If you use hearing aids, you’ve likely noticed that your batteries are draining faster than expected. Here are a few things you can do to help them last longer.
The batteries used in your hearing aids are unique – zinc air batteries. Each has a plastic tab that covers tiny holes on top of the storm.
Keep Them Clean
Keeping your hearing aid batteries clean will help them last longer. Dirt, dust and earwax can clog the air pores in your storms, which can impede their power production.
Batteries also deteriorate when exposed to moisture. It is essential to store your batteries away from water and extreme temperatures such as the hot summer sun.
You should also avoid storing your hearing aids and batteries in areas prone to high humidity, such as the bathroom. A dehumidifier can prevent moisture from damaging your hearing aids and their batteries.
If you’re using disposable batteries, checking the battery compartment frequently to remove debris and rust is also recommended. This will allow moisture to evaporate, which prevents corrosion on the battery contacts.
If you are wondering how long do hearing aid batteries last you should know that having them professionally cleaned at least once every six months can also extend the life of your hearing aids and their batteries. This is especially beneficial for those with a lot of earwax buildup and who use their hearing aids daily.
Store Them in a Dry Place
If you will be storing your batteries for a long time, keeping them in a dry place is essential. Moisture is a significant problem for hearing aid batteries and can shorten their lifespan.
Intense temperatures and high humidity can also damage your batteries and cause them to lose power faster. Fortunately, you can avoid this by finding somewhere to store them at room temperature that is moisture-free.
Investing in a container with a snap-tight lid is the best way. This will help keep your batteries in a safe place, and they will be easier to find when it is time to replace them.
The next best option is to invest in a dehumidifier that will help keep your hearing aids and their batteries dry. This will extend their life and prevent unnecessary corrosion.
Turn Them Off When Not in Use
Your hearing aid batteries are one of the most critical parts of your hearing device. They provide the power to make your device work; a dead battery can ruin your experience.
But it doesn’t have to happen. You can incorporate a few simple habits to extend the life of your hearing aid batteries.
First, clean your batteries to prevent wax buildup and other debris from damaging your hearing aids. This will make them last longer, and you’ll have a cleaner device to wear every day.
Second, store your hearing aid batteries somewhere dry (a drawer in your bedroom is ideal). This will help avoid moisture from building up inside the battery compartment and causing corrosion.
Third, turn your batteries off when you aren’t using them. This can be done by opening the battery door or removing them from the hearing aid.
Zinc-air hearing aid batteries are air-activated, requiring oxygen from the air to activate them and produce energy. These are the most common type of hearing aid batteries, and they come with a factory-sealed sticker that should remain on until you’re ready to use them.
Don’t Remove the Tab
Hearing aids are hardworking devices that get little rest between use and have to perform well 365 days a year. As a result, they need a fair amount of battery power to keep them running smoothly.
They are powered by zinc-air batteries, activated by oxygen in the air. These batteries are sealed with a tab that prevents this reaction from starting until you need them to work.
Once the tab is removed, air can enter the small holes it covers, stimulating the zinc inside and causing the battery to begin working. This process can take a few minutes.
After removing the tab, immediately put the battery in your hearing aid. Instead, wait for 5-7 minutes for it to “air up” and activate completely.
This is important because it can extend the life of your hearing aid batteries by up to three days. It also helps to ensure the battery is ultimately charged, which makes it last longer.
Don’t Store Them in the Fridge
Whether sitting in a meeting at work or enjoying your grandchild’s piano recital, you can’t always be sure that your hearing aid batteries will hold up. Extending the life of your hearing aid batteries is simple, but it can mean big savings for you over time.
You’ve probably heard that storing your hearing aid batteries in the fridge is an excellent way to extend their life, but it doesn’t. While the cold temperature may reduce their discharge, it also increases moisture levels and can cause corrosion, which shortens their lifespan.
When you get new hearing aid batteries, remove the plastic tabs and let them sit out for about five minutes before inserting them into your hearing aids. This allows them to air-activate, increasing their lifespan by up to three days.