Rechargeable Hearing Aid Batteries

Hearing aids require electric power in the form of a battery cell to work correctly. The amplification level that varies from one hearing aid to the next consumes energy at a varied charge constantly. Hearing aids belong to a group of ‘high demand’ devices that require constant power, at constant levels. How long hearing aid batteries last depends on a number of factors, from the precise hearing aid model to the brand of hearing aid and their energy technology. Most hearing aid battery manufacturers offer regular and rechargeable batteries. On average, hearing aid batteries are expected to last between two to six weeks so you would assume most wearers would opt for rechargeable batteries to reduce their overall cost, but that is not the case. Rechargeable hearing aid batteries use technology from nickel cadmium to (NiMH) nickel metal hydride energy compared to most regular household batteries that use alkaline. Hearing aid batteries are high demand devices that use advanced zinc, a technology that has no memory effects. The debate over rechargeable batteries memory effect (batteries becoming weaker with continued use) shifts the popularity of hearing aid wearers towards the regular batteries, although, some manufacturers strongly challenge this claim and insist that various rechargeable technologies have no memory effects. Recharge batteries strong points: Can be used more than once - The total number of recharging cycles will depend on the brand and technology. More environmentally friendly - The cells contain less toxic waste which makes this option more eco friendly. Normal batteries can be disposed of responsibly to avoid any damage to the environment Recharge batteries weak points: Charging time - How quickly or slowly these charge will depend on the energy cell. Of course normal batteries are ready to be used straight away. Price - Their price is significantly more expensive. The most affordable are nickel cadium technology and the most expensive are lithium polymer. Although disposable batteries can be used only once, they are ready to be used immediately. As a hearing aid wearer, being left without a working aid can prove challenging. Even for those wearer's who prefer rechargeable batteries, it is strongly recommended carrying a spare set of disposable hearing aid batteries at the correct size just in case.

• Hearing Information