Increasing the life of your hearing aid batteries could save you both time and money. If you can get a few additional days out of each battery, that’s a decent amount saved during the course of a year.
Fortunately, there are actually several things you can do to enhance the life of your hearing aid batteries. If you can turn these eight guidelines into habits, you should observe a difference immediately.
The following are eight ways to maximize the life of your hearing aid batteries.
1. Buy new hearing aid batteries
Hearing aid batteries unopened in the packaging can last for years. However, like all batteries, power is reduced as each year passes, so it’s always better to buy the newer package.
2. Don’t remove the tab until you’re ready to use them
Hearing aids use a specialized kind of battery known as a zinc-air battery. Each one has a plastic tab covering small holes on the top of the battery. After the tab is removed, air enters the holes and activates the zinc.
Once this occurs, the battery is active and the power starts draining (reapplying the tab has no effect). That’s why you should pull the tab only if you intend on using the battery immediately.
3. Use the five-minute rule
Once removing the tab, don’t place the battery into the hearing aid right away. Rather, wait around 5-7 minutes. This will permit the air to fully activate the battery, increasing its life by up to three days.
4. Store at room temperature
You might have heard that you can lengthen the life of your batteries by storing them in your refrigerator. The colder temperature reduces the release of power, or so the reasoning goes.
The issue is that the opposite happens. Zinc-air batteries and moisture do not mix, and the condensation that occurs from the refrigerator causes corrosion and an increased risk of early failure.
Simply store your batteries at room temperature for the greatest outcome.
5. Leave the hearing aid battery door open when not being used
When you’re not using your hearing aid, turn it off and open the battery door. This minimizes drain and blocks corrosion. But keep in mind, don’t store your hearing aids in the bathroom; temperature changes and moisture are hazardous to the batteries. Your bedroom side-table is probably the safest place.
6. Purchase a hearing aid dehumidifier
If you have a hearing aid dehumidifier, you won’t have to worry about where to store your hearing aids. Every night, place your hearing aids in the dehumidifier to remove moisture and to provide a secure place for storage.
7. Take out the batteries if you won’t be using your hearing aids for extended periods
If you don’t plan on using your hearing aids for a while, taking out the batteries entirely will help prevent corrosion from trapped moisture within the hearing aid.
8. Clean your hands before changing the batteries
Always keep in mind that dirt, grime, and moisture are harmful for both the hearing aid batteries and the hearing aids themselves. That’s the reason it’s crucial to wash your hands before changing the batteries.