How to extend hearing aid battery life?
- Buy new hearing aid batteries - Note the expiration date written on the packaging of the batteries. Unopened batteries can last for several years.
- Do not remove the sticker from the battery until you are ready to use it - Hearing aid batteries are called “zinc-air” batteries. The sticker on a new battery protects it from air entering the battery and activating the zinc. After this occurs, the battery power will begin draining (even if it is out of the hearing aid!). Therefore, you should remove the sticker only if you anticipate using the battery immediately.
- Implement the 1-minute rule - Once you remove the sticker, don’t insert the battery into the hearing aid immediately. Instead, wait about 1 minute. This will allow the air to activate the battery completely, enhancing its life by up to three days.
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Store at room temperature - You might have read that you can prolong the life of your batteries by keeping them in your refrigerator. Unfortunately, this doesn't work for hearing aid batteries. Zinc-air batteries and moisture do not mix, and the condensation from the refrigerator leads to corrosion and an elevated risk of early failure. You can store your hearing aid batteries at room temperature for the best results.
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Leave the hearing aid battery door open when not being used - When you are not using your hearing aid, remember to turn it off by opening the battery door. This prevents drain and blocks corrosion.
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You can invest in a hearing aid dehumidifier - Store your hearing aid in a dehumidifier during the night. This prevents moisture from accumulating inside the hearing aid and the battery tray.
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Remove the batteries if you won’t be using your hearing aids for prolonged periods - If you anticipate not using your hearing aids for a while, taking out the batteries entirely will help protect against corrosion from collected moisture within the hearing aid.
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Clean your hands before changing the batteries - Dirt, grime, and moisture are harmful to the hearing aid batteries and the hearing aids themselves. So, you should wash your hands before changing the batteries.