“What hearing aid battery type do I need?” is a difficult question to answer generally, because there are many distinct types of hearing aids, and each takes a battery that matches it and offers enough energy to power it. The simplest scenario to address is if you already use a hearing aid; if so, check the manual that was included with the device or contact the professionals who fit it for you to determine the correct battery. In the event that you do not own a hearing aid yet and are trying to choose which type and model is right for you, do a little research. The explanation for this is that hearing aid batteries vary in price and in battery lifespan, and so a rough knowledge of how many of them you will need over time can influence your choice of which hearing aid to get.
The producers of hearing aids and hearing aid batteries have made life simpler for you by creating a standardized color coding system, to help make locating the proper size easier. Irrespective of who the manufacturer is, hearing aid batteries of a specific size and type will always have the same color code on their packages.
The four most common ones are:
Size 312 batteries always have a color code of brown, and are typically used in In-The-Canal (ITC) and In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids; Size 312 batteries have a normal battery life of around 175 hours.
The color blue always means Size 675 batteries. These batteries are fairly large and can hold a long charge – up to 300 hours. Size 675 batteries are common in larger Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids and in cochlear implants.
Hearing aid batteries with a color code of orange are Size 13, and typical for In-the-Ear (ITE) and Behind-the-Ear (BTE) types of hearing aids; their battery lifespan is commonly up to 240 hours.
The color yellow corresponds to Size 10 hearing aid batteries. Size 10 are the smallest and most plentiful type of hearing aid battery with a typical battery lifespan of 80 hours. Size 10 batteries are standard in Completely-In-Canal (CIC) and In-The-Canal (ITC) hearing aids.
These are the most popular sizes of hearing aid batteries, although there are hearing aids that require alternative ones. If your device requires one of these different types, most stores that provide batteries can obtain them for you.
Remember to read the manual that comes with your hearing aid before purchasing batteries, because a number of the contemporary hearing aids take rechargeable batteries, so you need disposable batteries only as a backup in the event of emergencies. Also be aware that hearing aid batteries gradually lose their full charge over time. You will get the best battery life by buying batteries that are new and storing them in the sealed original package in a cool place until you are ready to use them.