Hearing aids are an asset that none of us would want to do without. But the costs involved in maintaining hearing devices can sometimes take its toll. Batteries for hearing aids typically last only a matter of days, but there are several ways to make your hearing amplifier batteries last longer. Below, we discuss small tips to help you save money and trips to the pharmacy.
Looking for extra ways to save time and money on hearing aid batteries? A hearing aid battery subscription delivers just the number of batteries you need on a monthly basis. I’ve listed the best hearing aid battery subscription services here.
Wash Hands Before Changing Batteries
Start off on the right footing by cleaning and thoroughly drying your hands before changing the batteries. You may not see the dirt and moisture on your hands, but it’s there, and it will damage your batteries.
Always Use The Older Packages First
Batteries can last years if they’re sealed, but all batteries come with an expiration date. The older the battery pack, the shorter life span it will have (even if it’s still sealed). Make sure you use your oldest batteries first to prevent waste.
Keep The Seal In Place and Let The Batteries Breathe
Hearing devices use a special type of power source called a zinc-air battery. Through tiny holes in the battery, air flows freely and activates the zinc. As soon as this happens, the batteries begin discharging. Because of this, all batteries come with a tab that covers these holes. As soon as the seal is broken, the battery is activated and begins discharging, even if you immediately replace the seal. For this reason, you should never remove the seal until you’re ready to use your new batteries.
Once the seal is removed, give the batteries 5-7 minutes to breath before installing in your hearing device. Allowing the batteries to fully activate can extend the lift of the batteries by three days.
Store Batteries In The Right Environment
While it is beneficial to store some types of batteries in the refrigerator to slow down the loss of power, that’s the fastest way to ruin the batteries for your hearing device. The moisture in refrigerators is harmful to zinc-air batteries and will cause corrosion and fast discharge.
Another mistake some people make is leaving their batteries in the bathroom. Just like the refrigerator, the moisture in a bathroom from condensation and humidity, along with the temperature changes, will damage your batteries.
The best place to store your batteries (and your hearing devices) is the bedroom or another room that is dry and has an average room temperature.
Allow Batteries To Air Out At Night
When you take your hearing aids out at night, it’s a great idea to open the battery compartment. This helps to dry up any moisture that may have accumulated around the battery, which promotes proper drainage and inhibits corrosion.
Remove Batteries For Extended Non-Use
If you don’t plan to wear your hearing aids for a while (longer than overnight), it’s a good idea to remove the batteries entirely. Doing so prevents trapped moisture and corrosion.
Use a Hearing Device Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier is a fool-proof way to store your hearing aids and prolong battery life. Temperature controlled and moisture-wicking, it is the safest and most responsible place to keep your hearing amplifiers when not in use.
Extra Tips
Hearing aids can lose power suddenly, so always carry a spare pair. To keep spare batteries from discharging, keep them away from coins, keys, and other metal objects.
Don’t want to deal with changing out your batteries so often? Consider rechargeable hearing aids, which are not only better for the environment, but can be easier on your pocketbook and offer more convenience.
Consider buying a battery tester so you can stay on top of your batteries and never be caught off guard. We love this battery tester, which has a storage compartment to hold spare batteries and a convenient key chain!
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