Boosting the life of your hearing aid batteries could 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 during the course of a year.
Fortunately, there are actually a handful of things you can do to maximize your hearing aid battery life. If you can turn these eight guidelines into habits, you should notice a difference immediately.
Here are eight ways to optimize the life of your hearing aid batteries.
1. Purchase new hearing aid batteries
Hearing aid batteries unopened in the package can last for many years. Unfortunately, just like all batteries, power is diminished as each year passes, so it’s always more advantageous to buy the newer package.
2. Don’t remove the tab until you’re ready to use the batteries
Hearing aids take a special kind of battery known as a zinc-air battery. Each one has a plastic tab covering tiny holes on the top of the battery. Right after the tab is removed, air enters the holes and stimulates the zinc.
Right after this occurs, the battery is live and the power starts draining (reapplying the tab has no effect). That’s why you should remove the tab only if you plan on using the battery immediately.
3. Employ the five-minute rule
Once you remove the tab, don’t insert the battery into the hearing aid right away. Rather, wait around 5-7 minutes. This will permit the air to completely activate the battery, extending its life by as long as three days.
4. Store at room temperature
You may have read that you can lengthen the life of your batteries by storing them in your refrigerator. The frigid temperature reduces the release of power, or so the thinking goes.
The issue is that the exact opposite happens. Zinc-air batteries and moisture do not mix, and the condensation that develops from the refrigerator leads to corrosion and a higher risk of early failure.
Simply store your batteries at room temperature for the greatest results.
5. Leave the hearing aid battery door open when not being used
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 detrimental to the batteries. Your bedroom side table is probably the safest place.
6. Invest in a hearing aid dehumidifier
If you have 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 secure place for storage.
7. Take out the batteries if you won’t be using your hearing aids for prolonged periods
If you don’t anticipate using your hearing aids for a while, taking out 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 keep in mind that dirt, grime, and moisture are harmful for both the hearing aid batteries and the hearing aids themselves. That’s why it’s crucial to wash your hands before changing the batteries.