The trick to keeping hearing aids cost effective hinges on just one component–the batteries. It is one of the largest financial concerns consumers face when buying hearing aids because the costs of replacing them can add up fast.
Usually the batteries die at the worst time which is even more troubling. Even for rechargeable brands, this is a big issue.
There are things you can do to increase the life of the batteries in hearing aids, so you don’t need to stop and replace them several times every week. Consider these six easy ways you can make those batteries last just a little bit longer.
1. Be a Smart Hearing Aid Consumer
When you first start to shop for your hearing aids is when it all starts. Brand quality and hearing aid features are just a couple of the factors which dictate battery life. And certain batteries are higher quality than others. Some cheaper hearing devices have low quality components that work with cheaper cell batteries. 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. These larger devices can potentially go for two weeks without requiring new batteries as opposed to the smaller ones which will require battery replacement every two days. Understand how all of the features of a hearing aid impact the power expenditure and then choose the ones you require.
2. The Hearing Aids Need to be Stored Properly
To avoid drainage of power you will normally have to open the battery door at night. Also, you will want to:
Keep your batteries in a cool, dry location. Humidity and heat will affect battery cells. 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 in this way. Humidity in the air is brutal on their fragile components.
3. Be Careful When You Change The Batteries
Begin with clean, dry hands. The quality of the battery is adversely affected by moisture, dirt, and grease. Until you are ready to use the batteries, be certain to leave the plastic tabs in place. Modern hearing aid batteries mix zinc with the air to power on. You don’t want that to happen before you are ready.
It is good to let them sit out for five minutes after you pull the tab but before you install them. Doing this can increase the life of the battery by days.
4. Different Battery Sources And Batteries Can be Experimented with
High quality batteries will last longer than cheap ones, obviously. Don’t just think of the brand, though, but what types of hearing aid batteries you’re using and where you buy them, too. If you buy in quantity, you can get good batteries for less at some big box stores.
Use caution if you buy them online, especially from an auction site such as eBay. Batteries have an expiration date that they need to be sold by. You shouldn’t use them once they expire.
Ask your hearing specialist for advice on where to find batteries at affordable prices.
5. Be Ready For The Inevitable
Sooner or later, the batteries are going to quit. It’s beneficial if you get an idea when that will happen, so you don’t find yourself 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 change 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. Consider the Alternatives to Batteries
One of the best things about modern hearing aids is that some are rechargeable. You may pay slightly more for those units, but it will be worth it if you can save money on batteries. Rechargeable batteries are likely the best option if you need a lot of features like Bluetooth or wireless.
The batteries that make hearing aids run can be as significant an investment as the hearing aids are. Lengthening the life of your batteries and saving money begins with some due diligence. Contact a hearing aid retailer for some information on what option is best for you.