The way we charge our electronics has changed over time, from cameras to cellphones to media players. Whereas before, those who wore hearing aids would need to rely on disposable batteries to power their device, now, rechargeable hearing aid batteries are finally available and are powerful and long-lasting.
Typically, hearing aids have been powered by size 312 batteries, the most common form of disposable battery. Now, the most popular type of this battery is a zinc-ion.
What Are Some of The Problems with Disposable Hearing Aid Batteries?
As the name implies, the presence of air has an impact on the performance of a zinc-air battery. To activate a 312 zinc-air battery, the user must first remove a little tab from the back of the battery. It begins to lose power as soon as it has received all of the oxygen it needs. As a result, even when the user is not actively using the power, the power is draining.
For the vast majority of consumers, the most significant disadvantage of disposable batteries is the short duration of their use. According to some sources, the usual life expectancy of a size 312 disposable battery is between three and 12 days, implying that users can replace their batteries approximately 120 times per year.
Additionally, in addition to purchasing 120 batteries, the user will be required to change and properly dispose of batteries at least twice a week as a result of this. From a purely financial standpoint, that is a significant amount.
Not only that but with a global focus on reducing waste and using single-use products we should all be taking steps to minimize the amount of waste we create in order to protect the environment. 120 batteries are not an insignificant number. If we can be taking steps to reduce this, we should be. Rechargeable and reusable batteries can make a big difference, especially when you consider how many people across the world wear hearing aids every single day.
Rechargeable Batteries Have Come on in Leaps and Bounds in Recent Years
In the past, many people have shunned rechargeable batteries for hearing aids as they were not always fit for purpose. However, people who use hearing aids will be pleased to know that rechargeable technology has now advanced to the point that it is now a viable solution, which is fantastic news.
According to some research, the vast majority of individuals would opt for rechargeable hearing aids if they were given the option. Prior to recent developments, many models have struggled to generate an adequate amount of charge to be usable in everyday situations. Today’s rechargeable batteries, on the other hand, will last the entire day without needing to be recharged.
Hearing aid users may not realize considerable cost savings as a result of switching to rechargeable batteries, but they will notice a demonstrable improvement in their overall quality of life.
These new types provide less aggravation on top of keeping a 24-hour charge because the user is relieved of the hassle of replacing the batteries on a regular basis. All they have to do now is connect the battery to the charger.
In the final stages of its life, a disposable battery is no longer capable of operating your hearing aid at its maximum capacity. Furthermore, you have no way of knowing how near the battery is to fail. As a result, users run the danger of finding themselves in a situation where their battery fails at an inopportune moment. Not only is this a safety hazard, but it also has the potential to cause users to miss out on critical life moments if their battery runs out.
There Are Various Types of Rechargeable Hearing Aid Batteries Available
Rechargeable batteries are available in a variety of different materials, each of which has its own set of advantages. Because of its capacity to maintain a charge for up to 24 hours, integrated lithium-ion batteries are one solution that manufacturers are utilizing.
Another substance that is being used in today’s rechargeable hearing aids is silver-zinc technology. Originally, these ground-breaking batteries were created for use on NASA’s lunar missions. If you have an existing hearing aid, it is likely that it can be upgraded to function on rechargeable batteries using this technology. Silver-zinc batteries, like lithium-ion batteries, can deliver enough power to keep you going all day.
Some hearing aid types even allow you to recharge the battery while the hearing aid is still in use. These users will charge their hearing aids by placing them on a charging station while they sleep or at any other time when the device is not in use.
For more information on using rechargeable batteries in your hearing aid, get in touch with GL Wyeno Hearing Specialists PC at (402) 463-2431.
