There is one component that is crucial to keeping hearing aids cost effective and that is the batteries. It’s one of the largest financial worries consumers face when shopping for hearing aids because the costs of replacing them can add up fast.
Usually the batteries die at the worst time which is even more distressing. Even for rechargeable brands, this is a big problem.
There are a few things you can do to extend the life of the batteries in hearing aids, so you don’t need to stop and replace them a few times a week. Consider these six simple ways you can make those batteries last just a little bit longer.
1. If You’re Looking to Buy a Hearing Aid, be Smart About it
It starts when you are initially shopping for your hearing aids. Quality of brand and hearing aid features are a couple of the factors which dictate battery life. Not all batteries are created equally, either. Some cheaper hearing devices have low quality components that work with cheaper cell batteries. Be sure to discuss this with your hearing care specialist because you will be changing out the batteries a lot.
Consider what features you need, and make some comparisons as you look around. You’ll discover that non-wireless hearing aids come with batteries that can last two times as long as the wireless models. And the bigger hearing aids have longer lasting batteries. The smaller devices will need new batteries every couple of days, but larger models can go for around two weeks on one set of cells. Get the features you need but understand how each one affects the power drainage of the hearing aids.
2. The Hearing Aids Need to be Stored Properly
To prevent drainage of power you will usually need to open the battery door at night. Also, you will want to:
Keep your batteries in a cool, dry place. Humidity and high temperatures will impact battery cells. The most important thing is to keep them away from heat sources such as light bulbs. Room temperature is okay.
Consider using a hearing aid dehumidifier, too. Both the batteries and the hearing aid itself are protected by doing this. Humidity in the air is hard on their delicate components.
3. Be Careful When You Change The Batteries
Be certain your hands are dry and clean. The life of the battery is negatively impacted by moisture, dirt, and grease. Don’t forget to keep the plastic tab in place until it’s time to use the new batteries, too. In order to power on, current hearing aid batteries mix zinc with air. But you want to be ready before that occurs.
It is worth letting them sit out for five minutes after you pull the tab but before you put them in. Doing this can extend the life of the battery by days.
4. Different Battery Sources And Batteries Can be Experimented with
High quality batteries have a longer life than cheap ones, obviously. Think about not just the brands, though, but what types of hearing aid batteries you’re using and also where you buy them. Big box stores might sell quality batteries for less per unit if you buy in bulk.
If you buy them online, particularly from auction sites such as eBay, use caution. Batteries have sell-by and expiration dates. You shouldn’t use them once they expire.
The easiest way to find batteries at an affordable cost is to ask your hearing care specialist.
5. Be Ready For The Inevitable
The batteries are going to die eventually. It’s beneficial if you get an idea when that will happen, so you don’t end up in a pinch. Keep a schedule of when you replace the batteries and when they fizzle. You’ll get a feel for when you need to replace them over time.
A diary will also help you figure out which brands are right for your hearing devices and what features have the biggest effect on the battery life.
6. What Are the Alternatives to Batteries
One of the greatest things about newer hearing aids is that some are rechargeable. If you can save money on batteries, it will be worth paying a little more initially. If you need a lot of features like wireless or Bluetooth, then rechargeable batteries are probably the best option.
Hearing aids are a considerable investment but so are the batteries that you need to make them work. A small amount of due diligence goes a long way to lengthening the life of those batteries and saving you cash. Contact a hearing aid retailer for some information on what option is best for you.