Button battery for hearing aids on the brown wooden table. The object is on the left. The batteries are stacked in a triangle.

Do your hearing aid batteries seem to drain quicker than they ought to? Here are some unexpected reasons that might happen.

So how long should the charge on my hearing aid battery go? The typical hearing aid battery lasts anywhere from 3 to 7 days.

That’s a very wide range. But it’s so wide that it’s unpredictable and could leave you in trouble.

You may be at market on day 4. Unexpectedly, your sound cuts out. You don’t hear the cashier.

Or, you’re out for dinner with friends on day 5. All of a sudden, you can’t hear the discussion and it’s leaving you feeling quite alone.

Now, you’re at your grandson’s school play. And the children’s singing goes quiet. Wait, it’s just day 2. Yes, they even sometimes die after a couple of days.

It’s not simply inconvenient. You’re losing out on life because you’re not sure how much juice is left in your hearing aids.

If your hearing aid batteries drain too quickly, check out these seven possible culprits.

Moisture can kill a battery

Did you know that humans are one of the few species that produce moisture through their skin? It’s a cooling system. You do it to eliminate extra sodium or toxins in the blood. On top of this, you might live in a rainy humid environment where things get even wetter.

The air vent in your device can get clogged by this excess moisture which can cause less efficient functionality. It can even interact with the chemicals that generate electricity causing it to drain even faster.

Here are a few steps you can take to prevent moisture-caused battery drain:

  • Keep your hearing aids in a place where moisture is minimum
  • Take the batteries out if you’re storing them for several days
  • Get a dehumidifier
  • Before going to bed, open the battery door

Advanced hearing aid functions can run down batteries

Even a decade ago, hearing aids were much less helpful for individuals with hearing loss than current devices. But these extra functions can cause batteries to drain faster if you’re not paying attention.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use these amazing features. But be aware that the battery will drain faster if you spend all day streaming music from your phone to your hearing aids.

Noise-canceling, Bluetooth, multichannel, tinnitus relief — all of these extra features can drain your battery.

Batteries can be affected by altitude changes

Going from a low to high altitude can drain your batteries, especially if they’re on their last leg. Make sure you bring some spares if you’re in the mountains or on a plane.

Maybe the batteries aren’t actually drained

Some hearing aids let you know when the battery is getting low. Generally, these alerts are giving you a “heads up”. They aren’t telling you the battery is dead. In addition, you might get a warning when the charge takes a dip because of an altitude or humidity change.

Take the hearing aids out and reset them to stop the alarm. There may be hours or even days of juice left.

Improper handling of batteries

You shouldn’t remove the little tab from the battery before you’re ready to use it. Always wash your hands before handling your hearing aids or batteries to avoid getting hand oil or dirt on them. Keep your batteries away from the freezer. It doesn’t increase their life as it might with other kinds of batteries.

Basic handling errors like these can make hearing aid batteries drain faster.

Overstocking on batteries isn’t a good plan

It’s often a practical financial decision to purchase in bulk. But as you get toward the end of the pack, the last few batteries likely won’t last as long. Try to limit yourself to a 6-month supply or less unless you’re fine with the waste.

Buying hearing aid batteries from the internet

This isn’t a general criticism of buying stuff on the internet. You can get some great deals. But some less scrupulous individuals will sell batteries online that are very close to the expiration date. Or worse, it has already gone by.

Most kinds of batteries, including hearing aid batteries, have expiration dates. When you purchase milk, you wouldn’t forget to look at the date it expires. You shouldn’t do that with batteries either. If you want to get the most from your battery, be certain the date is well into the future.

If the website doesn’t state an expiration date, message the seller, or purchase batteries at a pharmacy or hearing aid center where you can see it on the packaging. Make sure you check reviews to be certain you’re purchasing from a trustworthy source.

The batteries in hearing aids no longer drain quickly

Hearing aid batteries might drain faster for numerous reasons. But you can get more energy from each battery by taking little precautions. You may also consider rechargeable hearing aids if you’re shopping for a new set. You put these hearing aids on a charger each night for a full day of hearing the next day. Every few years, you will need to change the rechargeable batteries.

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The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.
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