How Long do Hearing Aid Batteries Typically Last?

Batteries are essential to keeping your hearing aids performing at their best. If you’re looking to purchase a new pair of hearing aids, then an important consideration is the hearing aid batteries. Manufacturers will face a lot of unhappy customers if they can’t meet the demands of delivering at least 75 hours of battery life.

You’re probably wondering how long hearing aid batteries typically last and how you can make them last longer. Several factors come into play, such as battery size, hearing aid style, the brand of hearing aids and whether streaming technologies are used. The longer they last, the more satisfied customers are with their hearing aids. While it’s not a simple answer, there is information out there to help you to determine better how long you can expect your hearing aid batteries to last.

Factors that influence battery life

The size of hearing aid batteries you use can impact how long they last. The size 312 battery offers a good balance between size and battery life, offering a relatively small size with more battery life compared to other options. It also matters how long you wear your hearing aids on a typical day. On average, most studies find that consumers wear their hearing aids roughly 13 hours per day and that most hearing aids last seven days on a single battery. Most people tend to use a receiver-in-canal (RIC) style of hearing aid which goes behind the ear. If you stream audio to your hearing aids from your phone, TV or other devices, then you can expect your battery life to last fewer hours in total.

How long do hearing aid batteries last?

In general, your hearing aid batteries last longer if they have a higher capacity. Audio streaming to hearing aids can use up a lot of your battery life. When it comes to hearing aid style and battery life, hearing aid batteries last the longest in behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids and the shortest in invisible-in-canal (IIC) hearing aids. Generally speaking, standard hearing aid batteries will last you anywhere from three to 22 days. However, you have to factor in the type of hearing aid, the battery type and capacity, how often the hearing aid is used and how much streaming you do.

Signs you need a new battery

It’s important to know when your hearing aid batteries need changing so that you can hear well. You should expect to change your batteries out anywhere from once a week to twice a month. It all depends on how often you use your hearing aids. Two signs that your batteries need changing are:

• Sound becomes distorted, or you have to turn up the volume on your hearing aid more than normal.
• The low-battery beep or voice sound comes on, indicating that the battery is getting low and should be changed.

Maximizing hearing aid battery life

Be glad to know there are tips to help you maximize your hearing aid battery life which will save you time and money. There’s a small, sticky, colored tab on each battery which acts as a protective seal. Avoid removing it until you’re ready to use it since a hearing aid battery begins to discharge as soon as the seal has been removed. You can also minimize battery drainage by turning it off or opening the battery door when you’re not wearing it. If you don’t plan on using the hearing aid for an extended time period, then take it out altogether. Store it in the protective case you use for your hearing aids to keep it safe. Don’t store your batteries in too hot or too cold of temperatures which will quickly drain the battery power and shorten its lifespan.

Shopping for hearing aids and batteries

Hearing aid batteries come in four sizes, which are numbered and colored universally. The battery size you need depends on the hearing aid you get. More and more hearing aids allow for rechargeable hearing aid batteries or feature rechargeable technology. It’s a wise idea to consult with an audiologist before purchasing hearing aids and batteries so he or she can test your hearing and make a recommendation on the best option for you.

Selecting a hearing aid can be difficult and confusing if you lack information or don’t know what questions to ask. Learn more about ENT Physicians Inc. and how we can help you with a hearing aid evaluation and fitting. Contact us today to make an appointment today at (419) 318-4987.