There have been some major advancements with hearing aid batteries. The technology has become more stable while introducing much wider versatility with rechargeable options. Hearing aids now include a lot of battery-intensive features that require a much more efficient battery. Battery information is one of the maintenance tips covered in fittings provided by Vero ENT Associates.

Zinc-air technology

Zinc-air technology is still used with standard hearing aid batteries. Unique materials combined with oxygen create a strong battery that causes minimal interference. Zinc-air is used for the majority of disposable battery types and should be used with care. Once the package is opened, they need to be immediately put into the hearing aid. Once out of the package and activated, zinc-air batteries deplete whether they are inside the intended hardware or not.

Storage of the batteries plays a role in how close it will get to reaching its maximum life cycle. Storage in extreme temperatures will degrade the quality of the battery before it’s even used. Exposure to extreme temperatures while in a hearing aid will have a similar effect. The difference is that both the battery and hearing device will suffer potential damage from the temperatures.

Rechargeable batteries

Rechargeable hearing aids come with their appropriate batteries included. Wearers can replenish the batteries without removing them from the hearing device. This is done with the use of a charging station, which is both portable and convenient. Depending on the brand, a charging station is small enough to fit in a small bag or purse. Hearing devices quick charge the batteries, and are ready for emergency use without a full charge. Rechargeable hearing aids can offer a convenience that traditional batteries don’t provide.

Battery types

Hearing aid batteries are easy to identify to prevent mixing. There are four main types, each with different lifespans. Hearing devices will only support one battery type, so it is important to keep a few backups in case the originals go bad. Patients can inquire about replacement batteries and backups at any Vero

ENT Associates location. The four most common battery types are:

312 (Brown): Commonly used in mini behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) and in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids, these batteries have an average lifespan of three to 10 days.
10 (Yellow): Used to power mini RITE and completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids, size 10 batteries typically last for three to seven days.
675 (Blue): Placed in the powerful BTE hearing aids, these batteries have a life span of nine to 20 days.
13 (Orange): Typically used in BTE and in-the-ear (ITE) devices, orange batteries last on average six to 14 days.