Do you feel like your hearing aid batteries are not keeping a charge as long as they should? Here are some unexpected reasons that might occur. What is the average length of time that your hearing aid batteries should keep a charge? Between 3 to 7 days is standard. That’s a really wide range. So wide, in fact, that it’s unpredictable and leaves you in a challenging predicament. Things could suddenly get quiet when you’re trying to hear the cashier at the supermarket after 4 days of battery power. Or it’s day 5 and you’re enjoying a call with friends when all of a sudden you find yourself feeling really alone because you can no longer follow 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 die before that 3-day mark. It’s more than a little inconvenient. You’re missing out on life because you’re not sure how much battery power you have left in your hearing aids. Here are the likely culprits if your hearing aid batteries drain quickly.
Moisture Can Drain a Battery
There aren’t many species that produce moisture through their skin but humans do. We do it to cool off. We do it to get rid of excess toxins or sodium in the blood. You may also live in a climate that’s humid and moist. This additional moisture can clog the air vent in your device, making it less effective. It can even deplete the battery directly by interacting with the chemicals that create electricity. Here are some measures you can take to prevent moisture-caused battery drain:
- Get a dehumidifier for your hearing aids
- Moist conditions, like the kitchen or bathroom aren’t a good place to keep your hearing aids
- Don’t leave the batteries in if you’re storing them for several days
- Open the battery door before storing the hearing aids
Advanced Hearing Aid Functions Can Drain Batteries
Advanced digital hearing aids help people hear a lot better than ones that you could get just 10 years ago. But these extra features can cause batteries to drain faster if you’re not paying attention. Don’t stop using your favorite features. But be aware that if you stream music all day from your smartphone to your hearing aids, you’ll need to change the battery sooner. Bluetooth, multichannel, tinnitus relief, noise canceling — all of these extra functions can drain your battery.
Batteries Can be Impacted by Altitude Changes
Going from a low to high altitude can drain your batteries, specifically if they’re on their last leg. Take some spare batteries if you are going on a plane or high up into the mountains.
Maybe The Batteries Aren’t Really Low
Some hearing aids let you know when the battery is low. Generally speaking, these alerts are giving you a “heads up”. It doesn’t mean you have a depleted battery. Additionally, the charge can sometimes dip briefly due to environmental or altitude changes and that can trigger a false low battery warning. Take the hearing aids out and reset them to stop the alarm. You may be able to get a few more hours or possibly even days out of that battery.
Handling Batteries Improperly
You should never take out the little tab from the battery before you’re ready to use it. Steer clear of getting skin oil and dirt on your hearing aid by washing your hands before handling them. Don’t ever freeze hearing aid batteries. It doesn’t extend their life as it might with other types of batteries. Basic handling mistakes like these can cause hearing aid batteries to drain more quickly.
Getting a Year’s Supply of Batteries Isn’t a Good Idea
When you can afford to do it, purchasing in bulk can be a smart plan. But the last few batteries in the pack probably won’t have full power. Unless you’re fine with wasting a few, try to stay with 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 will sell batteries online that are very near to the expiration date. Or worse, they are already passed. So you need to be cautious.
There’s an expiration date on both alkaline and zinc batteries. If you were going to buy milk, you would look at the expiration date. You should do that with batteries too. If you want to get the most from your pack, make sure the date is well in the future. It’s probably a good idea to message the vendor if there isn’t an expiration date or better yet, come see us for your battery needs. Only buy batteries from trusted sources.
Now You Can Get Rechargeable Hearing Aids
Hearing aids could drain too quickly for a number of reasons. But by taking some precautions you can get more life from each battery. If you’re looking to buy a new pair of hearing aids, you might consider a rechargeable model. If you charge them while you sleep, you get a full day of power the next day. The rechargeable batteries only need to be changed every few years.
