Batteries for hearing aids come in different sizes, colors and functions. No two battery types are the same, but their care methods remain similar. When purchasing hearing aids from Midwest Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists, P.C., battery care should be a priority. A better understanding of battery worth leads to less purchases or in-office repair trips.
Battery types
Zinc-air batteries come in four easy to identify sizes. Along with their numerical value, there is a color code to further differentiate the packaging. Available sizes from smallest to largest are 10 (yellow), 13 (orange), 312 (brown) and 675 (blue). The actual battery life for each type is tied to the style of hearing aids they are used in. Devices that have rich power-saving features will be fine, even if they are abundant in features. Hearing aids that have weak power conservation methods will require more changing of batteries. Regardless of how well the device handles batteries, you should always have an extra set ready to use.
Care and maintenance
Extreme temperatures lower the effectiveness of hearing aid batteries. Always store the device and any unused battery in a cool and dry place. Pay close attention to any type of irregularities with the package. Unused batteries that are tampered with or deformed should not be used with a hearing aid.
Zinc-air batteries that have their tab pulled are considered activated and should be used immediately. When left out in the open, an activated battery will discharge quickly. Correct usage of zinc-air batteries will ensure that their operating capacity always starts at maximum.
Rechargeable batteries
With the introduction of rechargeable batteries, hearing device users gained more ease of use features. Rechargeable batteries don’t have to be replaced and can be fully energized using a portable charging station. Daily use energy levels hold well, with the hearing aid model being the biggest factor in how long it goes without a charge. In order to take advantage of these features, users have to purchase hearing devices that are already compatible with rechargeable batteries. For some users, rechargeable hearing aids are the natural step up from their traditional models.