The key to keeping hearing aids cost effective lies in just one component–the batteries. It’s one of the biggest financial concerns consumers have to deal with when buying hearing aids because the costs of replacing them can add up fast.
Even more worrying, what if the batteries die at absolutely the worst moment? Even for rechargeable brands, this is a huge issue.
so that you can avoid the need to exchange the batteries several times each week, you can do several things to extend their life. Think about these six easy ways you can make those batteries last just a little bit longer.
1. Be a Smart Hearing Aid Consumer
When you first start shopping for your hearing aids is when it all starts. Battery life depends on several factors including features of the hearing aids or quality of the brand. And some batteries are higher quality than others. Some cheaper hearing devices have low quality components that work with cheaper cell batteries. You’ll be changing those batteries out a lot, so be certain to talk it over with your hearing specialist.
Think about what features you need, and make some comparisons as you shop around. Wireless versions come with batteries that need replacing 2 times as fast as models with wires. The larger the hearing aid, the longer the battery life, too. The smaller devices need new batteries every two days, but larger models can go for around two weeks on one set of cells. Recognize how all of the features of a hearing aid impact the power expenditure and then select the ones you need.
2. The Hearing Aids Need to be Stored Properly
In most instances, the manufacturer will recommend opening the battery door at night to avoid power drainage. Also, you will want to:
A dry, cool place is where you should keep the batteries. Humidity and heat will affect battery cells. The main thing is to keep them away from heat sources such as light bulbs. Room temperature is okay.
Think about using a hearing aid dehumidifier, too. Both the batteries and the hearing aid itself are protected in this way. Humidity in the air is hard on their fragile components.
3. Be Careful When You Change The Batteries
Begin with clean, dry hands. Humidity, dirt, and grease all impact battery quality. Don’t forget to keep the plastic tab in place until it’s time to use the new batteries, too. The latest hearing aid batteries mix zinc with the air to power on. But you want to be ready before that occurs.
After you pull the tab, but before you use them, it’s smart to allow to them sit out for 5 minutes. Doing this can extend the life of the battery by days.
4. Different Battery Sources And Batteries Can be Experimented with
Needless to say, cheap batteries will die faster than high quality ones. Consider not only the brands, though, but what types of hearing aid batteries you’re using and where you buy them, as well. Big box stores commonly sell quality batteries for less per unit if you buy in bulk.
Use caution if you buy them online, especially from an auction site such as eBay. Batteries have an expiration date that they have to be sold by. After they expire, they shouldn’t be used.
Ask your hearing specialist for advice on where to find batteries at affordable prices.
5. Be Ready For The Unavoidable
The batteries are going to die eventually. If you don’t want to end up in a difficult situation, it’s better to get an idea when this will occur. Make a schedule of when you change the batteries and when they fizzle. You’ll get an idea of when you need to replace them over time.
In order to help you figure out what features have the biggest effect on the battery and which brand batteries are best for your device, keep a diary.
6. What Are the Alternatives to Batteries
Some current day hearing aids are rechargeable and that is one of the greatest features. You may pay a little more for those units, but it will be worth it if you can save money on batteries. Rechargeable batteries are probably the best choice if you need a lot of features such as Bluetooth or wireless.
The batteries that make hearing aids run can be as substantial an investment as the hearing aids are. A small amount of due diligence goes a long way to extending the life of those batteries and saving you money. To find out what your best option for you is, schedule an appointment with a hearing aid specialist.