Rechargeable vs Disposable Battery Hearing Aids. The Right Choice…
All hearing aids, regardless of the style, size, or technology level, have the same basic components: a microphone, an amplifier, a receiver, and a battery. The battery serves as the power source for hearing aids and is critical to ensuring they perform as intended.
Research has shown that treating hearing loss with these devices can positively impact health, relationships, and communication. But, as wonderful as hearing aids are, the reality is that a good hearing aid is an investment and proper maintenance is vital.
That’s why it’s important to consider all of the powering options available to our clients. This blog compares traditional disposable batteries and rechargeable hearing aid batteries to help you make the right decision for your hearing needs.
Disposable batteries
Disposable (zinc-air) batteries are available in four sizes 10, 312, 13 and 675. The batteries are air-activated, meaning they begin working when the color-coded tab is removed, allowing oxygen to enter the battery. Zinc-air batteries come with a factory-sealed sticker which essentially allows them to remain dormant until the sticker is removed. Once the sticker is removed, oxygen interacts with the zinc, activating the battery for use.
Considerations
• Disposable hearing aid batteries typically last 5-7 days, depending on the size of the battery size, needs of the user, complexity of the listening environments, wear time, stream time, and other factors.
• The wearer must be constantly aware of how much power remains in the battery.
• Battery life can change dramatically based on humidity, degree of hearing loss, and other factors outside of the wearer’s control.
• Changing disposable batteries can be tricky, as the batteries are very small and the packages are tightly sealed.
• The wearer must frequently purchase replacement batteries. On average, hearing aid wearers change 100 hearing aid batteries each year.
Rechargeable batteries
Rechargeable batteries are currently available for most standard hearing aid styles BTEs ,RICs and recently in customized hearing aids as well
Considerations:
• No changing batteries — Rechargeable hearing aids ensure you do not have to deal with changing batteries, which can be a difficult and tedious task, especially for those with dexterity concerns.
• Economical — After the initial cost of the devices, the cost can be less since you do not have to purchase batteries regularly.
• Continuous use — Most models provide a full 24-hour lifespan, including up to five hours of streaming audio.
• Easy charging — Charging is easy – just place the hearing aid in the charging case.
• Environmentally friendly — Asingle rechargeable battery essentially replaces 100 single-use batteries, saving a tremendous amount of waste from contaminating the environment.
• Durability-Lithium-ion batteries must be sealed inside their device, so when they reach the end of their lifespan, the battery must be replaced by the manufacturer once in 3-4 years
The right choice for my hearing loss
While only you can decide which type of hearing aid is right for you, it is our goal to provide you will all of the information you need to make an informed decision. After all, a hearing aid is an important investment and we want to help you benefit as much as possible from your device. We are passionate about providing our patients with customized care to meet their specific needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at HearFon.
By Hearfon-Hearing Healthcare | September 04, 2020 | Blog | 0 Comments
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