Tips to Extend the Battery Life of Your Hearing Aid
Boosting the lifespan of your hearing aid batteries can save you both time and money. If you can get a few extra days out of each battery, that’s a good amount saved over the course of 12 months.
If you want to know exactly how to extend your hearing aid battery life, here are a few simple tips:
1. Buy new hearing aid batteries
Hearing aid batteries unopened in the package can last for several years. However, like all batteries, power is diminished as each year passes, so it’s always better to purchase the newer package.
2. Don’t remove the tab until you’re ready to use them
Hearing aids use a special type of battery referred to as a zinc-air battery. Each one has a plastic tab covering tiny holes on the top of the battery. As soon as the tab is removed, air enters the holes and stimulates the zinc.
As soon as this happens, the battery is live and the power will start draining (reapplying the tab has no effect). That’s why you should remove the tab only if you plan on using the battery right away.
3. Use the five-minute rule
Immediately after removing the tab, don’t insert the battery into the hearing aid right away. Instead, wait around 5-7 minutes. This will permit the air to properly activate the battery, expanding its life by up to three days.
4. Store at room temperature
Store your batteries in a dry place at room temperature. Don’t store them in the refrigerator or freezer where they can get clogged with moisture. At the same time, temperatures that are too high deplete battery life, so avoid leaving them in a hot car or next to a heating vent. Simply store your batteries at room temperature for the best results.
5. Leave the hearing aid battery door open when not being used
Open the battery door on your hearing aids when you take them out at night. When you open the battery door all the way, you turn the hearing aids completely off. That way you can save the battery life for the times when you’re actively using them during the day. This also reduces drain and blocks corrosion.
6. Invest in a hearing aid dehumidifier
With a hearing aid dehumidifier, you won’t have to worry about where to store your hearing aids. At night, put your hearing aids in the dehumidifier to eliminate moisture and provide a secure place for storage. Dehumidifiers work by removing moisture, drying earwax, killing germs and deodorizing all types of hearing instruments. Using a dehumidifier can result in fewer repairs, better sound quality and a longer battery life.
7. Remove the batteries if you won’t be using your hearing aids for extended periods
If you don’t anticipate using your hearing aids for some time, taking out the batteries entirely will help protect against corrosion from trapped moisture within the hearing aid.
8. Clean your hands before changing the batteries
You should always remember that dirt, grime, and moisture are harmful to both the hearing aid batteries and the hearing aids themselves. That’s why washing your hands before changing the batteries is important.
We offer smaller repairs on the spot while our patients wait in the office. Depending on your issue, you may be able to troubleshoot or repair your hearing aid on your own. Here are a few common hearing aid fixes you can try right now:
Replace the battery
Remove and reinsert your hearing aid
Clean your hearing aid
Replace the wax filter
Open and close the battery compartment
If you are still having trouble with your hearing aid, contact us or stop by for a consult on the issue.
