Which batteries do you need for your hearing aid?
In most cases, micro batteries or button cells are used for your hearing aid. You have probably held a button cell in your hand before. Compared to the past, the life span has improved significantly due to the zinc-air system in the micro battery. The batteries are available in the following sizes:
The functioning of a hearing aid battery
The basic principle of a zinc air system battery is relatively simple. The battery surface has holes machined into it. Air can enter the case through these holes. Inside, the air combines with the zinc it contains. Zinc oxide is formed. The result of the chemical reaction is therefore the energy that is needed by your hearing aid in the form of electricity.
For protection, however, the holes in this battery are sealed with a protective film at the factory until you receive it. This allows air to enter only when you want the energy to flow as well. As soon as you remove the foil and insert your hearing aid, the energy starts to flow. For you, however, this also means that the battery will start to discharge from this point on. That is why it is recommended that you do not activate your battery in the hearing aid until you are actually using your hearing aid.
Which hearing aid battery do I need?
Basically, you can't put just any button cell battery in your hearing aid. After all, the right size is crucial for your hearing aid. In Germany, most hearing aids work with type 312 . The different color markings of the hearing aid batteries are:
- Yellow ( hearing aid batteries 10 )
- Brown ( Hearing aid batteries 13 )
- Orange ( Hearing aid batteries 312 )
- Blue ( Hearing aid batteries 675 )
How long do hearing aid batteries last? - Hearing aid batteries life span
It depends on the size of the battery and the usage of the hearing aid. 312 batteries (brown) usually last 7 to 10 days, 13 batteries (orange) usually last 10 to 14 days.
Factors affecting hearing aid battery life - Individual hearing loss
With more severe hearing loss, increased sound amplification becomes necessary and therefore results in increased power consumption.This means that the battery will have a shorter life with more hearing loss. This means the more the hearing aid has to work, the more power the hearing aid will need.
Individual use of your hearing aid
Your individual hearing aid usage has a big impact on the life of your hearing aid batteries. As a result, the following aspects in particular should be considered:
- Over how many hours of a day is the hearing aid worn?
- On how many days of the week is the hearing aid worn?
- How often do you perform digital remote fittings/ online remote fittings?
- How many hours do you watch television via a TV hearing aid streamer?
- How long do you have your hearing aid connected to Bluetooth?/li>
Differences in hearing aid types have a different power consumption
With this, you could say the more advanced your hearing aid is, the more power it requires. Consequently, digital hearing aids have advanced features like wireless streaming, Bluetooth connectivity, and noise cancellation. These require additional power. The different features also have different power requirements (mA), which affects hearing aid battery life.
- Common hearing aid function: 1.94 mA
- Wireless programming: 3.17 mA
- Bluetooth phone: 4.27 mA
- Microphone streaming: 4.28 mA
- Radio streaming: 4.32 mA
What is the best way to store the batteries?
There are several points you should pay attention to in order to store your hearing aid batteries optimally. The most important points are the following:
- Hearing aid batteries should be stored at room temperature.
- Store your hearing aid batteries in their packaging with a twist and not loose in your pocket/li>
- You should store used batteries out of the reach of children
Your personal environment affects hearing aid battery life?
Your environment also has an impact on the life of your hearing aid battery. Accordingly, your hearing aid will use less battery than if you were in a restaurant or at a concert, for example. In a library, the hearing aid is exposed to a quiet environment and therefore has to process very little background noise. During a restaurant visit, on the other hand, the hearing aid must suppress background noise and emphasize speech frequencies. This is much more complex and requires more energy. Similarly, the hearing aid battery has a higher power consumption when the hearing aid is set to maximum life.
Different environmental influences and the hearing aid battery
If you travel a lot, you may be surprised that the hearing aid battery often runs down faster than expected.
Low humidity
When humidity is low, the battery's active ingredients dry out more quickly, which can often lead to a shortened hearing aid battery life. For example, if you often spend extended periods of time in a heavily heated room during the winter, this can occur.
Low outdoor temperature
When the outside temperature is low, the voltage of the hearing aid battery decreases. As a result, the life of your hearing aid battery will be shortened.
High humidity
When humidity is high, a film of condensation on the hearing aid battery can interfere with normal voltage discharge. This can significantly shorten the life of the hearing aid battery. In extreme cases, this can even cause the hearing aid battery to leak.
Altitude
At higher altitudes, such as mountainous regions or in an airplane, there is a lower oxygen content in the air. As a result, battery voltage and discharge may be reduced.
How long will my hearing aid batteries last?
Typically, hearing aid batteries have a shelf life of up to four years from the date of manufacture.
How can I recycle/sustainably dispose of my old hearing aid batteries?
According to the European Battery Directive, all hearing aid batteries must be recycled. You can often find designated facilities for hearing aid battery disposal in retail stores or public buildings.
How often should I change my hearing aid batteries?
Once you become familiar with your hearing aid and batteries, you will be able to tell on your own which system is best for you. To ensure that you are always well prepared, it is best to always have spare batteries with you.
Hearing Aid Batteries Review
Hearing aid batteries are available from manufacturers Rayovac, Power One, Duracell and Phonak. However, the results of our tests show that Rayovac hearing aid batteries are the best.
Take out hearing aid batteries at night
When you are not wearing your hearing aid, turn it off or open the battery compartment. You should always open the battery compartment at night to allow moisture to escape and prevent the battery from corroding.