Stretching out the lifespan of your hearing aid batteries can save you both time and money. If you can get a couple of extra days out of each battery, that’s a good amount saved over the course of a year.
Fortunately, there are a handful of things you can do to maximize your hearing aid battery life. If you can turn these eight tips into habits, you should notice a difference immediately.
Listed below 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, just like all batteries, power is diminished 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 the batteries
Hearing aids take a unique type of battery known as a zinc-air battery. Each one has a plastic tab covering tiny holes on the top of the battery. Immediately after the tab is removed, air enters the holes and stimulates the zinc.
Once this takes place, the battery is active and the power will begin draining (reapplying the tab has no effect). That’s why you should pull the tab only if you plan on using the battery immediately.
3. Utilize the five-minute rule
After you remove the tab, don’t place the battery into the hearing aid immediately. Rather, wait around 5-7 minutes. This will enable the air to completely activate the battery, expanding its life by as much as three days.
4. Store at room temperature
You may have heard that you can lengthen the life of your batteries by keeping them in your refrigerator. The colder temperature decreases the release of power, or so the reasoning goes.
The problem is that the opposite takes place. Zinc-air batteries and moisture do not mix, and the condensation that develops from the refrigerator leads to corrosion and an enhanced risk of premature failure.
Simply store your batteries at room temperature for the greatest results.
5. Leave the hearing aid battery door open when not in use
When you’re not using your hearing aid, turn it off and open the battery door. This minimizes 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. Purchase a hearing aid dehumidifier
With a hearing aid dehumidifier, you won’t have to worry about where to keep your hearing aids. At night, put your hearing aids in the dehumidifier to expel moisture and to provide a safe place for storage.
7. Remove the batteries if you won’t be using your hearing aids for extended periods
If you don’t plan on using your hearing aids for some time, removing the batteries entirely will help prevent corrosion from trapped moisture within the hearing aid.
8. Wash your hands before changing the batteries
You should always remember that dirt, grime, and moisture are bad for both the hearing aid batteries and the hearing aids themselves. That’s why it’s crucial to wash your hands before replacing the batteries.