There is one component that is crucial to keeping hearing aids economical and that’s the batteries. It’s one of the largest financial concerns consumers face when buying hearing aids because the costs of replacing them can add up fast.
Usually the batteries die at the worst time which is even more distressing. This is a huge problem even for rechargeable brands.
so that you can avoid the need to exchange the batteries several times each week, you can do a few things to extend their life. Think about these six straightforward ways you can make those batteries last just a little bit longer.
1. Be a Smart Hearing Aid Consumer
It begins when you are initially shopping for your hearing aids. Battery life depends on many factors like features on the hearing aids or brand quality. Not every battery is made the same, either. Cheap components and even cheaper batteries are what defines low quality hearing aids. Make sure you talk this over this with your hearing care specialist because you will be changing out the batteries a lot.
Make some comparisons as you shop and, also, consider what features are crucial for you. You’ll find that non-wireless hearing aids come with batteries that can last two times as long as the wireless devices. And the bigger hearing aids have longer lasting batteries. The smaller devices will need new batteries every two days, but larger units can go for up to two weeks on one set of cells. Get the features you require but understand how each one impacts the power drainage of the hearing aids.
2. Take the Time to Store the Hearing Aids Properly
To avoid drainage of power you will usually need to open the battery door at night. Also, you will want to:
Keep your batteries in a cool, dry place. Humidity and high temperatures will impact battery cells. Room temperature is okay just keep them out of the sun and away from heat sources include light bulbs.
Think about using a hearing aid dehumidifier, too. It’s one of the best ways to preserve both the hearing aids and their batteries. Moisture in the air is hard on their fragile components.
3. Be Careful When You Change The Batteries
Make sure your hands are dry and clean. Dampness, grease, and dirt all impact battery life. Don’t forget to leave the plastic tab on until it’s time to use the new batteries, too. The latest hearing aid batteries mix zinc with the air to power on. You don’t want that to happen before you are ready.
It is good to let them sit out for five minutes after you remove the tab but before you install them. The battery could be prolonged by days if you do this.
4. Different Battery Sources And Batteries Can be Experimented with
It goes without saying, bargain batteries will die faster than high quality ones. Think about not only the brands, though, but what types of hearing aid batteries you’re using and where you buy them, too. If you buy in bulk, you can get good batteries for less at some big box stores.
If you buy them online, particularly 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 best way to find batteries at an affordable cost is to ask your hearing care specialist.
5. Be Ready For The Inevitable
The batteries are going to die eventually. It’s beneficial if you get an idea when that will occur, so you don’t find yourself in a difficult situation. To keep track of when the batteries fizzle and need to be replaced, make a schedule. You’ll get a feel for when you need to replace them over time.
A diary will also help you figure out which brands are right for your hearing devices and what features have the biggest effect on the battery life.
6. What Are the Alternatives to Batteries
Some current day hearing aids are rechargeable and that is one of the greatest features. If you can save money on batteries, it will be worth paying a little more initially. If you need a bunch of features such as wireless or Bluetooth, then rechargeable batteries are probably the better choice.
The batteries that make hearing aids work can be as significant an investment as the hearing aids are. Extending the life of your batteries and saving cash begins with some due diligence. Contact a hearing aid retailer for some information on what option is best for you.
