Does it seem as if your hearing aid batteries drain way too quickly? The reasons for this can be sometimes surprising.What is the average length of time that your hearing aid batteries should keep a charge? The typical hearing aid battery should last anywhere from 3 to 7 days. That’s a really wide range. As a matter of fact, it’s so wide that it probably can’t help you predict what should be taking place with your hearing aid. 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 suddenly you find yourself feeling really alone because you can no longer follow the conversation. Now, you’re watching TV. All of a sudden you can’t hear the news. Wait, it’s only day 2. Yes, sometimes they even drain 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 juice you have left in your hearing aids. Here are the most likely culprits if your hearing aid batteries drain quickly.
A Battery Can be Drained by Moisture
Did you realize that humans are one of the few species that produce moisture through their skin? We do it to cool off. It’s the body’s way of purging the blood of sodium and toxins. In addition, you may live in a rainy or humid climate where things get even wetter. This extra moisture can clog the air vent in your device, making it less efficient. Moisture can also interact with the chemicals of the battery causing it to deplete faster. You can prevent moisture-related battery drainage with these measures:
- Open the battery door before storing the hearing aids
- Obtain a dehumidifier for your hearing aids
- Moist environments, like the kitchen or bathroom are not a good place to keep your hearing aids
- Don’t leave the batteries in if you’re storing them for a number of days
Batteries Can be Depleted by Advanced Hearing Aid Functions
You get a much better hearing aid now than you did even a decade ago. But if you’re not keeping your eye on them, these advanced functions can cause faster battery drain. Don’t stop using your favorite features. But remember, you will have to replace the battery sooner if you are streaming music from your phone all day. Your battery can be depleted by any of the advanced functions, like Bluetooth, multichannel, noise cancellation, and tinnitus relief.
Altitude Changes Can Impact Batteries Too
Moving from a low to high altitude can sap your batteries, specifically if they’re on their last leg. When skiing, flying or climbing always brings some extra batteries.
Maybe The Batteries Aren’t Really Low
Some hearing aids let you know when the battery is low. As a general rule, these warnings are giving you a “heads up”. It doesn’t mean you have a dead battery. In addition, sometimes an environmental change in humidity or altitude briefly causes the charge to dip and the low battery alert gets triggered. In order to end the alarm, take the batteries out, and then put them back in. The battery might last several more hours or even days.
Improper Handling of Batteries
You should not remove the little tab from the battery until you’re ready to use it. Always wash your hands before touching your hearing aids or batteries to avoid getting dirt or hand oil on them. Don’t ever freeze hearing aid batteries. This strategy may extend the life of some types of battery but it doesn’t work with hearing aid batteries. Simple handling errors like these can make hearing aid batteries drain faster.
Buying a Year’s Supply of Batteries Isn’t a Very Good Plan
When you can afford to do it, buying in bulk can be a smart plan. But as you come to the end of the pack, the last several batteries most likely won’t be at full power. Try to stay with a 6-month supply or less unless you’re fine with the waste.
Shopping For Hearing Aid Batteries Online
It’s not a broad criticism of purchasing things online. You can get some good deals. But some less honest people sell batteries online that are very close to the expiration date. Or even worse, they are already passed. So buyer beware.
Both alkaline (AA, AAA, etc.) and zinc hearing aid batteries have an expiration date. If you were going to buy milk, you would look at the expiration date. You should use the same amount of care with batteries. Make sure that the date is well in the future to get the most use out of the pack. If the website doesn’t specify an expiration date, send the online vendor a message, or buy batteries from us. Only buy batteries from trusted sources.
Current Hearing Aids Are Rechargeable
Hearing aids could drain too rapidly for numerous reasons. But by taking little precautions you can get more energy out of each battery. You might also think about 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. The rechargeable batteries only have to be replaced every few years.