Does it seem as if your hearing aid batteries drain way too quickly? There are several reasons why this may be occurring that might be surprising.
How long should hearing aid batteries last? From 3 to 7 days is the typical amount of time for charge to last.
That’s a really wide range. But it’s so wide that it’s unpredictable and might leave you in a bind.
You could be on day 4 at the grocery store. Out of the blue, you can’t hear anything. The cashier is speaking to you but you don’t hear what they are saying.
Or, you’re out for lunch with friends on day 5. Suddenly, you find yourself feeling really alone because you can no longer follow the conversation.
Maybe you go to your grandchild’s school to watch a play. And the kid’s singing goes quiet. But it’s only day 2. Yes, they even sometimes die after a couple of days.
It’s not just inconvenient. You have no idea how much power is left and it’s causing you to miss out on life.
If your hearing aid batteries die too quickly, look to these seven possible culprits.
Your Battery can be killed by moisture
Did you know that humans are one of the few species that produce moisture through their skin? You do it to cool down. It also cleans the blood of excess toxins and sodium. Your battery could be exposed to even more moisture if you live in a humid or rainy place.
The air vent in your device can get plugged by this extra moisture which can cause less efficient functionality. It can even interact with the chemicals that generate electricity causing it to drain even faster.
Here are several steps you can take to prevent moisture-caused battery drain:
- Take the batteries out if you’re storing them for a few days
- Keep your hearing aids in a spot where moisture is at a minimum
- Open the battery door before you store your hearing aids
- A dehumidifier is helpful
State-of-the-art hearing aid functions can run down batteries
Even a decade ago, hearing aids were much less helpful for people with hearing loss than modern devices. But when these advanced functions are being used, they can be a drain on battery power.
Don’t quit using your favorite features. But just know that if you stream music for hours from your smartphone to your hearing aids, you’ll need to replace the battery sooner.
All these extra functions, like Bluetooth, tinnitus relief, or multichannel, can drain the battery more quickly.
Altitude changes can affect batteries too
Your batteries can be drained quickly when you have a quick climb in altitude, and if they’re already low this is particularly true. Make sure you bring some spares if you’re in the mountains or on an aircraft.
Perhaps the batteries aren’t really drained
Some hearing aids let you know when the battery is low. These warnings, as a general rule, aren’t telling you that your batteries are dead, they’re just a heads up. In addition, you might get a warning when the charge takes a dip because of an altitude or humidity change.
You can turn off the alarm by removing and resetting your hearing aid. You might be able to get several more hours or even days out of that battery.
Incorrect handling of batteries
Wait until you’re ready to use the battery before you pull off the protective tab. Hand oil or dirt can be a problem for batteries so wash up before you handle them. Never freeze hearing aid batteries. This might extend the life of other batteries but it doesn’t work with hearing aid batteries.
Basic handling errors like these can make hearing aid batteries drain faster.
Overstocking on batteries isn’t a good plan
Buying in bulk is usually a smart money decision when you can afford it. But you can anticipate that the last few batteries in the pack won’t last as long. It can be a waste to purchase any more than a 6 month supply.
Online battery vendors
We’re not claiming it’s always a bad idea to buy things on the internet. You can find lots of bargains. But some less scrupulous individuals will sell batteries on the internet that are very near to the expiration date. Or even worse, it has already passed.
Both alkaline (AA, AAA, etc.) and zinc hearing aid batteries have expiration dates. You wouldn’t purchase milk without looking at the expiration. The same goes with batteries. In order to get the most from your battery, be certain the date is well into the future.
If the website doesn’t declare an expiration date, message the seller, or buy batteries at a pharmacy or hearing aid store where you can see it on the box. Make sure you check reviews to be certain you’re buying from a reputable source.
The batteries in hearing aids no longer drain quickly
Hearing aid batteries might drain faster for numerous reasons. But by taking little precautions you can get more power from each battery. You may also think about rechargeable hearing aids if you’re shopping for a new pair. You put these hearing aids on a charger every night for an entire day of hearing the next day. The rechargeable batteries only have to be swapped out every few years.
