The trick to making hearing aids cost effective hinges on just one component–the batteries. It is one of the biggest financial challenges consumers have to deal with when shopping for hearing aids because the costs of replacing them can add up fast.
Even more concerning, what if the batteries quit at absolutely the worst moment? This is a huge issue even for rechargeable brands.
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 a few times a week. Make the batteries last just a little bit longer by thinking about these 6 easy ideas.
1. If You’re Looking to Buy a Hearing Aid, be Smart About it
When you first start shopping for your hearing aids is when it all starts. Battery life is dependent on many factors including features on the hearing aids or quality of the brand. And some batteries are better than others. Some cheaper hearing devices have low quality components that work with cheaper cell batteries. Make sure you talk this over this with your hearing care specialist because you will be changing out the batteries constantly.
Consider what features you need, and make some comparisons as you look around. You’ll find that non-wireless hearing aids come with batteries that can last two times as long as the wireless models. The larger the hearing aid, the longer the battery will last, too. The smaller devices will need new batteries every two days, but larger models can go for around two weeks on one set of cells. Get the features you require but understand how each one impacts the power drainage of the hearing aids.
2. The Hearing Aids Need to be Stored Properly
In most situations, the manufacturer will recommend opening the battery door at night to lessen power drainage. Also, you will want to:
A dry, cool place is where you should keep the batteries. Humidity and high temperatures will affect battery cells. Room temperature is okay just keep them out of the sun and away from heat sources include light bulbs.
Think about using a hearing aid dehumidifier, too. It’s one of the smartest ways to preserve both the hearing aids and their batteries. Humidity in the air is brutal on their delicate components.
3. Take Precautions When Changing the Batteries
Be certain your hands are dry and clean. Moisture, dirt, and grease all impact battery quality. Until you are ready to use the batteries, be sure to leave the plastic tabs on. In order to power on, modern hearing aid batteries mix zinc with air. You don’t want that to happen before you are ready.
It is worth letting them sit out for five minutes after you pull the tab but before you install them. 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 just the brands, though, but what types of hearing aid batteries you’re using and where you purchase them, as well. Big box stores might sell quality batteries for less per unit if you buy in quantity.
Be careful if you buy them online, especially from an auction site like eBay. Batteries have an expiration date that they have to be sold by. Once they expire, they shouldn’t be used.
Consult your hearing specialist for advice on where to get 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 occur, so you don’t find yourself in a difficult situation. Keep a schedule of when you change the batteries and when they fizzle. Over time, you’ll get an idea for when you need replacements.
A diary will also assist you in figuring out which brands are right for your hearing devices and what features most affect the battery life.
6. What Are the Alternatives to Batteries
Some current 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 up front. If you need a lot of features like wireless or Bluetooth, then rechargeable batteries are probably the best option.
The batteries that make hearing aids run can be as significant an investment as the hearing aids themselves. 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.