The trick to keeping hearing aids economical lies in just one component–the batteries. The cost of exchanging them adds up fast and that makes it one of the biggest financial considerations when buying hearing aids.
Even more worrying, what if the batteries die at absolutely the worst moment? Even for rechargeable brands, this is a big issue.
There are a few things you can do to extend the life of the batteries in hearing aids, so you don’t need to stop and replace them several times every week. 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 shopping for your hearing aids is when it all begins. Quality of brand and hearing aid features are just a couple of the factors which dictate battery life. Not every battery is created equally, either. Some cheaper hearing devices have low quality components that work with cheaper cell batteries. Be sure to talk this over this with your hearing care specialist because you will be switching out the batteries constantly.
Consider what features you need, and make some comparisons as you shop around. You’ll find that non-wireless hearing aids come with batteries that can last two times as long as the wireless devices. The larger the hearing aid, the longer the battery will last, too. These larger devices can possibly go for two weeks without requiring new batteries as opposed to the smaller ones which will require battery replacement every two days. Understand how all of the features of a hearing aid affect the power expenditure and then choose the ones you require.
2. Take the Time to Store the Hearing Aids Properly
To avoid drainage of power you will normally need to open the battery door at night. Also, you will want to:
Keep your batteries in a cool, dry location. Batteries are adversely affected by high temperature and humidity. Room temperature is fine just keep them out of the sun and away from heat sources include light bulbs.
Also, a dehumidifier is a smart consideration. Both the batteries and the hearing aid itself are protected in this way. Moisture in the air is brutal on their fragile components.
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3. Take Precautions When Changing the Batteries
Start with clean, dry hands. The life of the battery is negatively affected by moisture, grease, and germs. Don’t forget to leave the plastic tab on until it’s time to use the new batteries, too. Modern hearing aid batteries mix zinc with the air to power on. You don’t need that to happen before you are ready.
After you pull the tab, but before you use them, it’s smart to let them sit out for 5 minutes. Doing this can increase the life of the battery by days.
4. Play Around With Different Batteries and Battery Sources
Quality batteries have a longer life than bargain ones, obviously. Consider not only the brands, though, but what types of hearing aid batteries you’re using and where you buy them, too. If you buy in quantity, you can get good batteries for less at some big box stores.
Be careful if you buy them online, particularly from an auction site such as eBay. 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 price is to ask your hearing care specialist.
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5. Be Ready For The Inevitable
The batteries are going to quit sooner or later. If you don’t want to find yourself in a difficult situation, it’s better 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.
In order to help you figure out what features have the biggest affect on the battery and which brand batteries are best for your device, keep a diary.
6. Consider the Alternatives to Batteries
One of the best things about newer hearing aids is that some are rechargeable. You may pay a little more for those units, but it will be worth it if you can save money on batteries. Rechargeable batteries are probably the best option if you need a lot of features such as Bluetooth or wireless.
The batteries that make hearing aids work can be as significant an investment as the hearing aids are. A little due diligence goes a long way to extending the life of those batteries and saving you money. To find out what your best option for you is, schedule an appointment with a hearing aid specialist.