Learning About Hearing Aid Batteries

Zinc Air is the standard hearing aid battery technology. They deliver a very steady level of electricity (rated power) throughout their lifetime by using a chemical process. When the chemical is used up, they die and go from delivering rated power to completely dead in a very short time. Zinc air batteries are very well suited for the high-drain requirements of modern digital hearing aids. Typically 30-50% of the battery life is consumed running the special features; the rest is used by the core amplification requirements.

The Zinc Air batteries come from the manufacturer with an adhesive tab, color-coded for each battery size. The tab is on the positive side and covers two to four tiny air holes. Before the tab is removed, the battery is inert and has a shelf life of about three years. After the tab is removed, the chemical process starts and rated power is available. Note that it may take up to a minute to fully energize the battery. Be aware that replacing the tab does not stop the chemical process. If you do not use the battery, it will soon go dead anyway, since the chemical process continues even when you are not using the battery (although at a slower rate).

Like most batteries on the market Zinc Air battery quality can vary. Cheap batteries will often die more quickly, so the money saved by buying them is offset by a shorter lifespan of the battery. Although battery leaks are rare, cheaper batteries are also more likely to leak and damage hearing aids. The inconvenience of having to change batteries more often, and the irritation of having batteries go dead unexpectedly usually makes hearing aid wearers look for the best battery rather than the lowest price.

Premium brands include Rayovac (generally recognized as the longest lasting Zinc Air battery), Duracell, Energizer, Varta and Power One. Expect to pay $.50 each or more for premium batteries. Prices significantly lower than this will probably result in a shorter battery life and higher risk of damage.

How Battery Size Matters

Each battery size has its own lifespan, and the larger the battery the longer the lifespan. Battery size is one of the criteria that dictates the size of the hearing aid case. The larger the battery, the larger the case. Zinc Air hearing aid batteries come in four sizes (listed from smallest to largest):

• 10A (yellow tab) - typical life 4-7 days
• 312 (brown tab) - typical life 7-14 days
• 13 (orange tab) - typical life 15-30 days
• 675 (blue tab) - typical life 30+ days

Regular (Zinc Air) Hearing Aid Batteries vs. Rechargeable Batteries

Rechargeable batteries are becoming more available, but know the facts about rechargeable hearing aid batteries before you purchase them.

• Rechargeable batteries can cost about $60 - $70 for a package of two batteries.
• The lifespan of most rechargeable batteries used in hearing aids that are worn every day is less than a year.
• Rechargeable batteries must be recharged every night.
• Since they look the same as zinc air batteries, it is easy to mistakenly throw away a rechargeable battery.
• In general, when you factor in the cost of the charger and the expensive replacements, rechargeable batteries will probably cost you more than zinc air batteries.
• A rechargeable system can be very convenient for people who have difficulty changing the tiny batteries in their hearing aids.

"Batteries for life"

When your hearing aid dispenser offers you "batteries for life" he or she is generally building this into the price of the hearing aids. It is considered by some providers to be very inexpensive but effective advertising. The biggest advantage to the professional is that usually you must come to his office in order to collect your free batteries. After a year or two, they will generally start attempting to move you toward purchasing another pair of hearing aids. You will typically be asked questions about how your hearing aids are working and the provider will discuss how great all the new technologies are in newer model hearing aids. Unless you have incredible sales resistance, those "free batteries" are going to cost you more than if you purchased batteries when you need them.

General Tips

Always ask for some free batteries when you purchase your hearing aids. They are a very low cost item for the provider. For example, if you ask for 100 free batteries, it will save you about $60 - $75, but only cost the provider approximately $35.

Buy batteries in bulk to save money. Most battery manufacturers box hearing aid batteries in packages of 40 - 80.

Store at room temperature, not in the refrigerator or the freezer. Zinc Air batteries do not work the same way as alkaline batteries.