Hearing loss can be a daily challenge, but with the help of hearing aids, many people can enjoy a significantly better quality of life. However, one of the most common problems hearing aid users face is battery life. Many patients ask us how they can make their hearing aid batteries last longer. That’s why we’ve put together these 5 tips to help you get the most out of your hearing aids’ button batteries.
1. Let the battery breathe for 2-3 minutes before inserting it into your hearing aid
One of the simplest, most effective tips for extending your hearing aid battery life is letting the battery breathe before inserting it into the device. The button batteries used in hearing aids come with a paper sticker that keeps the battery inactive until it’s removed. Once removed, the battery starts using up energy.
How to do it
- Step 1: Remove the sticker from the battery.
- Step 2: Place the battery on a flat surface and let it rest for 2-3 minutes before inserting it into your hearing aid.
This breathing time helps fully activate the battery and can improve its performance.
The importance of full activation
Fully activating the battery is essential for it to work at its best. By giving it time for oxygen to get in, you ensure the internal chemical reaction that generates energy happens effectively. This is especially important if your hearing aid is used in environments with varying levels of humidity and temperature.
2. Wash your hands before handling your hearing aid batteries
Hygiene is essential when it comes to looking after your hearing aids and their batteries. Before handling a battery, make sure to wash your hands. This not only helps prevent transferring germs, but also stops grease from your hands getting onto the battery, which can make it harder for oxygen to pass through.
Why does this matter?
Grease and other contaminants can interfere with the chemical reaction happening inside the battery. By washing your hands, you remove any residue that could affect the battery’s efficiency. For example, when you get up in the morning, it’s a good idea to get ready before handling the battery, making sure your hands are clean.
3. Open your hearing aid’s battery compartment every night
A simple habit that can make a big difference is opening your hearing aid’s battery compartment every night. This has two benefits:
- It lets the battery breathe: Leaving the compartment open overnight lets the battery breathe, which can extend its working life.
- It makes sure the hearing aid is switched off: Opening the compartment ensures the device is off and isn’t using energy unnecessarily overnight.
Recommended practice
Make this part of your nightly routine. Make sure all your hearing devices are switched off and the battery compartment is open. This not only helps preserve battery life, it also contributes to the overall health of your hearing aids.
4. Use your oldest hearing aid batteries first
It’s common to build up a stock of hearing aid batteries over time, but it’s important to remember these batteries have a shelf life. The older a battery is, the shorter its working life will be. That’s why it’s a good idea to use the oldest batteries first.
Tips for managing your batteries
- Organise your batteries: If you have several batteries at home, organise them by purchase date. Use a rotation system, so the oldest ones get used first.
- Avoid stockpiling: It’s not a good idea to stockpile lots of batteries without using them. Keep a maximum of 5-10 batteries at a time, to prevent them from deteriorating over time.
5. Don’t store your hearing aid batteries in the sun
How you store your batteries is crucial for their working life. Manufacturers recommend storing batteries somewhere cool, dry and out of direct light. Exposure to heat and sunlight can negatively affect the battery’s internal chemistry and reduce its performance.
Best storage practices
- Proper storage: Store your batteries somewhere cool and dry, such as a drawer or a battery case.
- Avoid humidity: It’s also important that batteries aren’t exposed to humidity. Moisture can cause corrosion on the battery’s contacts, which will affect its performance.
The ideal temperature
The ideal temperature for storing batteries is between 10 and 25 degrees Celsius. Avoid places like the bathroom or kitchen, where temperatures can fluctuate and humidity can be an issue.
Looking after your hearing aid batteries is essential to keep your device working at its best. By following these 5 simple tips, you can extend the life of your button batteries and, in turn, improve your listening experience. Remember, every small step counts, and can make a real difference to your quality of life.
Remember to:
- Let the battery breathe before inserting it.
- Keep your hands clean before handling batteries.
- Open your hearing aid’s battery compartment every night.
- Use your oldest batteries first.
- Store batteries somewhere cool and dry, away from direct sunlight.
If you have any further questions about caring for your hearing aids, or need help with batteries, don’t hesitate to visit our BienestarAudio hearing centre in Valencia. We’re here to help you enjoy the best possible hearing experience. Book your appointment!
Frequently asked questions
To maximise its lifespan, remove the sticker from the battery and let it rest for 2-3 minutes before inserting it into the hearing aid. This lets oxygen fully activate the battery and can improve its performance.
Clean hands prevent grease or dirt from transferring onto the battery, which can hinder its activation or efficiency and increase the hearing aid’s power consumption.
Opening the battery compartment at night ensures the hearing aid is switched off and allows for ventilation, which reduces standby power use and extends the battery’s life.
Store them somewhere cool, dry and away from direct sunlight. Extreme temperatures, heat and humidity can speed up battery discharge and shorten their lifespan.
If you’re still getting short battery life, it’s worth checking other factors, such as the condition of the hearing aid, possible filter blockages, exposure to moisture, or the device’s settings. At BienestarAudio, we can help you carry out this check-up.
