Does it seem like your hearing aid batteries lose their charge too fast? Here are a few surprising reasons that could occur.How long should hearing aid batteries keep a charge? The ordinary hearing aid battery lasts anywhere from 3 to 7 days. That range is pretty wide. So wide, in fact, that it’s unpredictable and puts you in a serious predicament. Things might suddenly go quiet when you’re trying to hear the cashier at the grocery store after 4 days of battery power. Or it’s day 5 and you’re enjoying 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. All of a sudden you can’t hear the news. Wait, it’s only day 2. Yes, sometimes they even drain before that 3-day mark. It’s not just annoying. You’re missing out on life because you don’t know how much battery power is left in your hearing aids. If your hearing aid batteries are dying too quickly, there are a few likely causes.
A Battery Can be Drained by Moisture
There aren’t many species that produce moisture through their skin but humans do. We do it to cool off. We do it to get rid of excess sodium or toxins in the blood. In addition, you might live in a rainy or humid climate where things are even wetter. The air vent in your hearing aid can become clogged by this added moisture and it will be less reliable. It can even drain the battery directly by interacting with the chemicals which create electricity. You can avoid moisture-related battery drainage with these steps:
- Don’t leave the batteries in when you’re storing them for several days
- A dehumidifier for your hearing aid is recommended
- Don’t keep your hearing aids in the bathroom, kitchen or other moist conditions
- Open the battery door when you store the hearing aids
Batteries Can be Drained by Advanced Hearing Aid Functions
Advanced digital hearing aids help people hear a lot better than ones that came out just 10 years ago. But these extra features can cause batteries to drain faster if you’re not paying attention. Don’t stop using your favorite features. But keep in mind, you will need to change the battery sooner if you are streaming music from your phone all day. Noise-canceling, Bluetooth, multichannel, tinnitus relief — all of these added functions can drain your battery.
Altitude Changes Can Affect Batteries Too
Moving from a low to high altitude can drain your batteries, specifically if they’re on their older. Take some spare batteries if you are going on a plane or high up into the mountains.
Perhaps The Batteries Aren’t Really Low
Some models will give you a warning when the battery begins to get too low. These warnings are, ordinarily, a “heads up”. It doesn’t mean you have a depleted battery. Furthermore, the charge can sometimes dip temporarily due to altitude or environmental changes and that can activate a false low battery warning. Take the hearing aids out and reset them to stop the alarm. The battery might last several more hours or even days.
Handling Batteries Improperly
Wait until you’re about to use your hearing aid to remove the tab from the battery. Avoid getting skin oil and dirt on your hearing aid by cleansing your hands before touching them. Never freeze hearing aid batteries. It doesn’t extend their life as it could with other kinds of batteries. Simple handling errors such as these can make hearing aid batteries drain more quickly.
Buying a Year’s Supply of Batteries Isn’t a Very Good Idea
If you can afford to do it, buying in bulk can be a smart idea. But the last few batteries in the pack probably won’t have full power. Unless you don’t mind wasting a few, try to stick to a six month supply.
Shopping For Hearing Aid Batteries on The Internet
This isn’t a general criticism of purchasing things online. You can get some great deals. But some batteries that can be found on the internet are being sold by less honest people and are near their expiration date. Or even worse, they are already passed. So buyer beware.
There’s an expiration date on both zinc and alkaline batteries. If you were going to buy milk, you would look at the expiration date. You have to use the same amount of care with batteries. If you’re going to get the most from your pack, be sure the date is well in the future. If the website doesn’t state an expiration date, message the vendor, or buy batteries directly from us. Only purchase batteries from reliable sources.
Today You Can Get Rechargeable Hearing Aids
There are several reasons that hearing batteries could drain quickly. But by taking little precautions you can get more life from each battery. If you’re looking to buy a new set 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. And you only have to replace them every few years.