Does it seem like your hearing aid batteries lose their charge too quickly? The reasons for this can be sometimes unexpected. How long should hearing aid batteries keep a charge? The ordinary hearing aid battery lasts between 3 and 7 days. That’s a very wide range. As a matter of fact, it’s so wide that it probably can’t help you predict what should be happening with your hearing aid. You could be on day 4 at the grocery store when unexpectedly, things get quiet and you’re unable to hear the cashier. Or it’s day 5 and you’re having a call with friends when unexpectedly you find yourself feeling really alone because you can no longer follow the conversation. Now, you’re watching TV. You can no longer hear the news. Wait, it’s only day 2. Yes, occasionally they even drain before that 3-day mark. It’s not just annoying. You simply can’t tell how much battery power your hearing aids have left and it’s causing you to miss out on life. Here are the likely culprits if your hearing aid batteries drain quickly.
Moisture Can Deplete a Battery
Did you know that humans are one of the few species that release moisture through their skin? It’s a cooling mechanism. We do it to clear out excess sodium or toxins in the blood. Moreover, you may live in a rainy or humid climate where things are even wetter. The air vent in your hearing aid can become clogged by this additional moisture and it will be less efficient. It can even deplete the battery directly by interacting with the chemicals that produce electricity. You can avoid moisture-related battery drainage with these steps:
- A dehumidifier for your hearing aid is recommended
- Don’t leave the batteries in if you’re storing them for a few days
- Moist conditions, like the kitchen or bathroom are not a good place to keep your hearing aids
- Open the battery door when you store the hearing aids
Batteries Can be Depleted by Advanced Hearing Aid Features
You get a much better hearing aid today than you did even a decade ago. But if you’re not paying attention, these advanced features can cause faster battery drain. Don’t stop using your favorite features. But be aware that if you stream music all day from your mobile device to your hearing aids, you’ll need to change the battery sooner. Your battery can be drained by any of the advanced features, like Bluetooth, multichannel, noise cancellation, and tinnitus relief.
Batteries Can be Impacted by Altitude Changes
Your batteries can be sapped out if you go from low to high altitudes especially if they are already low on juice. When skiing, flying or climbing always takes some extra batteries.
Are The Batteries Really Low?
Some hearing aids let you know when the battery is low. Generally speaking, these warnings are giving you a “heads up”. They’re not actually saying the battery is depleted. Also, the charge can at times dip temporarily due to environmental or altitude changes and that can cause a false low battery warning. In order to end the alarm, remove the batteries, and then put them back in. The battery might last a few more hours or even days.
Improper Handling of Batteries
You should never take out the little tab from the battery until you’re ready to use it. Always wash your hands before handling your hearing aids or batteries to protect against getting hand oil or dirt on them. Hearing aid batteries should not be frozen. It doesn’t extend their life as it could with other kinds of batteries. Simple handling mistakes such as these can make hearing aid batteries drain faster.
Buying a Year’s Supply of Batteries Isn’t a Very Good Plan
If you can afford to do it, purchasing in bulk can be a smart idea. But as you come to the end of the pack, the last few batteries most likely won’t last as long. Try to stay with a 6-month supply or less unless you’re fine with wasting a few.
Shopping For Hearing Aid Batteries on The Web
Buying from the web can be a good thing. There are some pretty good deals out in cyberspace. But some less scrupulous people will sell batteries online that are very near to the expiration date. Or even worse, it has already passed. So buyer beware.
Both alkaline (AA, AAA, etc.) and zinc hearing aid batteries have an expiration date. If you were going to buy milk, you would check the expiration date. You need to use the same amount of caution with batteries. If you’re going to get the most from your pack, be certain the date is well in the future. If the website doesn’t mention an expiration date, send the online vendor a message, or purchase batteries from us. Only buy batteries from reliable sources.
Modern Hearing Aids Are Rechargeable
Hearing aids may drain too quickly for numerous reasons. But by taking some precautions you can get more life from each battery. If you’re in the market for a new pair of hearing aids, you might consider a rechargeable model. If you charge them while you sleep, you get a full day of hearing the next day. The rechargeable batteries only need to be replaced every few years.
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The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive a personalized free hearing test and hearing loss consultation, call today to set up an appointment.
