeable hearing aids are a durable alternative to disposable hearing aids with charging stations designed to make the charging process a simple one. These chargers have modular designs with an outer case and an insert based on the size of a particular battery. There are advantages associated with using a rechargeable hearing aid battery including:
- Comfortable and easy to use
- Cost-efficient
- Eco-friendly
- Flexibility
- Longevity
Battery Brands
The two most common brands of hearing aid batteries are Rayovac and Energizer. Hearing aid manufacturers frequently sell batteries wholesale to hearing care professionals which carry the brand name of the manufacturers. It is common practice for hearing care professionals to purchase wholesale batteries and label their contact information on the battery.
Which Battery is the Best?
With rechargeable batteries, you just take your aids off, place them on the charger, and the process is complete. Rechargeable batteries are useful for people with arthritis, poor vision, tremors, decreased dexterity, or anyone who has trouble opening packages and peeling off tabs. Unlike disposable batteries, rechargeable batteries will die out when they no longer can hold a charge. Rechargeable batteries are reusable and eco-friendly. Disposable batteries are less expensive than rechargeable batteries. After much use or if not placed in the charger correctly, a rechargeable battery will not hold energy well. Worrying about proper recharging is a scenario one never need worry about with a disposable battery.
The battery is the powerhouse for your hearing aid. We all have different tastes and hearing aids come in a variety of shapes and sizes. After all, the best hearing aid is the one that fits your particular needs, and only you can address those needs.
