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 should? There are numerous reasons why this might be taking place that might be surprising.

How long should hearing aid batteries last? From 3 to 7 days is the standard time-frame for charge to last.

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

You may be at the store on day 4. Suddenly, things get quiet. The cashier is speaking to you but you don’t hear what they are saying.

Or it’s day 5. You’re enjoying a night out with friends. All of a sudden, you can’t hear the conversation and it’s leaving you feeling rather alone.

Now, you’re at your grandchild’s school play. And the kid’s singing disappears. But it’s only day 2. Yes, they even occasionally drain after a couple of days.

It’s more than inconvenient. You have no idea how much power is left and it’s causing you to miss out on life.

Here are 7 possible causes if your hearing aid batteries drain quickly.

Your Battery can be killed by moisture

Did you realize that human beings are one of the few species that discharge moisture through their skin? It’s a cooling system. It also helps clear the blood of excess toxins and sodium. On top of this, you may live in a humid or rainy environment where things get even wetter.

This extra moisture can clog the air vent in your device, making hearing aids less efficient. It can even drain the battery directly by interacting with the chemicals that generate electricity.

Avoid battery drain related to moisture using these steps:

  • Don’t leave the batteries in if you’re storing them for a few days
  • Before you go to bed, open the battery door
  • Don’t keep your hearing aids in the kitchen or bathroom
  • Get a dehumidifier

Sophisticated modern features are power intensive

Current digital hearing aids help people hear so much better than ones that came out only 10 years ago. But these added features can cause batteries to drain faster if you’re not paying attention.

Don’t stop using your favorite features. But be aware that the battery will drain faster if you spend hours streaming music from your phone to your hearing aids.

All these added functions, like Bluetooth, tinnitus relief, or multichannel, can drain the battery more quickly.

Batteries can be affected by altitude changes

Going from a low to high altitude can sap your batteries, especially if they’re low already. When flying, climbing, or skiing remember to bring some spares.

Is the battery actually drained?

Some hearing aids let you know when the battery is low. These warnings, generally speaking, aren’t telling you that your batteries are dead, they’re just a heads up. Additionally, you may get a warning when the charge takes a dip due to an altitude or humidity change.

You can stop the alarm by removing and resetting your hearing aid. You may be able to get several more hours or even days out of that battery.

Improper handling of batteries

Wait until it’s time to use the battery before you pull off the protective tab. Hand oil or dirt can be a problem for batteries so wash up before you handle them. Don’t ever freeze hearing aid batteries. It doesn’t extend their life as it might with other types of batteries.

Hearing aids will drain more quickly if you mishandle them in these ways.

Buying a year’s supply of batteries isn’t a good idea

Purchasing in bulk is often a smart money choice when you can afford to do it. But as you get toward the end of the pack, the last several batteries likely won’t last as long. Try to stick with a 6-month supply or less unless you’re fine with the waste.

Buying hearing aid batteries from the internet

We’re not suggesting it’s automatically a bad idea to buy things on the internet. You can get some really good deals. But some less honest people will sell batteries on the internet that are very close to the expiration date. Or even worse, it has already passed.

Both alkaline (AA, AAA, etc.) and zinc hearing aid batteries have an expiration date. You wouldn’t buy milk without looking at when it expires. You shouldn’t forget to check the date on batteries either. If you want to get the most from your battery, make sure 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 store where you can see it on the box. Only purchase batteries from trustworthy sources.

Hearing aid batteries drain quickly no longer

There are several reasons that hearing aid batteries could drain quickly. But by taking little precautions you can get more power from each battery. You may also consider rechargeable hearing aids if you’re in the market for a new set. You will get a full day of power after every night of recharging. The rechargeable batteries only need to be replaced every few years.

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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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