An Introduction to Hearing Aid Battery Performance

Although it seems to be a simple question to ask just how long hearing aid batteries will last, it’s actually not. How long hearing aid batteries will last depends upon numerous factors. Just how long a battery will last depends on who manufactured it, and can even vary between different models from the same manufacturer. The length of time your hearing aid batteries will last will also depend on the manner in which you use your hearing aid – hearing aids demand constant power when they are switched on, so the more hours of the day you use it, the faster you’ll use up batteries.

The hearing aid batteries themselves are a crucial factor. Batteries of the same size from different manufacturers will have different lives. And there will be variance within one battery manufacturer if they offer premium or extended-life lines. Battery type is another factor in longevity. For example, zinc-air batteries will begin to burn stored energy the instant you remove the tab on the bottom and will continue to lose power even if the hearing aid is turned off while other types will only discharge when they are in a hearing aid that is powered on.

If consider new hearing aids, it’s advisable to do some research on the different models and the types of hearing aid batteries they use to help you determine the best choice for your lifestyle. If you have an existing hearing aid and are looking for the longest lasting batteries for it, the Internet can be a fabulous source of comparative ratings and reviews.

Fortunately, when shopping for hearing aid batteries, their manufacturers have made things a little easier for you by standardizing their sizes and color-coding each size; the same color codes are used by all hearing aid battery manufacturers. The hours listed below for each battery size are approximations, but will give you a basic idea of how long hearing aid batteries of each size ought to last given normal use:

• Size 10 – Yellow – 80 hours
• Size 13 – Orange – 240 hours
• Size 312 – Brown – 175 hours
• Size 675 – Blue – 300 hours

To ensure the longest life for your hearing aid batteries when they are in the hearing aid, turn the hearing aid off when you’re not wearing it. Store your unused batteries at room temperature, indoors, and in their original, unopened packaging to ensure their longest possible life.