Buying Hearing Aid Batteries for the First time? Consider These Factors First
By: Philip Elamathail
Tags: Power One, Battery, Hearing Aid Batteries, Micro Batteries, Duracell Batteries

Hearing Aid Batteries

A simple hearing aid machine can help you hear the beautiful sounds in the world around you. But like every other mechanical product, you need to buy a set of hearing aid batteries to power the machine. And as these aids are getting more advanced with newer processes, technologies, and features, buying their batteries has become more complicated.

There are different types of batteries with varying sizes. Each has a different color code, the battery size varies based on the usage and type of hearing aid, and whatnot. Undoubtedly, understanding the hearing aid batteries has become as important as knowledge of the hearing aid itself before making a purchase. So, if you are planning to buy hearing aid batteries, here is a list of factors that one should consider to make a smarter decision. These factors can help in deciding the battery that is best suited for your hearing aid. Let’s find out.

#1. Hearing Aid Style

The first factor is undeniably your hearing aid style. There are different types of hearing aids available in the market. There are BTE (behind the ears), ITE (in the ear), RITE (receiver in the ear), ITC (in the canal), and CIC (completely in the canal). Know the type of hearing aid that you are using and find a hearing aid battery that is compatible with it. The height, weight, diameter, voltage of the battery vary for different styles. So, make sure to check the aid style before making a purchase.

#2. Battery Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of a hearing aid battery is yet another factor that you should consider before buying one. The disposal or non-rechargeable batteries are said to last anywhere between five and fifteen days depending on the level of usage. This is when you wear the aid for around 16 hours a day. The life may vary depending on the usage. The life expectancy of the battery also depends on the battery size. A larger battery lasts longer than a smaller size hearing aid battery.

● Size 10 batteries can last anywhere between three and seven days

● Size 13 batteries can last anywhere between six and fourteen days

● Size 312 batteries can last anywhere between three and ten days

● Size 675 batteries can last anywhere between nine and twenty days

#3. Battery Type

Hearing aid batteries can be broadly divided into two categories — disposable hearing aid batteries and rechargeable hearing aid batteries. Depending on your lifestyle and the level of commitment you are willing to take up, you can choose from either of the two. Disposable batteries, once bought, can power the hearing aid for two weeks without any charging requirement. Rechargeable batteries, on the other hand, can last for as long as five years but you need to recharge them every night you take the aids off.

#4. Charging Needs

This factor is similar to the previous one. You need to check the charging needs of the battery before you make a purchase. There are some batteries that require you to charge them at small intervals while others can last for as much as 20 hours on a single charge. Understand your lifestyle needs, whether you’ll be out for long or can recharge the battery regularly, and choose the battery accordingly.

#5. Color Of The Battery

Each of the hearing aid battery manufacturers needs to maintain uniformity when it comes to color coding the batteries. You can see batteries with stickers in four colors. They can be yellow, blue, orange, and brown. Each color is specific for a particular battery size.

● The yellow battery color sticker is for the size 10 battery. It is typically used in mini RITE and CIC hearing aids.

● The orange battery color sticker is for the size 13 battery. It is typically used in BTE and ITE hearing aids.

● The brown battery color sticker is for the size 312 battery. It is typically ideal for mini BTE, RITE, and TC hearing aids.

● The blue battery color sticker is for the size 675 battery. It is typically ideal for power behind the ear hearing aids.

Be careful to choose the right color as per the size of the battery that is compatible with your hearing aid before buying hearing aid batteries.

Hearing Aid Micro Battery

#6. Battery Material

Another factor that people may consider when buying a hearing aid battery is the material with which it is made. These can be zinc-air batteries or lithium-ion batteries. Check the material with which the battery is made to ensure it is compatible with your hearing aid. Also, make sure that the battery you choose is made of mercury-free material to minimize any impact on the environment.

#7. Individual Budget

Different hearing aid batteries come at different prices. There are many brands selling these batteries with different price tags. Make sure to check all the brands offering the hearing aid batteries along with other features to ensure you do not exceed the budget. If you are looking to cut costs, you can consult a hearing aid batteries wholesale seller to get the same at a lower cost. You can even buy batteries in packs of 6 or 10 to get at a lower price.

#8. Battery Brand

Brands like Duracell, Power One, and Rayovac are the market leaders in offering hearing aid batteries. Each brand comes with its own set of features and USPs that lack in the other.

● Duracell is the premium choice offering high-power batteries compatible with advanced hearing aids.

● Power One is one brand known for offering a comprehensive range of rechargeable batteries with innovative chargers.

● Rayovac is one of the most popular brands that offer guaranteed long-lasting batteries with a really innovative batter packaging.

You can go through all the brands offering hearing aids to find the best one fitting your hearing aid style, feature requirement, budget, and other details before picking a brand for hearing aid battery.

#9. Battery Packaging

Never forget to check the packaging of your battery before buying, especially when buying disposable batteries in packs. These need to be packed in a package with a re-closable door to keep the other batteries untouched and safe. The battery packaging should offer protective sealing and allow easy storage.

#10. Technology Used

Most of the batteries today come with a zinc-air technology that gets activated on coming in contact with air. They should be mercury-free to be a green alternative to the commercial batteries found in the market. Be careful about the technology, especially if it is zinc-air technology as removal of the sticker from the battery can activate it instantly and would not be turned off even if you put the sticker back and lose its life gradually.

Buying the right hearing aid battery is important to perfectly power your aid. Today, there are several online portals where you can buy hearing aid batteries after complete analysis and comparison. However, it is advisable to consult the ENT specialist in case there is any confusion regarding the batteries or your hearing aid doesn’t use the standard ones. In the end, always keep in mind to check the compatibility of your hearing aid and make sure the batteries you buy suit your lifestyle needs.