Hearing aids come in many different styles, but they all have the same major components – a microphone, an amplifier, a receiver and a battery. Hearing aid batteries were once disposable, but today, many manufacturers produce hearing aids with rechargeable batteries.
With so many hearing aids on the market today, you might be wondering which option is best for you. Will hearing aids with traditional or rechargeable batteries help you hear the conversation more clearly? Before we dive in, we’ll want to keep these three things in mind when comparing battery types:
- Battery life
- Accessibility
- Portability
Let’s look at both styles of batteries and their pros and cons so you can make the best decision for your hearing health journey.
Disposable Hearing Aid Batteries
Disposable zinc air batteries come in four different sizes, depending on the amount of power your hearing aids need. These batteries are air activated, meaning they begin to work as soon as the coloured sticker comes off and the oxygen reacts with the zinc.
Pros
- The most common size, 312, has a life expectancy of about 5-7 days.
- The individual cost of batteries is very low at less than $1.00 per battery.
- It is very easy to keep spare batteries with you while you are out and about, especially if you are in an environment where a plug is not readily accessible (e.g. camping, traveling, etc.).
- You can go a few days without having to change them or plug anything in.
- These are easier to fix in-house, as we can access the battery compartment.
Cons
- Battery life can dramatically change based on humidity, the power needed for your hearing loss and the use of accessories like a remote or TV streamer.
- These batteries are tiny and changing them can be tricky for those with decreased vision or problems with dexterity.
- Although the cost is relatively low per battery, a wearer will typically need about 100 hearing aid batteries per year.
Rechargeable Hearing Aid Batteries
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are now available with most standard hearing aid styles, including custom hearing aids. Rechargeable batteries are convenient, and they remove the need to constantly buy new batteries.
Pros
- There’s no need to change batteries! Most rechargeable batteries are guaranteed to last for 3-5 years.
- They are economical, as the price of the battery is included in the price of the hearing aids.
- They are environmentally friendly, as you don’t have to throw out batteries every few days.
- They are easy to charge; you just have to place them in the charger each day (overnight is suggested.).
- The charge typically lasts for up to 24 hours, just a little less with streaming.
- Some chargers, like those for the Starkey Livio or Signia Styletto, will hold a charge for 3-4 days so they don’t need to be plugged into a wall.
Cons
- Not every charger holds a charge itself, meaning your hearing aids will need to be charged every day.
- Lithium-ion batteries must be sealed inside their device, so when they do reach the end of their lifespan, they must be changed by the manufacturer.
- As they are sealed, if the battery dies and you don’t have the charger with you, you don’t have the option of replacing it with a disposable battery.
Rechargeable Hearing Aid Batteries
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are now available with most standard hearing aid styles, including custom hearing aids. Rechargeable batteries are convenient, and they remove the need to constantly buy new batteries.
|
|
Disposable |
Rechargeable |
|
Battery Life |
5-7 days |
24 hours |
|
Accessibility |
You’ll want to keep a few batteries with you. |
We already have to charge our phones, so why not our hearing aids, too? |
|
Portability |
No added equipment is required other than hearing aids and batteries. |
Some chargers work as a portable charger.
|
Which Hearing Aid Batteries Are Best for Me?
In the debate of disposable vs. rechargeable hearing aid batteries, it really comes down to your lifestyle, preferences and needs.
Only you can make that decision, but we are here to give you the information you need. Ask yourself these questions:
- How often do you travel?
- What are your hobbies (e.g. camping vs. reading?)
- Are you environmentally conscious?
- Are you able to change the small batteries?
Thinking through your answers might give you some insight into which hearing aid battery would be best for you.
If you or a loved one has any questions that we may be able to answer or if you’d like to schedule an appointment, contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you!
