Changing a hearing aid battery is a straightforward, routine maintenance task that directly impacts the consistent performance of your device. This process ensures the reliable delivery of sound amplification, which depends entirely on a stable power source. Learning this procedure allows for uninterrupted use of your hearing technology.
Identifying Your Battery Needs
Hearing aids rely on zinc-air batteries, which utilize oxygen from the atmosphere to generate power. These batteries are sealed with a protective sticker that prevents air from entering tiny holes, keeping them inactive during storage. Once the seal is broken, the battery begins to discharge, even if it is not immediately placed into the hearing aid.
Identifying the correct replacement is simplified by a standardized color and number coding system used across all brands. The four common sizes are Size 10 (Yellow), Size 312 (Brown), Size 13 (Orange), and Size 675 (Blue). Check your device manual or the packaging of your current battery to confirm the specific code required for your model.
Step-by-Step Battery Replacement Guide
The replacement process begins with activating the new zinc-air cell. After removing the battery from its packaging, peel off the protective colored sticker from the flat side, exposing the air-intake holes. Allow the battery to “air up” for approximately one full minute before insertion to ensure the chemical reaction reaches its optimal voltage. This brief wait allows oxygen molecules to fully permeate the zinc material, maximizing the battery’s life and performance.
Always work over a soft surface, such as a towel or a padded table, to prevent damage if the hearing aid or battery is dropped. Gently open the battery door until it swings fully open; many devices have a small lever or groove to assist this motion. The old battery can typically be removed by lightly tapping the device into your hand or by using a small magnetic tool.
When inserting the new cell, orient it correctly so the flat side, often marked with a plus sign (+), faces the battery door. The rounded side should sit against the internal contacts of the compartment. Carefully close the battery door, ensuring it clicks shut without resistance. Forcing the door may indicate improper battery placement or damage the hinge mechanism. Turn the hearing aid on to confirm it is working, listening for feedback or the audible start-up chime.
Safe Handling and Disposal
Due to their small, coin-like shape, hearing aid batteries pose a significant ingestion hazard to children and pets. New and used cells must be stored securely in their original packaging or a child-proof container and kept out of reach. If a battery is swallowed, immediate medical attention is necessary due to the potential for serious internal injury.
When a battery is depleted, prompt removal from the device is recommended to prevent leakage or corrosion within the hearing aid components. Used zinc-air batteries should not be thrown loosely into household trash because they can still short-circuit if they come into contact with metal. To mitigate this risk, place a piece of tape over the positive and negative terminals of the spent battery. Dispose of batteries at local collection sites, such as pharmacies or municipal recycling centers, as local guidelines often recommend specialized battery recycling.