Prolonging the lifespan 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 a handful of things you can do to enhance the life of your hearing aid batteries. If you can turn these eight guidelines into habits, you should see a difference immediately.
Here are eight ways to optimize the lifespan of your hearing aid batteries.
1. Buy new hearing aid batteries
Hearing aid batteries unopened in the package can last for several years. Unfortunately, like all batteries, power is reduced as each year passes, so it’s always more effective to buy the newer package.
2. Don’t remove the tab until you’re ready to use them
Hearing aids use a unique kind of battery referred to as a zinc-air battery. Each one has a plastic tab covering small holes on the top of the battery. Once the tab is removed, air enters the holes and stimulates the zinc.
Right after this happens, the battery is live and the power will begin depleting (reapplying the tab has no effect). That’s why you should pull the tab only if you intend on using the battery immediately.
3. Apply the five-minute rule
Just after removing the tab, don’t place the battery into the hearing aid immediately. Instead, wait about 5-7 minutes. This will enable the air to completely activate the battery, expanding its life by up to three days.
4. Store at room temperature
You may have read that you can extend the life of your batteries by storing them in your refrigerator. The frigid temperature decreases the discharge of power, or so the thinking goes.
The problem is that the opposite takes place. Zinc-air batteries and moisture do not mix, and the condensation that occurs from the refrigerator causes corrosion and an elevated 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 in use
If you’re not using your hearing aid, turn it off and open the battery door. This reduces drain and blocks corrosion. But remember, don’t store your hearing aids in the bathroom; moisture and temperature changes are hazardous to the batteries. Your bedroom side table is probably the best place.
6. Invest in a hearing aid dehumidifier
With a hearing aid dehumidifier, you won’t have to worry about where to store your hearing aids. At night, place your hearing aids in the dehumidifier to eliminate 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 intend on using your hearing aids for some time, taking out the batteries completely will help protect against corrosion from trapped moisture within the hearing aid.
8. Wash your hands before changing the batteries
You should always keep in mind that dirt, grime, and moisture are bad for both the hearing aid batteries and the hearing aids themselves. That’s the reason it’s important to wash your hands before replacing the batteries.