Prolonging the lifespan of your hearing aid batteries could save you both time and money. If you can get a few extra days out of each battery, that’s a good amount saved through the course of a year.
Fortunately, there are a handful of things you can do to enhance the life of your hearing aid batteries. If you can turn these eight tips into habits, you should observe a difference right away.
The following are eight ways to maximize the lifespan of your hearing aid batteries.
1. Buy new hearing aid batteries
Hearing aid batteries unopened in the package can last for many years. However, like all batteries, power is diminished as each year passes by, so it’s always better to purchase 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 called 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 activates the zinc.
The moment this takes place, the battery is live and the power starts draining (reapplying the tab has no effect). That’s why you should pull the tab only if you plan on using the battery right away.
3. Employ the five-minute rule
Immediately after you remove the tab, don’t place the battery into the hearing aid right away. Rather, wait around 5-7 minutes. This will enable the air to thoroughly activate the battery, expanding its life by as long 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 discharge of power, or so the thinking goes.
The issue 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 increased risk of premature failure.
Simply store your batteries at room temperature for the best outcome.
5. Leave the hearing aid battery door open when not being used
If you’re not using your hearing aid, turn it off and open the battery door. This inhibits drain and blocks corrosion. But remember, don’t store your hearing aids in the bathroom; temperature changes and dampness are hazardous 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. In the evenings, place your hearing aids in the dehumidifier to remove moisture and to provide a secure place for storage.
7. Take out the batteries if you won’t be using your hearing aids for extended periods
If you don’t anticipate using your hearing aids for some time, removing the batteries completely will help protect against corrosion from trapped moisture within the hearing aid.
8. Wash your hands before changing the batteries
Always remember that dirt, grime, and moisture are bad for both the hearing aid batteries and the hearing aids themselves. That’s the reason it’s crucial to wash your hands before changing the batteries.