"What hearing aid battery kind do I need?" is a tough question give a single answer to, because there are many different types of hearing aids, and each takes a battery that matches it and offers adequate energy to power it. For anyone that currently owns a hearing aid the user manual should clearly indicate which battery is required. Alternatively you may get in touch with the provider that sold you the device to ask. In the event that you don't own a hearing aid yet and are trying to choose which type and model is right for you, do a little research. 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 to use it.
To make things simpler for consumers, hearing aid makers and those who manufacture the batteries for them have established a standardized color coding system to make them easier to find. The types are all standard across manufacturers, so the color on the package is a reliable indication of the battery type and size.
The four most common ones are:
Size 675 / Blue – Size 675 has the color code of blue, and is popular in Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids and in selected cochlear implants; these batteries are comparatively large and have the benefit of a longer charge – as much as 300 hours.
Size 10 / Yellow – Size 10 hearing aid batteries have a yellow color code, and are presently the most widely used, being used in many In-The-Canal (ITC) and Completely-In-Canal (CIC) models; because of their smaller size, they have an estimated battery life of about 80 hours.
Size 13 / Orange – Size 13 batteries tend to be found in In-the-Ear (ITE) and Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids, and they have an average battery lifespan of 240 hours.
Size 312 / Brown – Size 312 hearing aid batteries always carry a brown color code, and are typically used in In-The-Ear (ITE) and In-The-Canal (ITC) hearing aids; Size 312 batteries have the average battery life of around 175 hours.
Some kinds of hearing aids require alternative batteries, however these are the most common. Getting alternative sizes can be a tad more difficult since many places do not stock or advertise them, however if you inquire they can be ordered for you.
Be sure to study your owner's manual carefully before investing in large quantities of batteries. If your unit runs on rechargeable batteries, you'll only need throw away batteries for emergencies. Also know that hearing aid batteries gradually lose their full charge over time. You'll get the best battery life by buying batteries that are new and storing them in the sealed original package in a cool place until you are ready to use them.
