Batteries have long been the trusted power supply for hearing aids, but as hearing aids become more advanced, batteries must be replaced more often. In the past, hearing aid batteries were changed once or twice a month. However, with newer digital, wireless models that enable streaming, you may find yourself replacing batteries anywhere between biweekly to every few days.
Hearing aids with traditional batteries continue to be life-changing and important devices for people with hearing loss, but if you are in the market for a new pair, consider a new option. Many major hearing aid manufacturers are now producing rechargeable hearing aids, using the same technology that powers your cell phones and laptops. Let’s take a look at traditional hearing aid batteries and discuss why you may want to consider rechargeable hearing aids for your next pair.
The Cost Of Traditional Hearing Aid Batteries
Hearing aids traditionally use zinc air batteries, with some that require replacement as frequently as once a week. For binaural hearing aids wearers, this averages 100 batteries a year. With newer hearing aids that offer wireless technology and sophisticated programming, batteries are replaced as frequently as every two days. Hearing aids that offer a range of programming options tend to use more energy and drain batteries more quickly. As such, wearers find they are spending several hundred dollars a year on hearing aid batteries alone.
At the same time, with more advanced hearing technology, there is less confidence in the lasting power of traditional batteries. Instead of feeling confident that your hearing aids will work for you anywhere you go, you must remember to bring an extra set of batteries with you, just in case. If you lead an active lifestyle, the hearing aid processes more auditory information and drains more battery than normal, leaving you vulnerable if you do not have an extra set.
Consider the math: if you wear two hearing aids, you are replacing two batteries every few days or once a week. This comes at a cost to the environment as well. Annually, 150 billion zinc air batteries make their way to landfills. As they are not recyclable, these batteries become waste product which run the risk of seeping lead and acid into underground water supplies and become an environmental hazard. On a smaller, more personal level, replacing batteries may be challenging for people with arthritis or other conditions which may hinder fine-tuned operations.
To address these various inconveniences, hearing aid manufacturers now offer rechargeable hearing aid batteries using lithium-ion technology, providing hearing aid wearers with more confidence in their battery power.
Our Favorite Rechargeable Hearing Aids
Rechargeable hearing aids work just as your laptop, cell phone, and tablet do: after a period of charge, you can count on long battery life. Here are a few of our favorite rechargeable hearing aids from leading manufacturers:
Upgrade To Rechargeable Aids
With rechargeable hearing aids, you do not have to worry about replacing the batteries. They are designed to last the life of a hearing aid (five to seven years, depending on lifestyle and use). while the charge is lessened to a half-life with each recharge. With rechargeable hearing aids, the power of a fully charged hearing aid remains constant. This provides peace of mind for hearing aid wearers with active lifestyles who may be away from a charge source for long periods of time.
Furthermore, rechargeable hearing aids do not require exceptional dexterity in its operation. They are simple and easy to use: just place your hearing aids into the charging station provided by the manufacturer when you go to bed – and wake up to fully charged hearing aids.
By eliminating the waste of zinc air batteries in landfills, we also preserve our water sources from acid and lead seepage caused by battery waste. The benefits also extend to your pocketbook.
Ready to make the change? Contact us today.
