While it may seem like a clear choice at first, choosing between a rechargeable hearing aid and one that uses replaceable batteries isn’t so simple once you dig a little deeper. Depending on your capabilities, environment and preferences, a clear winner can emerge. Let’s look at what you may have missed since you last learned about rechargeable hearing aids.
Rechargeable Options: Now Longer Lasting
ReSound LiNX Quattro™:
- 30 hours of battery life
- Fully charged in three hours
- Quick charge of one hour provides 16 hours of power
Oticon Intent™:
- 20 hours of battery life
- Fully charged in three hours
- Quick charge of 30 minutes provides 6 hours of power
Signia Pure Charge&Go BCT IX™:
- 36 hours of battery life
- Fully charged in three–four hours
- Quick Charge of 30 minutes provides 6 hours of power
Many of these come with battery-equipped cases, which can extend the outlet-free charging capacity of a rechargeable hearing aid model.
Who Are They Best For?
- Individuals with reliable electrical access.
- Individuals with arthritis or other hand-motility issues.
- Individuals who use the latest technology.
What Are the Benefits of Traditional Removable Battery-Powered Hearing Aids?
One of the most significant benefits of traditional removable battery-powered hearing aids is that their usage is not tethered to an electrical grid in any way.
If you have a spare battery for your hearing aid, you’ll have a fully powered hearing aid.
This also means you don’t have to worry about any intermittent downtime. If the battery can be swapped, downtime is reduced to the amount of time it takes to swap it.
Removable battery-powered hearing aids are also substantially cheaper. Because they don’t require onboard lithium-ion batteries, the manufacturing cost is reduced, which is typically passed down to the consumer as a less expensive product.
Who Are They Best For?
- Individuals without reliable electrical access.
- Individuals with memory-related problems who may forget to charge their hearing aids.
- Individuals who have hand-motility issues.
What if You’re Unsure Which One Is Right?
If you’re having trouble determining which battery type is right for you, an audiologist with Oregon Ear, Nose & Throat Center can help. An audiologist doesn’t just provide blanket recommendations; they understand what hearing aid models and types can set up a user for the greatest likelihood of success, matching hearing aid technology to the user, their skill level, their activity level, and their technological abilities.
Starting your hearing journey with help from an audiologist provides you with the best opportunity to experience the benefits of hearing aid devices—providing demonstrations, advice and a point of contact to help you acclimate to your hearing aids and navigate common frustrations of new users.