There is one component that is the key to making hearing aids cost effective and that is the batteries. The cost of exchanging them adds up quickly and that makes it one of the largest financial issues when buying hearing aids.
Usually the batteries die at the worst time which is even more troubling. This is a huge problem even for rechargeable brands.
There are a few things you can do to increase the life of the batteries in hearing aids, so you don’t need to stop and replace them a few times every week. Make the batteries last just a little bit longer by thinking about these 6 simple ideas.
1. Be a Smart Hearing Aid Consumer
It starts when you are beginning to shop for your hearing aids. Battery life depends on many factors including features on the hearing aids or brand quality. Not every battery is made the same, either. Some cheaper hearing products have low quality components that work with cheaper cell batteries. Be sure to discuss this with your hearing care specialist because you will be switching out the batteries a lot.
Think about what features you need, and make some comparisons as you look around. You’ll discover that non-wireless hearing aids come with batteries that can last two times as long as the wireless devices. The bigger the hearing aid, the longer the battery will last, too. The smaller devices will need new batteries every couple of days, but larger units can go for up to two weeks on one battery. Understand how all of the features of a hearing aid affect the power consumption and then choose the ones you require.
2. The Hearing Aids Need to be Stored Properly
To lessen drainage of power you will normally need to open the battery door at night. Also, you will want to:
Store your batteries in a cool, dry place. Humidity and high temperatures will impact battery cells. The most important thing is to keep them away from heat sources like light bulbs. Room temperature is okay.
Also, a dehumidifier is a smart consideration. Both the batteries and the hearing aid itself are protected by doing this. Humidity in the air is hard on their fragile components.
3. Be Careful When You Change The Batteries
Start with clean, dry hands. The life of the battery is adversely impacted by humidity, grease, and germs. Until it’s time to use the batteries, be certain to leave the plastic tabs on. Modern hearing aid batteries mix zinc with the air to power on. You don’t need that to happen before you are ready.
It is worth letting 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. Play Around With Different Batteries and Battery Sources
Quality batteries have a longer life than cheap ones, obviously. Don’t only think of the brand, though, but what types of hearing aid batteries you’re using and also where you purchase them. Big box stores commonly sell quality batteries for less per unit if you buy in quantity.
If you buy them online, especially from auction sites such as eBay, use caution. Batteries have an expiration date that they need to be sold by. You shouldn’t use them after they expire.
The best way to get batteries at an affordable cost is to ask your hearing care specialist.
5. Accept The Inevitable And be Ready For it
Eventually, the batteries are going to quit. If you don’t want to find yourself in a difficult situation, it’s helpful to get an idea when this will occur. To keep track of when the batteries fizzle and need to be replaced, make a schedule. Over time, you’ll get an idea for when you need replacements.
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 modern day hearing aids are rechargeable and that is one of the best features. If you can save money on batteries, it will be worth paying a little more initially. Rechargeable batteries are likely the best choice if you need a lot of features like Bluetooth or wireless.
The batteries that make hearing aids run can be as significant an investment as the hearing aids are. A little due diligence goes a long way to extending the life of those batteries and saving you cash. Contact a hearing aid retailer for some information on what option is best for you.