Before hearing aids with integrated rechargeable batteries, we used hearing aids with batteries. The hearing aid batteries used today are zinc-air batteries.
What types of hearing aid batteries are there?
There are many hearing aid batteries , but which one do you need for your hearing aid? Commonly used hearing aid batteries are 'zinc-air batteries'. Zinc-air batteries use air to generate energy. When you remove the sticker from the battery, you will see three very small holes on the flat part of the battery. As soon as these holes come into contact with air, the hearing aid batteries are charged.
Therefore, it is wise to leave the battery for 2 minutes and then put it in the hearing aid, then you are sure of a properly working battery and the battery will also last longer. The most common batteries used for hearing aids are the following types:
What is the average lifespan of hearing aid batteries?
The average lifespan of hearing aid batteries depends on the number of hours the hearing aid is worn and the consumption of the hearing aid. The consumption is among other things the amount of amplification and adjustments that the hearing aid has to perform, such as noise suppression, directionality, streaming music, use of telephony via bluetooth and use of solo equipment.
The average lifespan of zinc-air batteries is between 3 and 14 days. Hearing aid battery type 675 lasts the longest, this type of battery is used for severe hearing loss.
Hearing aid battery type 13 is used for the smaller behind-the-ear hearing aids and is slightly smaller in size than the device that uses type 675 batteries.
Battery type 312 is the most common battery. This battery is usually used for RIC hearing aids . RIC hearing aids are small hearing aids behind the ear and are equipped with a small speaker that lies in the ear canal. The 312 battery lasts approximately 5 to 7 days depending on use such as streaming and calling.
Type 10 has the shortest lifespan of all types of hearing aid batteries. It is also the smallest battery. These are often used for CIC hearing aids. This is the smallest custom hearing aid worn in the ear canal. This type lasts approximately 3 to 4 days.
How do you store your hearing aid batteries?
Hearing aid batteries are stored at room temperature. On average, the room temperature is between 15 degrees and 25 degrees. You cannot store the batteries in the refrigerator or in the sun.
Pros and cons of hearing aid batteries
A big advantage of hearing aid batteries is that you have the freedom to replace a battery at any time, anywhere. Your hearing aid will never run out of power at unfortunate moments, you always have batteries at hand.
A disadvantage is that if your fine motor skills are reduced, it is more difficult to replace the battery. If too much grease gets on the hearing aid batteries, they become dirty and this can have a negative effect on the lifespan.
An alternative to battery-powered hearing aids is rechargeable hearing aids. Lithium Ion batteries are fully encapsulated in the hearing aid housing. So you never have to replace your hearing aid battery again.
Most hearing aid batteries last about 5 years, this can vary per manufacturer. Another advantage is that these hearing aids are less sensitive to repairs. Moisture and dirt have less chance of penetrating the hearing aid. Another advantage of such an encapsulated battery is that children can no longer accidentally swallow batteries. Thanks to the casing, you also prevent damage to the battery.
Due to the extensive streaming of music and the use of Bluetooth for telephoning, more capacity is required. That is why a hearing aid with a battery has more stability than a hearing aid with a zinc-air battery.
A disadvantage could be that, despite a good charge, the battery is empty at an unfortunate moment. You can't just replace a battery. You can quickly charge the battery in 30 minutes so that your hearing aid can last for another +/- 4 to 6 hours. There are also mini chargers that you can take with you to charge when you're on the road.
The charging time of rechargeable hearing aids varies by manufacturer. With one manufacturer, you will have 1 day of enjoyment from your hearing aids after a 120-minute charge. With another manufacturer, this is only after a 4-hour charging time.