Battery Life: Hearing Aids

Some hearing aids are rechargeable, but many still rely on changeable batteries. There are several advantages to powering your hearing aids with disposable batteries, including that you won't have to wait for them to recharge when the batteries come out. You simply need to put some new batteries in when they're needed. However, having to change your batteries all the time can get expensive and you might be concerned about how many batteries you're throwing away. If you want to avoid getting through too many hearing aid batteries, you can make them last longer by looking after your hearing aids properly.

Extending the life of your hearing aid batteries

If you want your hearing aid batteries to last longer, there are lots of things that you can do. Looking after both the batteries and your hearing aids will help you to extend the battery lifespan. Storing your hearing aid batteries properly will get you off to a good start. You should keep them in a dry place at room temperature, where they won't be damaged by excess moisture or too much cold or heat. Don't take off the plastic tab from a battery until you're ready to use it. When you're ready to use them, make sure you use your oldest packet first.

When you take out a new battery, wash your hands first to avoid transferring dirt to it. Leave the battery sitting out for a few minutes to allow the zinc in it to activate. By waiting at least five minutes, you could get two or three more days out of your batteries. When you're not wearing your hearing aids, open up the battery compartment and leave it open to allow moisture to escape, reduce any drain on the battery and prevent the battery corroding. If you won't be using your hearing aids for a while, taking the batteries out might be best. Store your hearing aids somewhere safe and dry when you're not wearing them. You can get hearing aid dehumidifiers and dry storage kits.

Caring for your hearing aids

General good care of your hearing aids can help to keep your batteries going too. Storing your hearing aids in a safe place avoids unnecessary damage, protecting both your hearing aids and batteries. Environmental factors like temperature and humidity can affect your hearing aids, so keeping them safe can make a big difference to their health. You should also be careful about when and where you wear them. Having them on in the bathroom after someone has just had a steamy shower or wearing them in the sauna at the gym isn't going to help to keep them safe.

Paying attention to how you use your hearing aids can also help. If you notice that your batteries don't last as long as they used to, it might be because you've started using them differently. Perhaps you have started turning up the volume more or using some of the features more than you usually do. It might be that it's time to have a hearing test to see if you need new hearing aids or you just need to change your settings.

If you want your hearing aid batteries to last longer, you should look after both your hearing aids and the batteries. Make sure you store both in a safe place, where they won't be affected by extreme temperatures or humidity. Handle your batteries carefully, making sure you have clean hands when you touch them and leaving them to activate after you remove the plastic tab. Remember to turn off your hearing aids when you're not using them and leave the door of the battery compartment open too.

When it's time for hearing aid repairs

Sometimes, if you're having problems with your hearing aid batteries, it might not be something that you can easily correct. Handling your batteries and hearing aids well can only do so much. There are some occasions when you might need to get your hearing aids repaired instead. Your hearing aids can experience a range of problems, from distorted sound to not working at all. Before you book a professional repair, you can check a few things. Take a look at the battery, check the volume and clean your hearing aid to see if you can find the problem. If you can't solve the issue, professional repairs might be necessary.

Audiology Associates offer hearing aid repairs for our patients. To inquire about repairs, call our Cape Girardeau or Poplar Bluff office at (573) 332-7000.