Does it seem like your hearing aid batteries die way too quickly? There are numerous reasons why this might be happening that might be unexpected.
How long should hearing aid batteries last? The ordinary hearing aid battery lasts anywhere from 3 to 7 days.
That’s a very wide range. But it’s so wide that it’s unpredictable and might leave you in a bind.
You could be on day 4 at the supermarket store. Unexpectedly, your sound cuts out. The cashier is talking to you but you don’t hear what they are saying.
Or it’s day 5. You’re enjoying a night out with friends. All of a sudden, you can’t hear the conversation and it’s leaving you feeling rather alone.
Now, you’re at your grandchild’s school play. You can no longer hear the children singing. Wait, it’s just day 2. Yes, they even occasionally die after a couple of days.
It’s more than inconvenient. You have no clue how much juice is left and it’s causing you to miss out on life.
Here are 7 possible culprits if your hearing aid batteries die quickly.
Your Battery can be killed by moisture
Did you realize that humans are one of the few species that produce moisture through their skin? It’s a cooling mechanism. You do it to get rid of extra sodium or toxins in the blood. Your battery may be exposed to even more moisture if you live in a humid or rainy place.
The air vent in your device can get plugged by this extra moisture which can result in less efficient functionality. It can even drain the battery directly by interacting with the chemicals that generate electricity.
Avoid battery drain caused by moisture using these steps:
- A dehumidifier can be helpful
- Open up the battery door before storing the hearing aids
- Store your hearing aids in a spot where moisture is minimum
- Take the batteries out if you’re storing them for several days
Advanced hearing aid functions can run down batteries
Even a decade ago, hearing aids were much less helpful for individuals with hearing loss than modern devices. But these added features can cause batteries to drain faster if you’re not watching.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use these amazing features. But be aware that the battery will drain faster if you spend all day streaming music from your phone to your hearing aids.
All these extra functions, like Bluetooth, tinnitus relief, or multichannel, can drain the battery faster.
Batteries can be impacted by altitude changes
Your batteries can be drained quickly when you have a rapid climb in altitude, and if they’re already low this is particularly true. Make sure you bring some spares if you are in the mountains or on an aircraft.
Is the battery really drained?
Some hearing aids let you know when the battery is getting low. These warnings, as a general rule, aren’t telling you that your batteries are dead, they’re simply a heads up. On top of this, sometimes an environmental change in humidity or altitude briefly causes the charge to drop and the low battery alarm will sound.
You can stop the alarm by removing and resetting your hearing aid. There may be hours or even days of power left.
Incorrect handling of batteries
Wait until you’re ready to use the battery before you remove the protective tab. Always wash your hands before handling your hearing aids or batteries so you don’t get hand oil or dirt on them. Don’t ever freeze hearing aid batteries. It doesn’t extend their life as it might with other kinds of batteries.
Basic handling errors like these can make hearing aid batteries drain quickly.
Buying a year’s supply of batteries isn’t a good idea
It’s usually a practical financial choice to purchase in bulk. But as you get toward the end of the pack, the last several batteries most likely won’t last as long. It can be a waste to buy any more than a 6 month supply.
internet battery vendors
This isn’t a general critique of buying stuff on the internet. You can get some great deals. But you will also find some less honest sellers who will sell batteries that are close to or even past their expiration date.
Both alkaline (AA, AAA, etc.) and zinc hearing aid batteries have an expiration date. You wouldn’t purchase milk without looking at the expiration. The same goes with batteries. Be certain that the date is well in the future to get the most use out of the pack.
If you buy your batteries at a hearing aid center or pharmacy, the expiration date will be on the labeling, but if you are going to shop online make sure the vendor states when the batteries will expire. Make sure you look for reviews to be certain you’re buying from a reputable source.
Hearing aid batteries drain quickly no more
Hearing aid batteries might drain more quickly for several reasons. But you can get more energy from each battery by taking small precautions. And if you’re considering an upgrade, think about rechargeable hearing aids. You will get an entire day of power after every night of recharging. Every few years, you will have to replace the rechargeable batteries.