Even though the battery performance for hearing aids might seem a simple question to answer, in truth it varies according to a variety of factors. One consideration is the company manufacturing the hearing aid. Battery performance differs by manufacturer and also across models from the same manufacturer. The life of a hearing aid battery also depends on the length of time the hearing aid is turned on. Not surprisingly, the more you use the hearing aid, the faster the batteries will be depleted.
In addition, there are differences in battery life between battery manufacturers, and the exact same manufacturer may offer different lines of batteries, some that are supposed to last for a longer period of time than others. Battery life also depends on battery type; for example some varieties are only discharging power when they are in a hearing aid that is switched on, and other types (such as, zinc-air batteries) start burning stored energy as soon as you remove the adhesive strip on the bottom of the battery and they are exposed to oxygen, regardless of whether the hearing aid is turned on or not.
If considering new hearing aids, it’s a good idea to do some research on the different models and the types of batteries they use to help you determine the best choice for your lifestyle. Similarly, a bit of time invested in research may help you locate longer-lasting batteries for your existing hearing aids. Thankfully, when shopping for hearing aid batteries, their manufacturers have made things a little easier for you by standardizing their sizes and color-coding each size; the exact same color codes are used by all hearing aid battery manufacturers. Take a look at the approximated battery life below to get a basic idea of how long hearing aid batteries of each size can be expected to last:
- #10 – Yellow – 80 hours
- #13 – Orange – 240 hours
- #312 – Brown – 175 hours
- #675 – Blue – 300 hours
To ensure the longest life for your batteries when they are in the hearing aid, turn the hearing aid off when you’re not wearing it. To ensure the longest shelf life for hearing aid batteries you’ve purchased but haven’t used yet, store them indoors, at room temperature, and in their original, unopened packaging.
