Everything You Need to Know About Hearing Instrument Batteries

Your hearing instruments require a steady power supply in order to work properly, because even subtle changes in power output can affect performance, clarity, and volume control. Different hearing instruments require different types of batteries — based on the size and power requirements of the hearing instrument — to work properly. There are many variables that determine how long your battery will power your hearing instruments.

A standard “zinc-air” battery lasts anywhere from three to 15 days, depending upon the type of hearing instrument, the capacity of the battery, and the amount of hearing instrument use throughout each day. The smallest hearing instrument batteries, used for 12 to 16 hours per day, may need to be changed every three or four days, while the largest hearing instrument batteries used for only a couple hours each day may go several weeks without needing to be changed.

To minimize battery drain, turn off the hearing instrument when not in use by opening the battery door. A good way to dry out accumulated moisture is to remove the battery entirely from the battery door.

When storing batteries, keep them at normal room temperature (not refrigerated). Prior to changing batteries, wash your hands thoroughly to remove grease and dirt, which may drain the battery more quickly or dirty the inside of your hearing instrument. When the battery dies, it should be removed immediately. A completely discharged battery may swell and become difficult to remove from the small device. The best method to extend battery life is to remember to always pull off the zinc air battery tab and place battery on a counter top for 15 minutes prior to insertion.

 

How Do I Change My Batteries?

There are a few ways to know when to change batteries. Some hearing instruments will emit a small beeping sound when the battery is low, while some will speak to the user, stating that a change of batteries is needed. Hearing instruments that don’t emit warnings typically worsen in sound quality, become distorted, or simply die altogether.

Note: if a change of batteries doesn’t alleviate this problem, please refer back to troubleshooting guide that was covered during your hearing instrument fitting.

 

To insert or replace batteries:

Ask us if rechargeable batteries is an option for you!
  1. Open battery door using nail grip.
  2. Remove old battery (if necessary).
  3. Remove new battery from package, and pull protective tab from battery. Let the battery rest for 15 minutes before placing battery into compartment.
  4. Align “+” sign on flat side of battery with “+” sign on battery door.
  5. When battery is secure, close door.

How to Videos

Change a RIC Battery

Change a Custom Mold Battery

Different Types of Batteries

We give a 3-year supply of complimentary batteries with nearly every hearing instrument purchase

There are four main sizes of batteries, each with a specific color-coded package: size 10 (yellow), size 13 (orange), size 312 (brown), and size 675 (blue). The battery size you need is typically based on the size and style of your hearing instrument.

Standard hearing instrument batteries are zinc-air, which are activated when exposed to air, so it is very important to keep them sealed in their packages prior to use. Never open packages to move batteries to a single container; keep the packages sealed until the batteries must be used in the hearing instruments, or you may end up with a dead battery. Don’t buy batteries if the seal is broken.

Battery Tips:

  1. Once the tab is removed from the battery, it takes approximately 15 minutes before the battery is activated and the battery compartment can be closed.
  2. Do not force the battery door shut, as it may result in damage to the hearing instrument or a broken battery compartment. If the door does not close correctly, check to see if the battery is correctly inserted.
  3. Do not force the battery door open too far, as it may result in damage.
  4. Keep used batteries in a secured container to return back to us at your next appointment so they can be recycled. Used batteries can harm children or pets if ingested.
  5. Use of a hearing instrument multicleaning tool with a magnetic end may be helpful in handling the batteries.
  6. Batteries can harm children or pets if ingested, so please call poison control immediately if this occurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do hearing instrument batteries cost?
Some hearing care providers include in the costs of hearing instruments a litany of perks, like follow-up care, refittings, warranties that cover damage, and complimentary hearing instrument batteries—so you may not actually have to pay for them. Complimentary batteries are sometimes offered for the same term as the warranty, and sometimes for a fixed amount of time.

Packs of hearing instrument batteries typically cost between $18-20 for packs of 24 batteries, or several weeks’ worth of power. Depending upon hearing instrument style and use, total battery cost may be as little as $30 per year, or as much as $150 per year.

How often do I have to change my hearing instrument batteries?
How often you change your hearing instrument batteries will depend mostly on two things: the style of hearing instrument you use and how often you use it. Many of the smaller units — the invisible units, for instance — require smaller batteries that have less power. Using these units for most hours of the day might yield only three to five days of use per set of batteries.

Batteries for larger styles, however, like behind-the-ear units, can last for weeks if used for only a handful of hours each day. Wearers of these units can typically expect their batteries to last for five to seven days if used regularly.

Historically speaking, the better the hearing instrument the worse the battery life as it makes more calculations per second.

Got Questions?

We've got answers and we're standing by to help.

Request a Follow-Up