Hearing aids improve the lives of people with hearing loss in so many ways. They make it easier to follow along with work meetings, enjoy your grandchild’s piano recital or have an engaging conversation with friends while out at Rosario’s Italian Restaurant.
The last thing you’d want to happen during any of these moments is for your hearing aids to lose power. This is why it’s so important to know how to take care of your hearing aid batteries and make them last as long as possible.
Five Tips for Maximizing the Lifespan of Your Hearing Aid Battery 
Depending on factors like the size of your hearing aid, the type of battery you use, and how often you use your device, hearing aid batteries will usually last anywhere from 3-7 days. To make sure you get the most possible from your batteries, consider the following tips:
- Use your oldest package of batteries first. Hearing aid batteries can be stored for a while, but the longer they sit, the shorter their lifespan. Using the oldest package first ensures they won’t get too old.
- Store batteries in cool, dry environments. Extreme temperatures and high humidity can damage your hearing aid battery and reduce its lifespan. Avoid keeping it in places like your bathroom or the refrigerator, as despite what you may have heard, the cold does not help batteries stay alive longer.
- Wash your hands before replacing your battery. Any dirt or grease that’s on your hands can transfer to the battery and interfere with its lifespan. It could potentially cause damage to your hearing aids as well by adding to buildup and debris.
- Let the battery sit out after removing the plastic tabs. Zinc hearing aid batteries are air activated. After removing the sticky tab on the back of the battery, let them sit out for five minutes before inserting them into your hearing aid. This can extend your battery’s life by anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days.
- Keep the battery compartment open when hearing aids aren’t in use. When you store your hearing aids at night, keep them somewhere cool and dry. You can even use a hearing aid dehumidifier drying box to remove extra moisture. Leave the battery door open while doing this to help prolong the battery lifespan.
Contact an Audiologist if You’re Having Problems
Changing hearing aid batteries can sometimes pose a problem to hearing aid users.
A recent survey of hearing aid users found several common challenges related to changing hearing aid batteries. These included “limited information on hearing aid batteries, physical/sensory challenges to the act, and the social impact of having to change hearing aid batteries.”
If you’re struggling with any aspect of hearing aid battery usage, reach out to your audiologist. They can offer additional guidance which can help improve your overall satisfaction with your hearing aids.
For more questions or to schedule an appointment, contact Oregon Ear, Nose & Throat Center today.