All hearing aids, regardless of their style, have the same major components – a microphone, an amplifier, a receiver, and a battery. Traditionally, hearing aid batteries have been disposable, but in the last few years, many manufacturers have started to produce rechargeable hearing aids.

So what is best for you? What is going to help you hear conversation clearly?

Let’s take a look at both styles of batteries!

Some major things to consider when comparing batteries are:

1. Battery Life
2. Accessibility
3. Portability

Disposable Batteries

Disposable Zinc-Air batteries, come in four different sizes; the size is based on the amount of power needed for your hearing aids.

These batteries are air-activated, meaning they begin to work as soon as the coloured sticker comes off, allowing the oxygen to react with the zinc.

Pros

• The most common size, 312, had a life expectancy of about 5-7 days.
• The individual cost of batteries is very low; less than $1.00 per battery.
• It is very easy to keep spare batteries with you while you are out and about; especially if you are in an environment where a plug is not readily accessible (i.e. camping, traveling, etc.).
• You can go a few days without having to change them or plug anything in.
• These are easier to fix in-house, as we can access the battery compartment.

Cons

• Battery life can dramatically change based on humidity, the power needed for your hearing loss, and use of accessories like a remote or TV streamer.
• These batteries are tiny and changing them can be tricky for those with decreased vision or problems with dexterity.
• Although the cost is relatively low per battery, typically a wearer will need about 100 hearing aid batteries per year.

Rechargeable Batteries

Rechargeable, lithium-ion, batteries are now available with most standard hearing aid styles! Newly released are the Starkey Custom Rechargeable LivioEdge! The first custom hearing aid to be rechargeable!

Pros

• No need to change batteries! Most rechargeable batteries are guaranteed for between 3-5 YEARS.
• They are economical, as the price of the battery is included in the price of the hearing aids.
• Environmentally friendly as you don’t have to throw out batteries every few days.
• They are easy to charge, you just have to place them in the charger each day (overnight is suggested).
  • Now with some chargers, like those for the Starkey Livio or Signia Styletto, the charger itself will hold a charge for 3-4 days so it doesn’t need to be plugged into a wall.
• The charge lasts for up to 24 hours, just a little less with streaming.

Cons

• Not every charger holds a charge itself, meaning your hearing aids need to be charged every day.
• Lithium-ion batteries must be sealed inside their device, so when they do reach the end of their lifespan, it must be changed by the manufacturer.
• Similarly, as they are sealed, if the battery dies and you don’t have the charger with you, you don’t have the option of replacing it with a disposable battery for the time being.

Comparison with our 3 considerations

What Batteries are Best for Me?

In the debate of disposable vs. rechargeable, it really comes down to you – your lifestyle, your wants, and your needs. No one but you can make that decision, but we are here to provide what you need to make it. Think about:

• how often you travel?
• what your hobbies are (i.e. camping vs. reading)?
• are you environmentally conscious?
• are you able to change the small batteries?

Thinking through those might give you some idea of what direction would be best for you.

So, what do you think you would prefer? Let me know in the comments. Or if you already have hearing aids, with traditional or rechargeable batteries, let us know your preferences or experiences.

For more information or if you have any questions, please give us a call!