This is Why Hearing Aid Batteries Drain so Fast

Button battery for hearing aids on the brown wooden table. The object is on the left. The batteries are stacked in a triangle.

Does it seem as if your hearing aid batteries drain way too fast? Here are some unexpected reasons that may occur.

So how far should the charge on my hearing aid battery last? The typical hearing aid battery lasts anywhere between 3 and 7 days.

That’s a very wide range. So wide, in fact, that it’s unpredictable and leaves you in a serious situation.

You could be at market on day 4. Unexpectedly, your sound cuts out. The cashier is speaking to you but you can’t hear what they are saying.

Or it’s day 5. You’re appreciating a night out with friends. Suddenly, you find yourself feeling really alone because you can no longer hear the conversation.

Now, you’re at your grandchild’s school play. You can no longer hear the kids singing. But it’s only day 2. Yes, occasionally they even drain before the 3rd day.

It isn’t simply inconvenient. You’re losing out on life because you don’t know how much juice is left in your hearing aids.

If your hearing aid batteries drain too quickly, check out these seven possible culprits.

Moisture can kill a battery

Did you realize that humans are one of the few species that produce moisture through their skin? It’s a cooling system. You do it to eliminate extra sodium or toxins in the blood. Your battery could be subjected to even more moisture if you live in a humid or rainy place.

The air vent in your device can become clogged by this excess moisture which can cause less efficient performance. It can even drain the battery directly by interacting with the chemicals that make electricity.

Here are several steps you can take to prevent moisture-caused battery drain:

  • Don’t store your hearing aids in the bathroom or kitchen
  • Open up the battery door before you store your hearing aids
  • A dehumidifier is helpful
  • Take the batteries out if you’re storing them for a few days

State-of-the-art hearing aid functions can run down batteries

Even 10 years ago, hearing aids were a lot less helpful for people with hearing loss than current devices. But these extra features can cause batteries to drain faster if you’re not watching.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use these amazing features. But be aware that the battery will die faster if you spend all day streaming music from your cellphone to your hearing aids.

All these extra features, like Bluetooth, tinnitus relief, or multichannel, can drain the battery faster.

Batteries can be impacted by altitude changes

Going from a low to high altitude can deplete your batteries, especially if they’re low already. Be certain that you bring some spares if you are in the mountains or on a plane.

Is the battery really drained?

Some hearing aids tell you when the battery is low. As a general rule, these warnings are giving you a “heads up”. They’re not telling you the battery is dead. Moreover, sometimes an environmental change in altitude or humidity briefly causes the charge to dip and the low battery alarm will sound.

You can turn off the alarm by removing and resetting your hearing aid. You might be able to get several more hours or even days out of that battery.

Handling the batteries improperly

Wait until you’re ready to use the battery before you pull off the protective tab. Hand oil or dirt can be an issue for batteries so wash up before handling them. Never freeze hearing aid batteries. This may extend the life of other batteries but that’s not the case with hearing aid batteries.

Hearing aids will drain more quickly if you mishandle them in these ways.

Buying a year’s supply of batteries isn’t a good idea

It’s usually a wise financial decision to buy in bulk. But as you get toward the end of the pack, the last several batteries most likely won’t last as long. It can be a waste to purchase any more than a 6 month supply.

internet battery vendors

We’re not suggesting it’s always a bad idea to buy things online. You can get some great deals. But some less scrupulous people will sell batteries online that are very near to the expiration date. Or even worse, it has already gone by.

Both alkaline (AA, AAA, etc.) and zinc hearing aid batteries have expiration dates. You wouldn’t purchase milk without checking when it expires. The same goes with batteries. If you want to get the most out of your battery, be certain the date is well into the future.

If the website doesn’t declare an expiration date, send the online vendor a message, or purchase batteries at a pharmacy or hearing aid store where you can see it on the box. Make sure you check reviews to be certain you’re buying from a reliable source.

Hearing aid batteries drain quickly no longer

Hearing aid batteries might drain more quickly for several reasons. But by taking small precautions you can get more energy out of each battery. And if you’re thinking of an upgrade, consider rechargeable hearing aids. You will get an entire day of power after every night of recharging. The rechargeable batteries only have to be replaced 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.