Hearing Aid Batteries

Do's and Don'ts

Hearing aid batteries will last much longer with proper care and attention; it's easy if you follow these simple guidelines:

Do's:

• Do carry extra batteries for those critical times when you need one.
• Do be careful where you leave your hearing aid batteries; children can easily swallow them.
• Do store batteries in a dry place at room temperature.
• Do ventilate your hearing aid battery compartment at night to keep it dry. Opening the compartment also reminds you to turn the aid off at night.
• Do call a doctor if you swallow a battery.
• Do make sure there is no glue sticking to the battery before you install it.
• Do monitor the life of your battery by simply marking the dates you install a new one on your calendar. You should expect the following life expectancy based on 16 hours a day usage. If not, you may need to have the aid serviced.

• Do invest in a hearing aid battery tester. Batteries are expensive and you want to get the most life out of them.
• Do keep the contacts of your battery clean. Poor contact points can result in a loss of power or a 'frying' sound.
• Do clean your batteries from time to time, a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol works well.
• Do consider silica gel packets for overnight storage of your hearing aids. They will help draw out any harmful moisture.

Don'ts:

• Don't remove the tab on the battery until you use it. The tab keeps that air away from the zinc to keep the battery fresh. Replacing the tab when the battery is not in use will not extend its life.
• Do not keep hearing aid batteries loose in you pockets, metal objects and coins can short out a battery. Consider a small plastic case to hold your batteries.
• Don't throw your old batteries in the garbage, ask where they can be recycled.
• Don't store your batteries in a refrigerator, the extra moisture can be harmful to the battery and reduce its life.
• Don't put more than 2 new batteries in your hearing aid if it's not working properly, take it in for service.
• Don't interchange battery sizes, only one size will fit your aid.