Hearing aid batteries

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

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

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.