Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to the question “Which kind of battery do I purchase for my hearing aid?” because hearing aid types and the batteries they operate on common in many varieties. The easiest situation to address is if you already own a hearing aid; if so, read the manual that was included with the device or get in touch with the professionals who fit it for you to determine the correct battery. In the event that you’re still looking for a hearing aid and trying to choose which style is right for you, you may wish to do some comparison shopping to assist you in your selection. Different sizes of hearing aid batteries vary greatly in price, and in the life of the battery, so your choice of hearing aid can impact the amount of money you spend over time using it.
To make things easier for customers, hearing aid manufacturers and the companies who make the batteries for them have developed a standardized color coding system to make the right size easier to locate. Batteries of the same size and type will always have the identical color code on their packages, regardless of who made them.
In all likelihood your hearing aid will utilize one of these 4 types:
Size 675 / Blue – Size 675 is always coded blue, and is frequently used in Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids and in some cochlear implants; these batteries are comparatively large and have the benefit of a longer charge, lasting as much as 300 hours.
Size 10 / Yellow – Hearing aid batteries that have a color code of yellow are Size 10, and can be the easiest to find because they are commonly used in Completely-In-Canal (CIC) and In-The-Canal (ITC) models of hearing aids; their battery lifespan is shorter, approximately 80 hours.
Size 312 / Brown – Size 312 hearing aid batteries have a brown color code, and are typically used in In-The-Canal (ITC) and In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids; they have the average battery life of 175 hours.
Size 13 / Orange – The color orange corresponds to Size 13 hearing aid batteries. Size 13 batteries are intermediate in size holding a charge for approximately 240 hours. This size battery is commonplace in Behind-the-Ear (BTE) and In-the-Ear (ITE) hearing aids.
These are the most common sizes and types of hearing aid batteries, although there are hearing aids that call for alternative ones. Finding alternate sizes can be a tad more difficult since many retailers do not stock them, but if you ask they can be ordered for you.
Don’t forget to read the manual that comes with your hearing aid before purchasing batteries, because some of the modern hearing aids take rechargeable batteries, so disposable batteries are only needed for emergencies. Additionally, remember to always store your hearing aid batteries at room temperature in their unopened packages to ensure that they hold their charge.