There is one component that is the key to making hearing aids economical and that is the batteries. The cost of exchanging them adds up fast and that makes it one of the largest financial considerations when buying hearing aids.
Usually the batteries die at the worst time which is even more troubling. Even for rechargeable brands, this is a huge issue.
There are things you can do to extend the life of the batteries in hearing aids, so you don’t need to stop and replace them several times a week. Think about these six straightforward 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 begins. Brand quality and hearing aid features are a couple of the factors which dictate battery life. Not every battery is created equally, either. Cheap components and even cheaper batteries are what defines low quality hearing aids. Make sure you discuss this with your hearing care specialist because you will be changing out the batteries a lot.
Think about what features you need, and make some comparisons as you look around. You’ll find that non-wireless hearing aids have batteries that can last twice as long as the wireless devices. The bigger the hearing aid, the longer the battery life, too. The smaller devices require new batteries every two days, but larger models can go for up to two weeks on one set of cells. Get the features you need but understand how each one impacts the power drainage of the hearing aids.
2. Take the Time to Store the Hearing Aids Properly
To lessen drainage of power you will usually need to open the battery door at night. Also, you will want to:
A dry, cool location is where you should keep the batteries. Batteries are adversely impacted by high temperature and humidity. Room temperature is okay just keep them out of the sun and away from heat sources include light bulbs.
Consider using a hearing aid dehumidifier, too. Both the batteries and the hearing aid itself are protected by doing this. Their delicate components are easily destroyed by moisture in the air.
3. Be Careful When You Change The Batteries
Start with clean, dry hands. Humidity, dirt, and grease all impact battery quality. Don’t forget to keep the plastic tab in place until you are ready to use the new batteries, too. In order to power on, modern hearing aid batteries mix zinc with air. But you want to be ready before that happens.
After you pull the tab, but before you use them, it’s smart to let 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
It goes without saying, bargain batteries will die faster than quality ones. Don’t only think of the brand, though, but what types of hearing aid batteries you’re using and also where you buy them. Big box stores commonly sell quality batteries for less per unit if you buy in quantity.
Be careful if you shop online, especially from an auction site like 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. Accept The Inevitable And be Ready For it
The batteries are going to die eventually. It’s better if you get an idea when that will happen, so you don’t end up in a pinch. To keep track of when the batteries fizzle and need to be replaced, make a schedule. You’ll get a feel for when you need to replace them over time.
In order to help you determine what features have the biggest effect on the battery and which brand batteries are appropriate for your device, keep a diary.
6. What Are the Alternatives to Batteries
Some modern day hearing aids are rechargeable and that is one of the best features. If you can save money on batteries, it will be worth paying a little more initially. If you need a bunch of features like wireless or Bluetooth, then rechargeable batteries are likely the best option.
Hearing aids are a considerable investment but the batteries that make them work are too. A small amount of due diligence goes a long way to lengthening the life of those batteries and saving you money. Contact a hearing aid retailer for some information on what option is best for you.