The key to making hearing aids cost effective hinges on just one component–the batteries. The cost of exchanging them adds up fast and that makes it one of the largest financial considerations when buying hearing aids.
Even more worrying, what if the batteries die at absolutely the worst moment? Even for rechargeable brands, this is a big problem.
There are some things you can do to extend the life of the batteries in hearing aids, so you don’t have to stop and replace them a few times every week. Consider these six simple ways you can make those batteries last just a little bit longer.
1. Be a Smart Hearing Aid Consumer
It begins when you are beginning to shop for your hearing aids. Battery life is dependent on several factors including features on the hearing aids or brand quality. Not every battery is created equally, either. Some less expensive hearing products have low quality parts that work with cheaper cell batteries. Make sure you talk this over this with your hearing care specialist because you will be changing out the batteries a lot.
Think about what features you need, and make some comparisons as you look around. Wireless versions have batteries that need replacing 2 times as fast as devices with wires. The bigger the hearing aid, the longer the battery will last, too. The smaller devices will need new batteries every two days, but larger models can go for around two weeks on one set of cells. Understand how all of the features of a hearing aid affect the power usage and then select the ones you need.
2. Take the Time to Store the Hearing Aids Properly
To lessen drainage of power you will normally have to open the battery door at night. Also, you will want to:
Store your batteries in a cool, dry place. Battery cells are adversely impacted by heat and humidity. The main thing is to keep them away from heat sources like light bulbs. Room temperature is fine.
Consider using a hearing aid dehumidifier, too. It’s one of the best ways to protect both the hearing aids and their batteries. Humidity in the air is hard on their fragile components.
3. Be Careful When You Change The Batteries
Begin with clean, dry hands. The quality of the battery is negatively impacted by humidity, grease, and germs. Until you are ready to use the batteries, be sure to leave the plastic tabs on. The latest hearing aid batteries mix zinc with the air to power on. You don’t want that to happen before you are ready.
After you pull the tab, but before you use them, it’s smart to allow to them sit out for 5 minutes. Doing this can extend the life of the battery by days.
4. Play Around With Different Batteries and Battery Sources
Needless to say, cheap batteries will wear out faster than high quality ones. Don’t only think about the brand, though, but what types of hearing aid batteries you’re using and also where you purchase them. If you buy in bulk, you can get good batteries for less at some big box stores.
If you purchase them online, particularly from auction sites like eBay, be careful. Batteries have an expiration date that they have to be sold by. After they expire, they shouldn’t be used.
Ask your hearing specialist for advice on where to find batteries at affordable prices.
5. Accept The Inevitable And be Ready For it
The batteries are going to die sooner or later. If you don’t want to end up in a difficult situation, it’s helpful to get an idea when this will occur. To keep track of when the batteries fizzle and need to be changed, make a schedule. Over time, you’ll get a feel for when you need replacements.
So you can figure out what features have the biggest effect on the battery and which brand batteries are appropriate for your device, keep a diary.
6. What Are the Alternatives to Batteries
One of the greatest things about modern hearing aids is that some are rechargeable. You may pay slightly more for those units, but it will be worth it if you can save money on batteries. Rechargeable batteries are likely the best choice if you need a lot of features such as Bluetooth or wireless.
Hearing aids are a considerable investment but so are the batteries that you need to make them work. Lengthening the life of your batteries and saving cash starts with a little due diligence. Contact a hearing aid retailer for some information on what option is best for you.
