Hearing aid batteries

Disposable zinc air batteries

The batteries are air-activated, which means they do not begin working until the coloured tab is removed and air is able to enter the battery cell. Remove and discard the tab only when you are ready to use the battery. There is no need to place the tab back on the battery.

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Battery sizes

Disposable zinc air batteries come in four sizes and are colour coded to help you remember the right size.

Size 10 batteries have a yellow tab
Size 13 batteries have an orange tab
Size 312 batteries have a brown tab
Size 675 batteries have a blue tab

Safety for children

Keep batteries away from small children. If swallowed contact the National Poisons Centre on 0800 764 766.

Battery Recycling Programme

We will provide you with a hearing aid battery recycling box, which holds approximately 70 - 80 hearing aid batteries, and is provided FREE of charge to all hearing aid wearers. You do not have to be a Bay Audiology client to take part in the recycling programme. Simply fill the box with your old hearing aid batteries, and drop it into your local Bay Audiology clinic.

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So how do I start?

Pick up your recycling box from your local Bay Audiology clinic. There is no cost to join our hearing aid battery recycling programme.

We are genuinely committed to ensuring that every used hearing aid battery gets recycled and does not end up in one of our lakes or streams. Please help us to help the environment.

Preserving hearing aids battery life

How long a hearing aid’s battery lasts depends on several factors, first of which is the battery size. Small discreet hearing aids require a smaller battery with a shorter expected life. The smallest is size 10, which with typical use will last between 3-4 days. On the other hand, a large loss of hearing will require a more powerful hearing aid, and therefore a larger battery is required, with size 13 batteries lasting 12-14 days and size 675 batteries used in superpower hearing aids lasting 3-4 weeks. The most common size, a 312 battery, lasts around 7-9 days.

It is important to keep in mind that hearing aids are miniaturized computers making thousands of calculations every second, and then amplifying the processed sound into the ear. The more advanced features that are activated, such as wireless connectivity, the faster the battery drain.

A very steady voltage is required and so Zinc-Air batteries are used, which are very different than most other batteries used around the home. Once the sticker is removed from the battery, air enters the cell and activates the current producing process. The battery will then produce voltage for a limited time, regardless of how many hours of use which is why occasional use to save battery life is often futile! Environmental factors can also reduce battery life, such as very low or very high humidity, very cold conditions, and high altitude. We recommend you keep them in a cool dry place such as a desk drawer or bedside cabinet.

Storing Hearing Aid Batteries

To help extend the life of your hearing aid batteries, it’s important that you store them correctly prior to use. Ideally, batteries should be kept at room temperature (between 10℃ and 25℃), out of direct sunlight and away from low or high levels of humidity. We recommend that you keep your batteries in a cool, dry place such as a desk drawer or bedside cabinet.

Although it may have been common practice in the past to keep some types of batteries in the fridge, modern hearing aid batteries should not be refrigerated. Doing so can cause damage to the battery.

Once your hearing aid battery runs out, look to replace it as soon as possible. Once batteries have run out of charge, they can start to swell, making it harder to remove them from the hearing aid.

As zinc air batteries are only activated once their protective coloured tabs are removed, it’s important that you do not remove the tab until you are ready to insert the battery into your hearing aid. Removing the tab too early will lead the battery to discharge power before you get to use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do hearing aid batteries last?

Hearing aid batteries typically last between three days and four weeks, although this can vary depending on factors including the type of battery, the type of hearing aid and how regularly the hearing aid is used. When you are fitted with your hearing aids, your hearing care professional will inform you how long a battery is expected to last for your specific make and model.

How do I know when to change my hearing aid batter

You’ll know that it’s time to change your hearing aid batteries if you find that the sounds you are hearing have become distorted or if you are needing to adjust the volume to a higher level than normal. Some hearing aid models also emit a beep or distinctive sound when the battery starts to run low, indicating that it should be changed.

How much do hearing aid batteries cost?

The cost of hearing aid batteries can vary depending on the type you require, how many you are purchasing and where you purchase your batteries from. You can purchase a pack of six batteries for $5 from the Bay Audiology online store. Discounts may apply for bulk purchases.

Can hearing aid batteries be recharged?

Standard hearing aid batteries cannot be recharged. Some hearing aid models, however, do feature rechargeable batteries. Learn more about rechargeable hearing aids.

Do hearing aid batteries expire?

Although hearing aid batteries don’t necessarily expire, they may not perform to the same standard once they exceed their standard shelf life. Most hearing aid batteries have a shelf life of two to four years, but this may be shorter or longer depending on how they are stored. Storing your hearing aid batteries incorrectly can drastically shorten their lifespan.

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