The trick to making hearing aids cost effective hinges on just one component–the batteries. It is one of the biggest financial worries consumers have to deal with when buying hearing aids because the costs of replacing them can add up fast.
Even more worrying, what if the batteries die at absolutely the worst moment? This is a big issue even for rechargeable brands.
so that you can avoid the need to replace the batteries several times each week, you can do several things to increase their life. Consider these six straightforward ways you can make those batteries last just a little bit longer.
1. Be a Smart Hearing Aid Consumer
When you first start to shop for your hearing aids is when it all begins. Battery life depends on multiple factors like features of the hearing aids or brand quality. And certain batteries are better than others. Cheap components and even cheaper batteries are what defines low quality hearing aids. You’ll be changing those batteries out a lot, so make sure to talk it over with your hearing specialist.
Make some comparisons as you shop and, also, think about what features are crucial for you. You’ll discover that non-wireless hearing aids have batteries that can last twice as long as the wireless models. The larger the hearing aid, the longer the battery will last, too. These larger devices can potentially go for two weeks without requiring new batteries as opposed to the smaller ones which will need battery replacement every couple of days. Get the features you need but understand how each one affects the power usage of the hearing aids.
2. Take the Time to Store the Hearing Aids Properly
To prevent drainage of power you will normally have to open the battery door at night. Also, you will want to:
Keep your batteries in a cool, dry place. Batteries are adversely affected by high temperature and humidity. The main thing is to keep them away from heat sources such as light bulbs. Room temperature is okay.
Consider using a hearing aid dehumidifier, too. It’s one of the smartest ways to preserve both the hearing aids and their batteries. Humidity in the air is brutal on their delicate components.
3. Take Precautions When Changing the Batteries
Start with clean, dry hands. Moisture, dirt, and grease all impact battery quality. Until you are ready to use the batteries, be sure to keep the plastic tabs on. In order to power on, modern hearing aid batteries mix zinc with air. But you want to be ready before that occurs.
After you pull the tab, but before you put them in, it’s smart to let them sit out for 5 minutes. Doing this can extend the life of the battery by days.
4. Different Battery Sources And Batteries Can be Experimented with
High quality batteries will last longer than cheap ones, obviously. Consider not only the brands, though, but what types of hearing aid batteries you’re using and where you buy them, as well. If you buy in bulk, you can get good batteries for less at some big box stores.
If you buy them online, especially from auction sites like eBay, use caution. Batteries have an expiration date that they have to be sold by. After they expire, they shouldn’t be used.
The best way to find batteries at an affordable cost is to ask your hearing care specialist.
5. Be Ready For The Unavoidable
Eventually, the batteries are going to quit. It’s beneficial if you get an idea when that will occur, so you don’t find yourself in a difficult situation. Keep a schedule of when you change the batteries and when they fizzle. Over time, you’ll get an idea for when you need replacements.
A diary will also assist you in figuring out which brands are right for your hearing devices and what features have the biggest effect on the battery life.
6. Consider the Alternatives to Batteries
Some modern day hearing aids are rechargeable and that is one of the best features. If you can save money on batteries, it will be worth paying a little more up front. Rechargeable batteries are likely the best option if you need a lot of features like Bluetooth or wireless.
The batteries that make hearing aids run can be as substantial an investment as the hearing aids themselves. A small amount of due diligence goes a long way to lengthening the life of those batteries and saving you cash. To find out what your best option for you is, schedule an appointment with a hearing aid specialist.