Does it seem like your hearing aid batteries drain way too fast? Here are some unexpected reasons that might happen.What is the average amount of time that your hearing aid batteries should keep a charge? Between 3 to 7 days is typical. That’s a very wide range. So wide, in fact, that it’s unpredictable and leaves you in a challenging predicament. Things might suddenly get quiet when you’re trying to hear the cashier at the grocery store after 4 days of battery power. Or it’s day 5 and you’re having a call with friends when all of a sudden you find yourself feeling very alone because you can no longer hear the conversation. Now, you’re watching the TV. All of a sudden you can’t hear the news. Hold on, it’s only day 2. Yes, sometimes they even drain before that 3-day mark. It isn’t just inconvenient. You simply can’t tell how much battery power your hearing aids have left and it’s causing you to miss out on life. If your hearing aid batteries are dying too rapidly, there are several likely culprits.
A Battery Can be Depleted by Moisture
There aren’t very many species that release moisture through their skin but humans do. We do it to cool off. It’s the body’s way of purging the blood of sodium and toxins. On top of this, you may live in a humid or rainy climate where things are even more moist. This excess moisture can clog the air vent in your device, making it less effective. Moisture can also mix with the chemicals of the battery causing it to drain faster. Here are a few steps you can take to prevent moisture-caused battery drain:
- if your storing them for a few days or more, take the batteries out
- Don’t keep your hearing aids in the bathroom, kitchen or other damp conditions
- When you store your hearing aids, open the battery door
- A dehumidifier for your hearing aid is helpful
Advanced Hearing Aid Functions Can Drain Batteries
You get a much better hearing aid nowadays than you did even 10 years ago. But if you’re not paying attention, these advanced features can cause faster battery drain. You can still use your favorite features. But just know that if you stream music all day from your mobile device to your hearing aids, you’ll have to replace the battery sooner. Your battery can be depleted by any of the advanced functions, like multichannel, Bluetooth, noise cancellation, and tinnitus relief.
Altitude Changes Can Impact Batteries Too
Going from a low to high altitude can deplete your batteries, particularly if they’re on their older. When flying, skiing or climbing always brings some extra batteries.
Are The Batteries Really Low?
Some hearing aids tell you when the battery is running low. As a general rule, these warnings are giving you a “heads up”. They’re not telling you the battery is depleted. Also, the charge can sometimes drop briefly due to altitude or environmental changes and that can activate a false low battery warning. In order to stop the alarm, remove the batteries, and then put them back in. The battery might last a few more hours or even days.
Improper Handling of Batteries
You should not remove the little tab from the battery until you’re ready to use it. Steer clear of getting dirt and skin oil on your hearing aid by cleaning your hands before touching them. Never freeze hearing aid batteries. It doesn’t increase their life as it could with other types of batteries. Basic handling mistakes like these can make hearing aid batteries drain faster.
It isn’t a Good Idea to Buy a Year’s Supply of Batteries
Buying in bulk is usually a smart money move if you can afford to do it. But as you come to the end of the pack, the last few batteries most likely won’t last as long. Unless you’re fine with wasting a few, try to stick to a six month supply.
Purchasing Hearing Aid Batteries on The Web
This isn’t a broad critique of buying things on the web. There are some pretty good deals out in cyberspace. But some batteries that are available on the internet are being sold by less honest individuals and are near their expiration date. They might even be past their expiration date. So buyer beware.
There’s an expiration date on both zinc and alkaline batteries. You wouldn’t buy milk without looking at the expiration. You should use the same amount of care with batteries. If you want to get the most out of your pack, be certain the date is well in the future. If the website doesn’t mention an expiration date, message the vendor, or purchase batteries directly from us. Be sure you know and trust the seller.
Today You Can Get Rechargeable Hearing Aids
There are a number of reasons that hearing batteries might drain rapidly. But by taking little precautions you can get more life out of each battery. If you’re in the market for a new set of hearing aids, you might decide on a rechargeable model. If you charge them while you sleep, you get a full day of hearing the next day. And you only have to replace them every few years.
