There are few things more frustrating than your hearing aid batteries running out of charge while you’re halfway through a conversation.
Knowing how long hearing aid batteries last is essential for planning and peace of mind, especially for those who rely on their devices daily.
With several factors at play, understanding the expected lifespan of your hearing aid batteries can save you from surprises and help you make informed choices.
In this article, we’ll dive into the typical lifespan of hearing aid batteries, explore the factors that can influence their longevity, and share some practical tips to make the most of your batteries in Perth’s unique environment.
| Battery life varies by size, with estimates ranging from 3 to 20 days, depending on usage and battery type. |
Understanding Hearing Aid Battery Lifespan and Capacity
Disposable hearing aid batteries come in four standard sizes: 10, 312, 13, and 675. Each size offers a different capacity and, therefore, a different lifespan. Here’s a quick rundown of what you can typically expect:
- Size 10 (Yellow Tab): The smallest battery, commonly used in invisible custom hearing devices, lasts around 3 to 7 days.
- Size 312 (Brown Tab): Slightly larger, this battery type usually lasts between 3 and 7 days, depending on usage.
- Size 13 (Orange Tab): With a bit more capacity, Size 13 batteries can last anywhere from 6 to 14 days.
- Size 675 (Blue Tab): The largest of the standard batteries, often used in high-power hearing devices, typically lasts from 9 to 20 days.
So, why such a range? Well, the exact lifespan depends on how frequently and intensively you use your hearing devices.
Those who wear their devices all day every day will need to change batteries more often than someone who only uses them in social settings.
And of course, if your hearing devices have advanced features like Bluetooth streaming or noise cancellation, that extra power demand can drain batteries faster.
In Perth, factors like temperature and humidity can also have a small impact on battery performance. Batteries tend to last a bit longer in cooler conditions, as extreme heat can cause them to drain faster.
What Affects Hearing Aid Battery Life?
Type of Hearing Aid
The type you’re using has a major impact on battery life (and hearing aid life). Different models use varying amounts of power, especially if they come with advanced features. For instance:
- Basic Models: Standard models without added functionalities, like Bluetooth, tend to use less power and therefore consume batteries more slowly.
- High-Tech Models: If you have a hearing device with Bluetooth connectivity, noise reduction, or directional microphones, it will need more power, which can reduce battery life.
Hearing aids designed for severe to profound hearing loss often require larger batteries to support their higher energy demands.
Battery Size
As mentioned earlier, battery size is a straightforward but crucial factor. Each size has a different capacity:
- Smaller Batteries (Size 10 and 312): These may be more discreet but generally don’t last as long.
- Larger Batteries (Size 13 and 675): While they’re more visible, they offer greater capacity and tend to last longer between replacements.
Choosing the right battery size is often a balance between the aesthetics of a smaller aid and the convenience of a longer-lasting battery.
You will not be able to choose what battery size you need, but your audiologist will advise what size battery is available in the hearing aid model you select
Usage Patterns
How often you wear your hearing devices has a big effect on battery lifespan. If you’re using them all day—say, 12 to 16 hours—the batteries will drain much faster than if you’re only using them for a few hours each day.
It is best practice to wear your hearing aids all waking hours.
Consider these common usage scenarios:
- All-Day Users: People who wear their hearing devices for most of their waking hours will likely need to replace batteries more frequently.
- Part-Time Users: Those who only wear hearing devices in social settings or for specific activities can usually stretch their battery life further.
Environmental Conditions
The local environment can subtly influence battery performance. Here’s how Perth’s climate might impact your batteries:
- Heat: High temperatures can cause batteries to drain faster. Perth’s warm climate, particularly in summer, may mean you’ll need to replace batteries more often.
- Humidity: Excessive humidity can lead to moisture build-up, which may affect battery contact points and reduce lifespan. Using a dehumidifier can help counteract this effect.
For best results, store your batteries in a cool, dry place and avoid exposing them to direct sunlight.
Storage and Handling
How you store and handle your batteries can impact their lifespan more than you might think. Some tips for maximising battery life include:
- Keep Batteries in the Package Until Use: Exposing batteries to air before they’re in the hearing device can cause them to start draining prematurely.
- Avoid Refrigerating Batteries: While it might seem logical, storing batteries in the fridge can actually damage them due to moisture exposure.
- Use a Battery Holder: A battery holder can keep unused batteries organised and safe, away from metal objects that might cause a short circuit.
Proper storage can make a significant difference, helping you avoid premature drainage and even extending battery life slightly.
