Battery Corner

Millions of hard of hearing people across the UK rely on a hearing aid to hear. The battery is a critical but often forgotten part of this technology, providing the power you need to hear. In recent years, hearing aid batteries have become even more important as hearing aids have gone digital and added new power hungry features.

If you’ve ever wondered how your batteries work and the role they play, we’ve answered some common questions with the help of Rayovac, the world’s leading manufacturer of hearing aid batteries.

Q: How does my hearing aid battery work?

A: Batteries provide the power source for your hearing aid. Most of today’s batteries are zinc air batteries, they work as a result of a reaction that occurs between zinc stored in the battery and oxygen in the atmosphere.

When you remove the tab on the back of your battery it becomes ‘activated’. Air from outside is drawn into the cell through tiny little holes. The oxygen in the air then reacts with the zinc to produce the energy needed to power your hearing aid. When the zinc supply begins to run out, you need to replace the battery otherwise the performance of your hearing aid drops.  

Q: How important is the tab on the battery?

A: It’s vital. The tab works to seal the air holes and ensure freshness until you are ready to use the battery. Once you remove the tab, the battery is activated and you begin to drain the power. Replacing the tab when the battery is not in use will sadly not extend its life.

After removing the tab, wait about one minute before inserting the battery into your hearing aid. This allows sufficient time for the air to enter.

Q: Why does the life of a battery vary by its size?

A: It’s quite simple. Battery life varies by size because a larger battery has more room for zinc. More zinc equals more life and power.

Q: But what other factors affect the life of a battery?

A: How quickly you drain the power is influenced by a range of factors including:

• Type of hearing aid: high powered devices like those for people with cochlear implants have more features and drain battery power faster than standard devices.
• Background noise: a battery will drain less in a library or at home compared to a restaurant or rock concert.
• Volume: if you have your hearing aid “maxed out” on volume this prematurely drains the battery.
• Sweat & perspiration: It is important to make sure that your hearing aids remain dry, excess moisture is bad for batteries and can cause shorting out.

Q: Is there anything that can be done to protect the life of my battery?

A: Taking care of your batteries will help to ensure they perform correctly and last longer.

• Keep the tab on the back of the battery until you are ready to use it. Removing the tab will drain the power supply
• Store your hearing aid batteries at room temperature
• Avoid storing batteries in hot places since heat shortens the lifespan
• Refrigeration is not recommended
• Batteries should not be carried in your pocket. Metal objects such as coins may short out batteries.

Q: Are all hearing aid batteries the same?

A: Battery quality and performance differs from manufacturer to manufacturer however battery sizes are standardized within the industry so can be used interchangeably. 

The standard sizes are Size 13 (orange tab); Size 312 (brown tab); Size 10 (yellow tab); Size 675 (blue). Your audiologist will tell you the battery you need and you just match the size designated by the colour code.

Q: What should I do with my old hearing aid batteries?

A: This is a very topical question. Getting into the habit of collecting and recycling used batteries is essential. There is a new European Batteries Directive being implemented from the 1^st of February that requires the UK to recycle 25% of portable batteries (hearing aid batteries as well as household batteries) by 2012.

Fortunately, recycling used batteries is now far easier than in the past. A series of free to use battery collection facilities have been set up at various points including many of the biggest retail outlets, offices, civic buildings, schools sports centres and other public amenities.

It’s easy to find your nearest collection point. Ask your audiologist or visit the BatteryBack website www.batteryback.org which has details of over 3,000 collection points. Find the nearest one to your home by typing in your postcode.