Hearing Aid Batteries: How to Change, Store and Handle Them Safely

Small batteries, simple routine

Many hearing aids run on small disposable zinc-air batteries. Changing them is quick once you know the routine, and a few habits make them last properly and keep the household safe. If your hearing aids are rechargeable instead, see rechargeable hearing aids.

Which battery do I need?

Philips explains that there are four sizes of zinc-air batteries used in hearing aids, and that each has its own colour code on the battery package. Philips also notes that the battery size you should use is given in your hearing aid's instructions.

Check your user guide or ask your hearing care provider, then buy the same size each time. Taking a photo of the battery package you were given is an easy way to remember it.

How to change a battery, step by step

According to Philips and Oticon:

1. Remove the sticky label from the plus (+) side of the new battery.
2. Wait two minutes before inserting the new battery, so it can acclimatise and function optimally.
3. Wipe off any moisture on the battery surface before use.
4. Insert it with the plus side facing up in the battery drawer, then close the drawer.
5. Listen for the start-up sound. Philips notes that the hearing aid plays a jingle through the earpiece as it starts up.

Do this over a table, not over a carpet or sink, in case the battery drops.

How long do batteries last?

Philips says disposable batteries typically keep a hearing aid powered for three to ten days before they need replacing, depending on how you use your hearing aids and on what model you have.

Philips also notes that streaming audio or music to your hearing aids via Bluetooth uses more power, which means replacing batteries more often. Long days of phone calls or TV streaming will shorten battery life.

Warning beeps

According to Philips:

• You may hear two or three beeps when it is time to change a battery.
• Four beeps are the last warning before the hearing aid turns off.
• On hearing aids with Bluetooth, Bluetooth may be shut down to conserve power, so wireless accessories can no longer be used.

If the beeps start, change the battery soon. Carry spares in their original package so you are not caught out.

Saving power and storing batteries

• Open the battery drawer when not in use. Philips advises turning hearing aids off by leaving the battery drawer open when you are not using them.
• Room temperature. Whittington Health NHS Trust advises storing hearing aid batteries at room temperature between 10 and 25°C. University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust advises a cool, dry place.
• Away from metal. Whittington Health warns that if a hearing aid gets close to a metal object such as keys or coins, it can short-circuit and stop working. Keep spare batteries in their package, not loose in a pocket or purse.
• Heat and moisture. NIDCD advises keeping hearing aids away from heat and moisture and replacing dead batteries immediately.

Safety: children, grandchildren and pets

Hearing aid batteries are small enough to be swallowed.

• Keep them out of reach. Philips and Oticon remind you that batteries and hearing aids should be kept out of reach of children and pets. NIDCD gives the same advice.
• The danger. The NHS warns that button batteries can cause severe internal burns if swallowed.
• If a battery may have been swallowed, the James Paget University Hospitals NHS Trust says you must seek immediate medical attention. University Hospitals of North Midlands advises not letting the person eat or drink, not making them sick, and not waiting to see if any symptoms develop.
• Pets. James Paget advises contacting your vet immediately if you think a pet has swallowed a hearing aid battery.
• Child-resistant battery doors. James Paget explains that some hearing aids can be set up so that the battery compartment cannot be opened easily without a tool. If young grandchildren visit often, ask about this.

Old batteries

Philips advises disposing of used hearing aid batteries according to local regulations. Keep used batteries out of reach too until you dispose of them.

When batteries are not the problem

If a hearing aid stays silent with a fresh battery, or batteries seem to run out much faster than before, the hearing aid may need a check. See hearing aid repair and service in Israel, or call G-Sound in English. G-Sound offers Philips and Oticon hearing aids.