Does it seem like your hearing aid batteries die way too fast? Here are a few surprising reasons that might occur.
How long should hearing aid batteries last? From 3 to 7 days is the standard amount of time for charge to last.
That’s a very wide range. But it’s so wide that it’s unpredictable and might leave you in a bind.
You may be at market on day 4. Out of the blue, you can’t hear anything. You can’t hear the cashier.
Or it’s day 5. You’re enjoying a night out with friends. All of a sudden, you can’t follow the conversation and it’s leaving you feeling quite alone.
Perhaps you go to your grandchild’s school to watch a play. You can no longer hear the kids singing. Wait, it’s only day 2. Yes, occasionally they even drain before that 3-day mark.
It’s not just inconvenient. You’re losing out on life because you’re not sure how much power is left in your hearing aids.
If your hearing aid batteries drain too quickly, check out these seven possible causes.
Moisture can kill a battery
Did you realize that human beings are one of the few species that produce moisture through their skin? You do it to cool down. It also helps clear the blood of unwanted toxins and sodium. On top of this, you may live in a rainy humid climate where things get even wetter.
This extra moisture can clog up the air vent in your device, making hearing aids less efficient. It can even interact with the chemicals that generate electricity causing it to drain even faster.
Prevent battery drain caused by moisture with these steps:
- Store your hearing aids in a place where moisture is minimum
- Open the battery door before storing the hearing aids
- Don’t leave the batteries in if you’re storing them for several days
- A dehumidifier is helpful
Advanced hearing aid features can run down batteries
Even 10 years ago, hearing aids were much less helpful for people with hearing loss than current devices. But when these sophisticated features are being used, they can be a drain on battery power.
Don’t quit using your favorite features. But be aware that the battery will die faster if you spend all day streaming music from your phone to your hearing aids.
All these added features, like Bluetooth, tinnitus relief, or multichannel, can drain the battery faster.
Batteries can be affected by altitude changes
Going from a low to high altitude can deplete your batteries, particularly if they’re on their last leg. Make sure you bring some spares if you’re in the mountains or on a plane.
Is the battery actually drained?
Some hearing aids tell you when the battery is low. These warnings, as a general rule, aren’t telling you that your batteries are dead, they’re simply a heads up. In addition, you may get a warning when the charge takes a dip because of an altitude or humidity change.
You can stop the alarm by removing and resetting your hearing aid. You may be able to get several more hours or even days from that battery.
Handling the batteries incorrectly
Wait until you’re ready to use the battery before you pull off the protective tab. Make sure you wash your hands before handling your hearing aids or batteries to avoid getting hand oil or dirt on them. Keep your batteries away from the freezer. It doesn’t extend their life as it might with other kinds of batteries.
Hearing aids will drain more quickly if you mishandle them in these ways.
Buying a year’s supply of batteries isn’t a good idea
It’s often a practical financial choice to purchase in bulk. But as you get toward the end of the pack, the last few batteries most likely won’t last as long. Try to stick with a 6-month supply or less unless you’re fine with the waste.
internet battery vendors
This isn’t a general critique of buying stuff online. You can find a lot of bargains. But some less scrupulous people will sell batteries on the internet that are very close to the expiration date. Or even worse, it has already passed.
Both alkaline (AA, AAA, etc.) and zinc hearing aid batteries have expiration dates. When you purchase milk, you wouldn’t forget to look at the date it expires. The same goes with batteries. Make sure that the date is well in the future to get the most usage out of the pack.
If you purchase your batteries at a hearing aid store or pharmacy, the expiration date will be on the packaging, but if you’re going to shop on the internet make sure the vendor specifies when the batteries will expire. Only buy batteries from reliable sources.
Hearing aid batteries drain quickly no more
Hearing aid batteries might drain faster for numerous reasons. But by taking little precautions you can get more power out of each battery. You may also consider rechargeable hearing aids if you’re shopping for a new pair. You will get a full day of power after each night of recharging. Every few years, you will have to change the rechargeable batteries.