Battery Quality and Brand
Not all batteries are created equal. Higher-quality batteries from reputable brands are designed to provide a more consistent power supply and may last longer than cheaper, generic options.
Some things to consider when choosing batteries:
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands like PowerOne are more reliable and have undergone more rigorous quality control.
- Rechargeable Options: If you’re tired of frequent battery changes, consider rechargeable hearing aids, which allow you to avoid disposable batteries altogether. However, they do come with their own maintenance requirements.
In the long run, investing in quality batteries may save you money and hassle by reducing how often you need to replace them.
How Long Can You Expect Hearing Aid Batteries to Last?
Average Lifespan by Battery Size
As a general rule, the smaller the battery, the shorter its lifespan. Here’s how long each size tends to last under typical conditions:
- Size 10 (Yellow Tab): 3 to 7 days
- Size 312 (Brown Tab): 3 to 7 10 days
- Size 13 (Orange Tab): 6 to 14 days
- Size 675 (Blue Tab): 9 to 20 days
These ranges are based on average daily use of around 12 to 16 hours. However, if you’re using features like Bluetooth streaming, you might find that your batteries need replacing at the lower end of these ranges.
Impact of Usage Frequency
For most users, hearing aid batteries will need replacing every week or so, depending on daily usage patterns:
- Heavy Users: If you wear your hearing devices all day (up to 16 hours), expect to replace batteries closer to the lower end of the estimated range.
- Moderate Users: People who wear their devices for about 6 to 8 hours daily may find batteries last towards the middle of the range.
- Light Users: Those who only use their hearing devices for a few hours per day might be able to stretch battery life to the upper limit of these estimates.
Estimates for High-Tech Hearing Aids
If you’re using advanced hearing devices with high-tech features like Bluetooth, noise cancellation, or app connectivity, your battery life will be shorter due to the extra power needed to support these functions. For instance:
- Bluetooth Streaming: Using Bluetooth for phone calls or media streaming can drain a battery within 3 to 5 days, even with larger sizes.
- Rechargeable Batteries: A full charge typically lasts around 24 hours, depending on usage. However, rechargeables save you from constantly buying and replacing batteries.
Tips to Maximise Your Hearing Aid Battery Life and Save Money
Turn Off Your Hearing Aids When Not in Use
One of the easiest ways to extend battery life is to turn off your hearing devices when you’re not using them. This is especially helpful if you only wear your hearing devices during certain activities.
Remember to power them down overnight, too, so they aren’t draining the battery while you sleep. Small habits like these can add up to a noticeable difference in battery lifespan.
Use a Hearing Aid Dehumidifier
In humid climates like Perth, moisture can build up and cause the battery to drain faster.
Using a dehumidifier or drying kit can help keep moisture levels in your hearing aids down, which not only preserves battery life but also protects the delicate electronics in your device.
Store Batteries Properly
Proper storage is key to getting the most out of your hearing aid batteries. Keep them in a cool, dry place, and avoid leaving them in extreme temperatures, like inside a hot car.
While some people think refrigerating batteries is helpful, this can actually damage them due to condensation. Instead, store them in their original packaging until you’re ready to use them.
Use the Sticky Tab Wisely
Hearing aid batteries are air-activated, which means they start draining as soon as you remove the sticky tab. To get the best performance, wait about five minutes after pulling off the tab before inserting the battery into your hearing aid.
This gives the battery time to fully activate, which can improve its longevity.
Invest in High-Quality Batteries
Not all hearing aid batteries are created equal. Although it may be tempting to opt for cheaper batteries, investing in high-quality options from reputable brands can save you money in the long run.
Quality batteries are often more reliable and offer a longer, more consistent performance, meaning you’ll need to replace them less frequently.
Consider Switching to Rechargeable Hearing Aids
If you’re tired of constantly replacing batteries, switching to rechargeable hearing aids might be worth considering.
While the initial cost is higher, rechargeable hearing aids can save you money over time, as you won’t need to buy disposable batteries.
Plus, they’re convenient—just pop them on the charger overnight, and they’re ready to go for the next day.
Ready to Get the Most Out of Your Hearing Aids?
If you’re looking for personalised advice on hearing aid battery management or want to explore the latest rechargeable options, don’t hesitate to reach out to Hearing & Audiology.
Our experienced team is here to answer all your questions and provide tailored recommendations to fit your lifestyle and hearing needs.
Whether you need a quote, an in-depth consultation, or expert guidance on maximising your device’s performance, we’re just a call or click away.
Get in touch with Hearing & Audiology today at (08) 9388 8003 or schedule a personalised consultation online now.