The trick to keeping hearing aids cost effective lies in just one component–the batteries. The cost of replacing them adds up quickly and that makes it one of the biggest financial issues when buying hearing aids.
Usually the batteries quit at the worst time which is even more troubling. Even for rechargeable brands, this is a huge problem.
so that you can avoid the need to replace the batteries several times a week, you can do a few things to extend their life. Make the batteries last just a little bit longer by thinking about these 6 easy ideas.
1. Be a Smart Hearing Aid Consumer
When you first start to shop for your hearing aids is when it all begins. Brand quality and hearing aid features are just a couple of the factors which determine battery life. And certain batteries are higher quality than others. Some cheaper hearing devices have low quality parts that work with cheaper cell batteries. Be sure to talk this over this with your hearing care specialist because you will be changing out the batteries constantly.
Compare the different models as you shop and, also, consider what features are essential for you. You’ll discover that non-wireless hearing aids have batteries that can last twice as long as the wireless devices. The bigger the hearing aid, the longer the battery life, too. The smaller devices require new batteries every couple of days, but larger models can go for up to two weeks on one battery. Recognize how all of the features of a hearing aid impact the power expenditure and then select the ones you require.
2. The Hearing Aids Need to be Stored Properly
In most instances, the manufacturer will recommend opening the battery door at night to avoid power drainage. Also, you will want to:
Keep your batteries in a cool, dry location. Humidity and heat will affect battery cells. The most important thing is to keep them away from heat sources such as light bulbs. Room temperature is fine.
Consider using a hearing aid dehumidifier, too. It’s one of the smartest ways to preserve both the hearing aids and their batteries. Moisture in the air is brutal on their delicate components.
3. Take Precautions When Changing the Batteries
Be certain your hands are dry and clean. The quality of the battery is negatively affected by moisture, dirt, and grease. Until you are ready to use the batteries, be certain to keep the plastic tabs in place. In order to power on, modern hearing aid batteries mix zinc with air. But you want to be ready before that happens.
After you pull the tab, but before you put them in, it’s smart to let them sit out for 5 minutes. The battery could be extended by days if you do this.
4. Different Battery Sources And Batteries Can be Experimented with
It goes without saying, cheap batteries will wear out faster than high quality ones. Think about not only the brands, though, but what types of hearing aid batteries you’re using and also where you purchase them. If you buy in bulk, you can get good batteries for less at some big box stores.
If you purchase them online, particularly from auction sites such as eBay, be careful. Batteries have an expiration date that they have to be sold by. You shouldn’t use them once they expire.
The easiest way to find batteries at an affordable cost is to ask your hearing care specialist.
5. Accept The Unavoidable And be Ready For it
The batteries are going to die sooner or later. If you don’t want to end up in a pinch, it’s helpful to get an idea when this will occur. Make a schedule of when you replace the batteries and when they fizzle. Over time, you’ll get an idea for when you need replacements.
So you can determine what features have the biggest effect on the battery and which brand batteries are best for your device, keep a diary.
6. What Are the Alternatives to Batteries
One of the best things about modern hearing aids is that some are rechargeable. If you can save money on batteries, it will be worth paying a little more up front. If you need a bunch of features like wireless or Bluetooth, then rechargeable batteries are probably the better option.
Hearing aids are a considerable investment but the batteries that make them work are too. A little due diligence goes a long way to extending 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.
