Preserving Your Hearing Aid Batteries

The vast majority of hearing aids require a battery to run. On average, these last anywhere from 3 to 10 days, but should reliably last up to two weeks. So, why don’t they? In part, many fail to take care of their batteries as they should. Here, we’re going to look at some battery care tips to make sure you get the most out of them.

Let new batteries sit for some minutes

When you open a new battery and remove the tab, it needs a few minutes to let the air breathe into the materials. This activation time of 3-5 minutes is crucial and simply inserting them straight away can lead to issues.

Take your batteries out when not using your device

Leaving batteries inside the hearing aid overnight can lead to corrosion. Moisture gets trapped in the hearing aid when it’s inactive, which damages the battery, leading to leaks that can further damage the device itself.

Store your hearing aid and battery properly a night

To prevent moisture from building up inside the hearing aid, it’s wise to keep the battery door open. Both the battery and the hearing aid should be placed in cool, dry containers. Your hearing aid should have its own dehumidifying containers to ensure moisture has no opportunity to build up.

Avoid getting moisture and dirt on the battery

When changing or otherwise handling the battery, make sure that your hands are thoroughly washed and dried, first. Grime and dirt can cling to the battery, causing moisture buildup and damage to your device. Dry your battery with cotton buds, don’t blow dry or heat it up using the oven or a naked flame.

Use batteries within before their expiration date

Al batteries, including the rechargeable variety, have an expiration date. These can often be found on the packaging. Check it to make sure you’re using “fresh” batteries. If you’re changing batteries and you have multiple packs, make sure that you open the oldest one first. Otherwise, they’re more prone to going out of date while you’re using fresher batteries that could have been left unused for a while.

Handle them with care

Hearing aid devices and batteries are both relatively small, meaning that they are more prone to damage if they receive any sharp shocks. Do what you can to avoid dropping your batteries. Any damage will not only make it less effective, could lead to leaks that can go on to damage your hearing aid, itself.

Consider using rechargeable battery

While they aren’t any more effective than regular batteries, the rechargeable kind can be a lot more cost-effective. Invest in a rechargeable battery and a few spares, as well as a charging dock and you shouldn’t have to buy more batteries any time soon, provided you follow the advice above.

If you need any other tips for hearing aid battery care, or help with maintaining the device itself, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your audiologist. They’re helpful sources of information, as well as being able to make a whole host of repairs if you’re having any issues.