All hearing aids, regardless of the style, size, or technology level, have the same basic components: a microphone, an amplifier, a receiver, and a battery. The battery serves as the power source for hearing aids and is critical to ensuring they perform as intended.
Until recently, all hearing aid batteries were disposable. But now, many hearing aids also come in a rechargeable style. Let’s compare the two types of hearing aid batteries.
Disposable batteries
Disposable (zinc-air) batteries are available in four sizes and are color-coded. The batteries are air-activated, meaning they begin working when the colour-coded tab is removed, allowing oxygen to enter the battery. Wait to remove and discard the tab until you are ready to use the battery. For longer battery life, remove the tab and let the battery sit for about one minute prior to placing it in the hearing aid.
Considerations:
- Battery life — Disposable hearing aid batteries typically last 5-7 days, depending on the size of the battery size, needs of the user, complexity of the listening environments, wear time, stream time, and other factors.
- Accessibility — Once a battery loses power, you’ll need to change it. It’s recommended you always keep spare batteries on hand: you can buy them online or at many hearing aid outlets.
- Portability — With disposable hearing aid batteries, there’s no need to travel with a charger. All you need are the hearing aids and batteries.
Rechargeable batteries
Rechargeable batteries are currently available for most standard hearing aid styles — BTEs and RICs. If you’re interested in rechargeable hearing aids, ask your hearing professional about available systems.
Considerations:
- No changing batteries — Rechargeable hearing aids ensure you do not have to deal with changing batteries, which can be a difficult and tedious task, especially for those with dexterity concerns.
- Economical — After the initial cost of the devices, the cost can be less since you do not have to purchase batteries regularly.
- Continuous use — Technology has reached the point where hearing aids can be charged once per day. With our Livio AI rechargeable system, you can get up to 24 hours of use with 1 hour of streaming, or 22 hours of use with 4 hours of streaming on a full charge.
- Easy charging — Just drop the hearing aid(s) into the charger while you sleep (overnight is recommended).
- Environmentally friendly — Over three years, two hearing aids will use more than 300 disposable hearing aid batteries. In the same conditions, only two rechargeable batteries would be used.
If you have questions about hearing aids, hearing aid batteries, or would like to find hearing aids for your unique needs, contact a hearing aid professional near you by calling 0800 042 0000 or clicking here.