Oro Valley Audiology sells hearing aid batteries at the office as well as our online store for contactless purchasing. We continue to have a fresh supply of batteries on hand so that the life of the battery is not affected by being in storage. When ordered online, the delivery comes directly from our supplier.
There are two types of batteries that can be purchased for hearing aids: zinc-air and a variety of this with trace amounts of mercury. Both types have a tab that needs to be peeled off to activate the battery. Each battery has an airhole that is covered by the tab. Once removed, the air hits the chemicals within and activates the battery. Once the tab is peeled off, the battery will go dead after a time even if it is never placed in an instrument. It is important to not pull the tab off until it is time to use it in the hearing aid. Once the tab is pulled off, the battery should sit in an open space for about 2 minutes to fully activate. The life of the battery will be diminished if it is put to use immediately.
There are 4 sizes of batteries for hearing aids in 2020. They are listed by size and color. This coding ensures that the correct size of battery is purchased no matter who makes the battery. The smallest battery is size 10, which is color-coded as yellow. This is used in the smallest of hearing aids and usually only has a life span of 3 to 5 days. The next and most popular size is 312, coded brown. The typical life of this battery is 5-7 days. The next largest is 13, coded orange, and the typical life is 7-10 days. Lastly, size 675, coded blue, is used in the more powerful hearing aids will last a week or two.
Depending on the size of the battery, if you are streaming from your tablet or phone, or if you are in a very demanding environment for long periods of time, the batteries will last anywhere from 3 to 7 days on average.
Zinc-air batteries either have a charge or they don’t. They do not just weaken. If your hearing aid isn’t working, first check the battery. If the hearing aid on the other side is working, use that battery to troubleshoot. If the hearing aid malfunction isn’t due to the battery, it may also be wax related. After you rule these two items out, call us to further diagnose the issue. Most newer hearing aids have a low battery detector, which will alert you to change the batteries with a sound.
Keep zinc-air batteries in a drawer and make sure they are not exposed to the sun. It does not help (and can shorten) the lifetime of your batteries to keep them in the fridge or freezer or in your car. Extreme temperatures can affect the tab on the battery and activate it before you peel it off to place it into your hearing aid.
Yes, rechargeable batteries need to be replaced. The older types of batteries should be replaced every year or so, but the newer lithium batteries can go 2 to 3 years before losing their ability to recharge.
If batteries are left in an unused hearing aid, they can corrode the contacts that power the hearing aid and would need to be replaced. If regular zinc-air batteries are placed in a rechargeable charging unit, the batteries can pop or have a mini-explosion and damage the hearing aid, which would then need to be sent in for repair. Always be conscious of the batteries that are being placed into the hearing aids. If any battery is placed upside down (positive and negative side is wrong) this can expand the battery compartment and would also lead to manufacturer repair. There is a positive and negative side that must be adhered to.
2542 E. Vistoso Commerce Loop
Tuscon, AZ 85755
Phone: 520-825-4770
Fax: 520-825-4279
What moments and conversations are missing because of hearing loss? How many dinners do you avoid? How many social gatherings do you turn down? How hard is it to communicate? It’s time to do something about your hearing so you can enjoy and live your best life!
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