Does it seem as if your hearing aid batteries die way too fast? Here are a few unexpected reasons that may happen.
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 predicament.
You could be on day 4 at the supermarket store. Out of the blue, you can’t hear anything. The cashier is speaking to you but you can’t hear what they are saying.
Or it’s day 5. You’re enjoying a night out with friends. All of a sudden, you can’t hear the discussion and it’s leaving you feeling quite alone.
Now, you’re attending your grandchild’s school play. You can no longer hear the children singing. But it’s only day 2. Yes, sometimes they even die before the 3rd day.
It’s more than inconvenient. You’re losing out on life because you’re not sure how much power you have left in your hearing aids.
If your hearing aid batteries drain too quickly, check out these seven possible causes.
Your Battery can be killed by moisture
Producing moisture through our skin is one thing that humans do that the majority of other species don’t. It’s a cooling mechanism. You do it to eliminate extra sodium or toxins in the blood. Your battery may be exposed to even more moisture if you live in a humid or rainy setting.
The air vent in your device can become plugged by this excess moisture which can cause less efficient performance. It can even interact with the chemicals that generate electricity causing it to drain even faster.
Here are a few steps you can take to avoid moisture-caused battery drain:
- A dehumidifier can be helpful
- Store your hearing aids in a spot where moisture is minimum
- Before going to bed, open the battery door
- Don’t leave the batteries in if you’re storing them for a few days
Advanced modern features are power intensive
Even a decade ago, hearing aids were much less helpful for individuals with hearing loss than modern devices. But when these advanced functions are in use, they can be a drain on battery power.
Don’t quit using your favorite features. But just know that if you stream music all day from your smartphone to your hearing aids, you’ll need to replace the battery sooner.
All these added functions, like Bluetooth, tinnitus relief, or multichannel, can drain the battery faster.
Altitude changes can affect batteries as well
Your batteries can be drained quickly when you have a rapid climb in altitude, and if they’re already low this is particularly true. When flying, skiing, or climbing always takes some spares.
Perhaps the batteries aren’t actually drained
Many hearing aids will alert you when the batteries need to be changed. These warnings, generally speaking, aren’t telling you that your batteries are dead, they’re simply a heads up. In addition, you might get a warning when the charge takes a dip due to an altitude or humidity change.
You can stop the alarm by removing and resetting your hearing aid. There could be hours or even days of power left.
Improper handling of batteries
Wait until it’s time to use the battery before you remove the protective tab. Always wash your hands before handling your hearing aids or batteries so you don’t get hand oil or dirt on them. Keep your batteries away from the freezer. It doesn’t extend their life as it might with other kinds of batteries.
Basic handling errors like these can make hearing aid batteries drain quickly.
Purchasing a year’s supply of batteries isn’t a great idea
Purchasing in bulk is often a smart money decision when you can afford it. But as you get toward the end of the pack, the last few batteries most likely won’t last as long. Try to stick with a 6-month supply or less unless you’re fine with the waste.
internet battery vendors
We’re not suggesting it’s necessarily a bad idea to purchase things on the internet. You can find lots of bargains. But you will also come across some less honest vendors who will sell batteries that are near to or even past their expiration date.
Most types of batteries, including hearing aid batteries, have expiration dates. You wouldn’t buy milk without looking at when it expires. The same goes with batteries. Make sure that the date is far enough in the future to get the most use out of the pack.
If you buy your batteries at a hearing aid store or pharmacy, the expiration date will be on the labeling, but if you’re going to shop on the internet be sure the seller states when the batteries will expire. Make sure you check reviews to be certain you’re purchasing from a reputable source.
Hearing aid batteries drain quickly no longer
Hearing aid batteries might drain faster for several reasons. But you can get more power from each battery by taking little precautions. You may also think about rechargeable hearing aids if you’re in the market for a new pair. You dock these hearing aids on a charger every night for an entire day of hearing tomorrow. The rechargeable batteries only need to be replaced every few years.