Hearing Aid Batteries

Can I get hearing batteries at your office?

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.

What are the types of hearing aid batteries?

Hearing aid batteries generally fall into two categories: disposable and rechargeable.

• Zinc-Air (Disposable): Color-coded by size—10 (yellow), 312 (brown), 13 (orange), and 675 (blue). These are air-activated by removing a tab.

• Lithium-ion (Rechargeable): Built into modern devices offering a full day of power with a single overnight charge.

What are the sizes of hearing aid batteries?

Hearing aid batteries use a universal color-coded system to identify their four primary sizes:

• Size 10 (Yellow): The smallest; typically for tiny CIC devices.

• Size 312 (Brown): Common for slim RIC models.

• Size 13 (Orange): Larger, used in BTE or Power aids.

• Size 675 (Blue): The largest; for high-output, heavy-duty hearing aids.

How long do hearing aid batteries last?

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.

How do I know when hearing aid batteries need to be changed?

Most devices emit a low-battery alert (a series of beeps or a voice prompt) warning you that power is low. If your hearing aid sounds distorted, muffled, or cuts out entirely, the battery is likely exhausted. There are also hearing aid models that allow you to monitor real-time levels via their dedicated app.

Should I do anything to extend the life of the batteries?

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.

Do rechargeable hearing aids ever need their batteries replaced?

Yes, but rarely. Lithium-ion batteries are integrated and typically last 4–6 years, matching the device’s lifespan. Over time, their capacity diminishes, much like a smartphone’s, and they may struggle to hold a full day’s charge. In these cases, the hearing aids may either be sent to your hearing aid provider (if still under warranty) or you may need to replace your device.

What damage can be done to the hearing aid by replacing hearing aid batteries?

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.