10 Nov 2015

Sure, wearing hearing aids is an added expense, and the upkeep can be another beast on its own. Depending on whether you have a digital or analog battery, it may draw upon more power, using more energy faster. However, you can keep the costs minimized with a few simple tricks to extend the life of your hearing aid batteries.

Handle Your Hearing Aid Batteries with Care

When handling your hearing aid batteries, do so only with clean hands. Any dirt or grease that comes in contact with the batteries can cause them damage.

Be Cautious of Your Initial Hearing Aid Battery Purchase

Be careful of where you purchase your hearing aid batteries. It’s best to buy branded batteries, as opposed to generic manufactured ones. Also, be sure to check the expiration date. Most have a typical shelf life of three years. If it’s passed this date, it’s possible your battery will be nearly dead by the time you put it in your hearing aid. 

Follow the Five-Minute Rule

Young Ethan Manuell and his audiologist Mary Meier Au. D of the Olmsted County Medical Center made a shocking discovery early 2015. Apparently by waiting five minutes after removing the battery’s sticker to activate the battery (an additional four minutes longer than advised per hearing aid battery manufacturers) one can make the battery last up to 3 days longer!

For the most part, it’s recommended to remove the battery’s sticker and wait one minute to start activating it before placing it in the hearing aid device. The oxygen mixes with the zinc-oxide in the battery. However, as indicated above, by waiting a full five minutes, the battery life is extended by 80%.  But with this said, of course, note you should not remove the battery sticker until ready for use. 

Keep Moisture and Humidity Levels Low

Moisture is a battery’s worst enemy. As technology has evolved in the making of batteries, old methods of storage have changed. It’s no longer advised to store the batteries in your refrigerator.

It’s important to keep the humidity levels low wherever you store your batteries. Keep them at room temperature between 50-85 degrees. Also, be careful not to place your batteries in a sunroom or in your car’s glove compartment.

If you accidentally get it exposed to moisture, remember your hearing aid is an electronic device! Place it in uncooked rice to help draw out excess moisture.

When you are not using your hearing aid, turn it off. This preserves the battery life. Also, protect your battery compartment by keeping the hearing aid’s battery door open when not in use. This keeps moisture from building up and will also dry out any moisture that may already be built up. 

Keep Hearing Aid Batteries Stored in a Safe Place

Once you take your hearing aid off, store it in a safe place. This goes for additional batteries as well. Metal objects such as keys, coins, and even other batteries can short circuit and discharge your batteries.

Store your hearing aid on top of a nightstand or in your jewelry box at night. Keep your additional batteries in the packaging it came with or in a battery caddy.

Your hearing aid batteries can have a longer life than just the standard 2-7 days. Following the above tips can extend them a few days, saving you money over the years.