The trick to making hearing aids economical hinges on just one component–the batteries. The cost of exchanging them adds up quickly and that makes it one of the biggest financial issues when shopping for hearing aids.
Even more concerning, what if the batteries die at absolutely the worst moment? Even for rechargeable brands, this is a huge problem.
In order to avoid the need to replace the batteries several times each week, you can do a few things to extend their life. Make the batteries last just a little bit longer by considering these 6 simple ideas.
1. If You’re Looking to Buy a Hearing Aid, be Smart About it
When you first start to shop for your hearing aids is when it all begins. Battery life is dependent on many factors such as features on the hearing aids or quality of the brand. Not all batteries are made the same, either. Cheap components and even cheaper batteries are what defines low quality hearing aids. You’ll be switching those batteries out all the time, so be certain to discuss this with your hearing specialist.
Consider what features you need, and make some comparisons as you shop around. Wireless models have batteries that need replacing twice as fast as models with wires. And the bigger hearing aids have longer lasting batteries. These larger devices can potentially go for two weeks without requiring new batteries as opposed to the smaller ones which will need battery replacement every two days. Get the features you require but understand how each one impacts the power usage of the hearing aids.
2. The Hearing Aids Need to be Stored Properly
In most cases, the manufacturer will recommend opening the battery door at night to lessen power drainage. Also, you will want to:
Keep your batteries in a cool, dry location. Humidity and heat will impact battery cells. The main thing is to keep them away from heat sources like light bulbs. Room temperature is fine.
Consider using a hearing aid dehumidifier, too. It’s one of the best ways to preserve both the hearing aids and their batteries. Their delicate components are easily destroyed by moisture in the air.
3. Take Precautions When Changing the Batteries
Begin with clean, dry hands. The quality of the battery is adversely affected by moisture, grease, and germs. Until you are ready to use the batteries, be sure to keep the plastic tabs on. Modern hearing aid batteries mix zinc with the air to power up. But you want to be ready before that occurs.
After you pull the tab, but before you use them, it’s good to let them sit out for 5 minutes. Doing this can extend the life of the battery by days.
4. Play Around With Different Batteries and Battery Sources
Needless to say, bargain batteries will die faster than high quality ones. Consider not only the brands, though, but what types of hearing aid batteries you’re using and where you purchase them, as well. Big box stores might sell quality batteries for less per unit if you buy in quantity.
If you buy them online, especially from auction sites like eBay, be careful. Batteries have an expiration date that they need to be sold by. After they expire, they shouldn’t be used.
The easiest way to find batteries at an affordable price is to ask your hearing care specialist.
5. Be Ready For The Inevitable
The batteries are going to quit eventually. It’s better if you get an idea when that will occur, so you don’t end up in a pinch. Make a schedule of when you replace the batteries and when they fizzle. Over time, you’ll get an idea for when you need replacements.
So you can figure out what features have the biggest effect on the battery and which brand batteries are best for your device, keep a diary.
6. Consider the Alternatives to Batteries
One of the best things about newer hearing aids is that some are rechargeable. You might pay a little more for those units, but it will be worth it if you can save money on batteries. Rechargeable batteries are probably the best choice if you need a lot of features like Bluetooth or wireless.
Hearing aids are a significant investment but so are the batteries that you need to make them work. A little due diligence goes a long way to extending the life of those batteries and saving you money. Contact a hearing aid retailer for some information on what option is best for you.