Hearing aids rely on a steady power source, often disposable zinc-air batteries. These specialized batteries use oxygen from the air to generate power, offering high energy density in a small package. Achieving the longest life and most consistent performance depends on understanding their unique chemistry and adopting careful handling habits. Following specific protocols for activation, daily use, and storage can significantly extend the time between battery changes.
Activating Your New Batteries Correctly
Zinc-air battery technology requires a chemical reaction with oxygen to begin working. A small, protective adhesive tab covers tiny air holes on the battery surface, keeping the zinc material dormant. Removing this tab initiates the process by allowing oxygen into the battery cell, which starts the oxidation of the zinc powder and electrolyte mixture.
For best performance, the battery needs a brief “breathing” time after the tab is removed but before insertion. This allows the battery to reach its optimal voltage, ensuring it can handle the initial power surge when the hearing aid turns on. Experts suggest waiting three to five full minutes before closing the battery door. This delay improves the battery’s lifespan and prevents premature power drops that occur if the battery is inserted immediately. Always ensure your hands are clean and dry when handling batteries, as oils or dirt can block the air holes or cause a short circuit.
Daily Strategies for Maximum Power
Conserving battery life involves minimizing power draw when the device is not actively amplifying sound. The most effective strategy is to turn the hearing aid off or open the battery door completely when you are not wearing it, such as when sleeping or showering. Opening the door breaks the electrical circuit, preventing passive power consumption and preserving the charge. This action also allows moisture inside the battery compartment to escape, which helps prevent corrosion and premature battery failure.
Advanced features, while beneficial, are the most significant drain on battery power. High-demand functions like Bluetooth streaming require a constant wireless connection, dramatically increasing power consumption, sometimes tripling the drain compared to standard use. Limiting the duration of streaming sessions, such as phone calls or music, helps maintain battery life for all-day use. The complexity of digital signal processing, including noise reduction and automatic program switching, also correlates with higher power usage.
The volume setting directly influences how quickly a battery depletes. Higher amplification levels require internal components to work harder, demanding more energy. Reducing the volume when possible, or avoiding constant adjustments, extends the battery’s functional life. Newer hearing aids utilizing Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio technology offer a more efficient connection, but continuous streaming remains a major power consumer.
Best Practices for Storage and Handling
The environment where you keep spare batteries and hearing aids profoundly affects battery longevity. Zinc-air batteries are sensitive to temperature and humidity because their chemistry relies on air exposure. Extreme heat, such as leaving batteries in a parked car or direct sunlight, accelerates self-discharge and reduces their lifespan. Storing batteries in a refrigerator is discouraged for modern zinc-air types, as cool temperatures and high moisture cause condensation, which prematurely activates the battery or damages internal components.
Spare batteries should be kept sealed in their original packaging at a consistent room temperature, ideally between 50°F and 77°F (10°C and 25°C). This sealed packaging protects the battery from air and moisture until activation. When the hearing aid is not being worn, especially overnight, utilizing a hearing aid dehumidifier or drying kit is recommended. This removes moisture the battery has absorbed, protecting the device’s internal contacts and the battery from corrosion. If you stop using your hearing aids for several days or longer, remove the batteries entirely and store the device separately to prevent leakage or damage.