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Batteries are the lifeblood of your hearing aids. The average battery can last anywhere between two to seven days, and it can be very costly if you don’t do everything you can to maximize its power. Fortunately, there are some techniques you can use to keep that dreaded low-battery beep at bay for a few extra hours and save a good amount of money in the process.
A typical hearing aid battery’s lifespan largely depends on the type of hearing device you have and its technology. Each type of battery should have its capacity listed clearly on the packaging. If you find that you aren’t getting the most out of your hearing aid battery, here are five simple things you can try to extend their battery life:
If you catch a sale for batteries, you may be tempted to buy as many as you can to save money. While unopened batteries can last for a very long time, they will still deteriorate, and their power will be reduced as each year passes. Arrange and use your battery stock by sell-by date, and try not to buy more batteries than you can use up in a year.
A common tip that gets passed around is that you should store your batteries in the refrigerator to prolong their life. Unfortunately, refrigerator storage leads to moisture, and batteries degrade and corrode much more quickly in the presence of water.
Batteries don’t do well in extreme temperatures. It’s best to store them at room temperature for the best results.
Hearing aids use zinc-type batteries. Each battery is covered with a plastic tab that covers its holes. When you remove the tab, the zinc in the battery is activated by air entering those holes.
To get the most out of your hearing aid battery, you have to time your tab removal. Removing the tab a long time before you’re ready to use your battery leads to a waste of power.
Once you remove the tab, wait five to seven minutes before inserting the battery into your hearing aid. This resting period allows air to completely activate the zinc inside the battery. This technique can extend battery life up to three days.
If you’re not using your hearing aid for long periods, turn it off, and open the battery door. This prevents battery corrosion and reduces the drain on the battery. Make sure that you place your hearing aid in a cool, dry place. Again, any moisture or extreme temperature will damage batteries, so always be conscious of where you’re storing your hearing aids.
Before handling your hearing aid battery directly, always make sure your hands are clean. Any dirt, grime, or grease can damage not just the battery but your hearing aid as well.
Replacing your hearing aid batteries every two to three days can be frustrating, impractical, and expensive. To get the most out of your hearing aid batteries, follow the five tips listed above. These best practices can improve battery life by up to two to three times, so make them a habit as soon as you can.
Are you looking for a hearing clinic in Abbotsford, BC? Fraser Valley Beltone is here for you. We are the top hearing aid clinic in Langley + Abbotsford. We engineer comfort and ease into every style of hearing aid we can make. If you are experiencing any hearing loss, we also offer free hearing tests to the community. Come visit us today!