03 Nov FAQ – How long should my hearing aid battery last?
Most of today’s hearing aids use a traditional hearing aid battery, commonly sized from smallest to largest as 10, 312, 13 and 675. Batteries are air-locked and start to drain as soon as the colored tabs are peeled away. In general, the larger the battery, the longer its lifespan will be, though actual lifespan will vary depending on a number of factors including:
- degree of hearing loss
- size of the battery
- length of wear during the day
- number of devices connected
- extreme temperatures (no, don’t keep them in the fridge!)
- quality of manufacturing
Higher-end hearing aids which utilize all of the latest technologies can often consume greater power from batteries and shorten the overall lifespan, so it would be wrong to assume that the more expensive hearing aids are going to have a better battery life, when in fact, higher-end hearing aids tend to use up more battery power. Today’s devices are equipped with Bluetooth technology and they connect or stream sound directly from cell phones, computers, TV’s and more, all of which is powered by the battery. A good rule of thumb is to stick the colored pull tabs onto a calendar and get in the habit of knowing how often you need to change your batteries. Average use by battery size would be:
- Size 10: 3-5 days
- Size 312: 6-8 days
- Size 13: 9-14 days
- Size 675: 15-30 days
Many people are surprised at the short lifespan of hearing aid batteries, but it is important to remember that these batteries are typically working 10-12 or even up to 18 hours a day and they are powering sophisticated technology. Although the idea of changing batteries so often can seem daunting, hearing aid manufacturers are sensitive to this and are making it simpler to perform this task. Manufacturers have also improved the amount of battery power their aids require in an effort to lengthen battery life.
Rechargeable batteries? Yes, there are some models available that use rechargeable batteries, which require daily charging, but may only need actual replacements every 10-12 months. Costs are a bit less for a rechargeable battery; most companies sell a rechargeable cell for about $40-$50, and disposable batteries typically cost about $50-$60 annually per hearing aid for the most common size 10 and 312 batteries. Of course battery sales and promotions are a great way to save money and the batteries usually have a 2-3 year shelf life, so stocking up may be a wise investment.
While a long battery life may be desirable in the hearing aids you choose to purchase, it is not a factor that should be considered when deciding which device is right for you. The cost of hearing aid batteries, the size and their lifespan are all completely inconsequential in the primary goal of helping you hear better and should be treated as such.
If you have a question you’d like to submit for our FAQ email us info@hearinginstitute.ca!