Do you feel like your hearing aid batteries won’t keep a charge as long as they should? Here are a few surprising reasons that could occur.How long should hearing aid batteries keep a charge? Anywhere from 3 to 7 days is standard. That range is fairly wide. So wide, in fact, that it’s unpredictable and leaves you in a challenging predicament. You could be on day 4 at the grocery store when out of the blue, things get quiet and you’re unable to hear the cashier. Or it’s day 5 and you’re enjoying a call with friends when unexpectedly you find yourself feeling really alone because you can no longer hear the conversation. Now, you’re watching the TV. You can no longer hear the news. Wait, it’s only day 2. Yes, occasionally they even drain before that 3-day mark. It isn’t just annoying. You’re missing out on life because you don’t know how much battery power is left in your hearing aids. If your hearing aid batteries are draining too rapidly, there are a small number of likely culprits.
Moisture Can Drain a Battery
There aren’t very many species that release moisture through their skin but humans do. We do it to cool down. It’s the body’s way of purging the blood of toxins and sodium. You might also live in a climate that is moist and humid. The air vent in your hearing aid can become clogged by this added moisture and it will be less reliable. Moisture can also mix with the chemicals of the battery causing it to drain faster. You can prevent moisture-related battery drainage with these steps:
- When you store your hearing aids, open the battery door
- Don’t keep your hearing aids in the bathroom, kitchen or other damp conditions
- Obtain a dehumidifier for your hearing aids
- if your storing them for a number of days or more, take the batteries out
Batteries Can be Depleted by Advanced Hearing Aid Features
You get a much better hearing aid nowadays than you did even ten years ago. But if you’re not paying attention, these advanced functions can cause faster battery drain. You can still use your favorite features. But keep in mind, you will need to change the battery sooner if you are streaming music from your phone all day. Noise-canceling, Bluetooth, multichannel, tinnitus relief — all of these added features can drain your battery.
Batteries Can be Impacted by Altitude Changes
Your batteries can be drained if you go from low to high altitudes especially if they are already low on juice. When skiing, flying or climbing always takes some extra batteries.
Are The Batteries Really Low?
Some hearing aids let you know when the battery is running low. These warnings are, ordinarily, a “heads up”. It doesn’t mean you have a depleted battery. Furthermore, the charge can occasionally dip briefly due to environmental or altitude changes and that can activate a false low battery warning. Take the hearing aids out and reset them to stop the alarm. You might be able to get a few more hours or possibly even days of battery life.
Improper Handling of Batteries
Wait until you’re about to use your hearing aid to remove the tab from the battery. Steer clear of getting skin oil and dirt on your hearing aid by cleaning your hands before handling them. Never freeze hearing aid batteries. It doesn’t extend their life as it might with other kinds of batteries. Hearing aid batteries might lose battery power faster if you make these basic handling errors.
Getting a Year’s Supply of Batteries Isn’t a Good Idea
Buying in bulk is often a smart money move if you can afford to do it. But as you get toward the end of the pack, the last few batteries likely won’t be at full power. Unless you don’t mind wasting a few, try to stick to a six month supply.
Buying Hearing Aid Batteries on The Internet
Shopping from the web can be a good thing. You can get some good deals. But some less honest people sell batteries on the internet that are very close to the expiration date. Or even worse, it has already passed. So buyer beware.
Both alkaline (AA, AAA, etc.) and zinc hearing aid batteries have a date they will expire. If you were going to buy milk, you would look at the expiration date. You should use the same amount of caution with batteries. If you’re going to get the most from your pack, be certain the date is well in the future. It’s probably a good idea to message the vendor if you don’t see an expiration date or even better, come see us for your battery needs. Make sure you know and trust the seller.
Current Hearing Aids Are Rechargeable
Hearing aids may drain too quickly for numerous reasons. But by taking some precautions you can get more energy out of each battery. You might also consider rechargeable hearing aids if you’re in the market for a new set. If you charge them at night, you get a full day of power the next day. And you only need to replace them every few years.