Rechargeable hearing aids are designed so that you’ll need to stress less about losing battery power, but the technology might also make you a little concerned when you depend on your devices to hear. Do rechargeable hearing aids work as well as advertised or do they even work at all?
The stress is understandable and so are the question you might have. A hearing aid is often as important for the enjoyment of a television show or a movie as it is for a trip to the grocery store or any other part of everyday life. When a piece of technology impacts so many facets of your life, it’s essential that it functions correctly and reliably.
What Type of Battery do I Have?
Most modern-day hearing aids are equipped with rechargeable batteries by default, so if you got your hearing aids recently it’s likely that your hearing aids will have one of two battery types. Silver-zinc batteries, which can normally be distinguished by a battery door on the device, are rechargeable, but every now and then they have to be replaced. A Lithium-ion battery, however, will last for the duration of the life-cycle of the hearing device and, because of that, those devices will not have that distinguishing battery door.
How to Care For Your Rechargeable Hearing Aid
For the most part, rechargeable hearing aids do work, and they work well. The reliability of these devices has enhanced dramatically in the last several years, as battery technologies have improved. As with any other electronic device, however, there are various easy maintenance procedures that users can take to improve the reliability of their rechargeable hearing aids.
- Be Mindful of Wires: Either the hearing aid itself or the charging station will contain some type of wire element on most hearing aids. Being careful of these wires is crucial for hearing aid users; the connection that allows the device to charge can be damaged if you pull on or hold it by the wires.
- Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean and Dry: Your hearing aids will collect moisture, dust, and debris regardless of how often you use them. Your hearing aid may not completely charge if it is exposed to any of these three elements. When connecting your hearing aid to your charging station, as with any other time, it’s essential to keep your device clean.
- Keep Your Hearing Aids on The Charging Station: If your hearing aids have rechargeable batteries, you can increase your device’s battery life by making sure that you regularly store your hearing aids on their charging station. Charging a battery that is not fully drained does not diminish long-term battery life. In fact, making sure that your hearing aids are charging when not in use can actually improve your long-term battery life. For lots of people, placing their charging station beside their bed is a simple reminder to charge the devices when not in use.
How to Change a Rechargeable Battery
If you have lithium-ion batteries, they will probably last as long as your device does. As a result, you should not have to worry about replacing those batteries. Simply continue recharging your hearing aids as long as necessary.
However, you will want to occasionally change the batteries if you have a hearing aid that uses silver-zinc batteries. The lifespan of your battery can be improved by changing them in the right way. Because of this, hearing experts suggest the following:
- Let the batteries sit out at room temperature for at least five minutes before taking off any tabs that might be attached.
- Ensure that your battery compartment is free of moisture and clean.
- Make sure you have a dry, room temperature place to store your batteries.
- Before replacing batteries, make sure you wash your hands.
- Don’t eliminate any packaging or plastic tabs until you’re ready to use batteries.
Non-Use For Long Periods
Keeping your hearing aids on the charger for long periods of time is no longer the way to store your hearing aids. Just unplug your hearing aid and put it in a dry cool spot if, for instance, you know you won’t be using them for a few weeks or a month.
If your hearing aids utilize silver-zinc batteries, you might also think about leaving the battery door open in order to stop moisture from corroding your batteries.
Keep it Charged Every Day
For most individuals, and for everyday use, charging your hearing aids once a day should be sufficient for all of your requirements. A lithium-ion battery, as an example, will usually require only 3-4 hours to charge adequate battery power for a 24 hour period.
Do rechargeable hearing aids work? Not only do they work, but rechargeable hearing aids will likely become much more common and dependable as the technology continues to develop. Contact your local hearing aid retailer to see all the different models