Are Your Hearing Aid Batteries Dying Too Fast?

Man touching hearing aids that stopped working because the batteries drained.

Does it seem like your hearing aid batteries lose their charge too fast? The reasons for this can be sometimes surprising.How long should hearing aid batteries keep a charge? The typical hearing aid battery lasts between 3 and 7 days. That’s a really wide range. Actually, it’s so wide that it probably won’t help you predict what should be going on with your hearing aid. Things might suddenly get quiet when you’re trying to hear the cashier at the supermarket after 4 days of battery power. Or it’s day 5 and you’re enjoying a call with friends when unexpectedly you find yourself feeling really alone because you can no longer hear the conversation. Now, you’re watching TV. You can no longer hear the news. Hold on, it’s only day 2. Yes, sometimes they even drain before that 3-day mark. It isn’t just annoying. You’re missing out on life because you don’t know how much juice you have left in your hearing aids. Here are the likely culprits if your hearing aid batteries drain quickly.

Moisture Can Drain a Battery

Did you know that humans are one of the few species that release moisture through their skin? We do it to cool down. We do it to clear out excess toxins or sodium in the blood. On top of this, you might live in a humid or rainy climate where things are even wetter. This excess moisture can clog the air vent in your device, making it less reliable. Moisture can also interact with the chemicals of the battery causing it to drain faster. Here are a few steps you can take to avoid moisture-caused battery drain:

  • Before you store your hearing aids, open the battery door
  • Don’t leave the batteries in if you’re storing them for a few days
  • A dehumidifier for your hearing aid is helpful
  • Don’t keep your hearing aids in the bathroom, kitchen or other damp conditions

Batteries Can be Depleted by Advanced Hearing Aid Functions

Modern digital hearing aids help people hear so much better than ones that you could get just 10 years ago. But these extra features can cause batteries to run down faster if you’re not paying attention. Don’t stop using your favorite features. But just know that if you stream music for hours from your mobile device to your hearing aids, you’ll need to replace the battery sooner. Noise-canceling, Bluetooth, multichannel, tinnitus relief — all of these extra functions can deplete your battery.

Altitude Changes Can Impact Batteries Too

Going from a low to high altitude can drain your batteries, particularly if they’re on their last leg. When skiing, flying or climbing always takes some spare batteries.

Are The Batteries Really Low?

Some hearing aids let you know when the battery is low. These alerts are, under normal circumstances, a “heads up”. They’re not actually saying the battery is dead. Moreover, sometimes an environmental change in humidity or altitude briefly causes the charge to dip and the low battery alert gets triggered. In order to stop the alarm, take the batteries out, and then put them back in. The battery might last a few more hours or even days.

Improper Handling of Batteries

Wait until you’re ready to use your hearing aid to remove the tab from the battery. Refrain from getting dirt and skin oil on your hearing aid by washing your hands before touching them. Don’t ever freeze hearing aid batteries. It doesn’t increase their life as it might with other types of batteries. Simple handling mistakes like these can cause hearing aid batteries to drain more quickly.

It’s Not a Good Plan to Buy a Year’s Supply of Batteries

Buying in bulk is typically a smart money decision if you can afford to do it. But the last few batteries in the pack probably won’t have full power. Unless you’re fine with wasting a few, try to stay with a six month supply.

Shopping For Hearing Aid Batteries on The Web

Buying from the web can be a good thing. You can get some great deals. But some batteries that you can find on the internet are being sold by less honest individuals and are close to their expiration date. They might even be past their expiration date. So buyer beware.
There’s an expiration date on both alkaline and zinc batteries. If you were going to buy milk, you would look at the expiration date. You have to use the same amount of caution with batteries. Be certain that the date is not close to the expiration to get the most use out of the pack. If the website doesn’t specify an expiration date, message the vendor, or purchase batteries directly from us. Only purchase batteries from reputable sources.

Current Hearing Aids Are Rechargeable

There are several reasons that hearing batteries may drain rapidly. But by taking little precautions you can get more energy from each battery. You may also think about rechargeable hearing aids if you’re going to buy a new set. If you charge them while you sleep, you get a full day of hearing the next day. And you only need to replace them every few years.

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.