Rechargeable vs. Disposable Hearing Aid Batteries
With so many advancements in technology, today’s hearing aids include a wide range of features that were not even available just a decade ago, including “rechargeable” hearing aid batteries. Disposable hearing aid batteries are still the more common option for the most part; although more and more hearing aid manufacturers are making rechargeable hearing aids. Whether you’re a first-time hearing aid user or are looking to upgrade your hearing aid device, we explain some of the differences between rechargeable and disposable hearing aid batteries.
What You Should Know
- The battery serves as the power source for hearing aids and is critical to ensuring they perform as intended.
- All hearing aid instruments, regardless of the style, size, or technology level, have pretty much the same basic components: a microphone, an amplifier, a receiver, and a battery.
- Rechargeable hearing aids have built-in batteries that do not require regular removal, compared to hearing aids with traditional disposable batteries.
- Your hearing care professional can recommend and prescribe the best rechargeable hearing aids based on your hearing loss and lifestyle needs.
Of course, there are plenty of factors to consider when buying or upgrading your hearing aid. So it’s important to learn as much as possible along the way to purchasing them. But don’t get overwhelmed, your hearing care professional will help you find the right hearing for you.
Benefits of Rechargeable Hearing Aid Batteries
- Convenient and easy to use: Rechargeable hearing aid batteries offer convenience because you don’t have to replace them as you would with traditional disposable batteries. All you have to do is set the hearing aids in their charger station at night and wake up to fully charged hearing aids that should last all day.
- Environmentally friendly: It is estimated that a single rechargeable hearing aid battery replaces the need for hundreds of disposable batteries. That means less environmental contamination!
- Safer for children and pets: Disposable hearing aid batteries are dangerous if swallowed, and unfortunately, this happens a lot every year.
- Save money in the long run: Although there will be an upfront cost to purchase rechargeable hearing aids, you will save money from not having to buy disposable batteries.
- Works better in cold weather: Rechargeable hearing aid batteries experience little to no loss in cold weather, making them more efficient than traditional hearing aid batteries.
- More energy efficient: For most hearing aid devices, features like Bluetooth and streaming drain disposable batteries quickly. Whereas a fully charged rechargeable battery can last approx. 19 hours; this includes up to approx. 5 hours of streaming. Make sure to ask your hearing care professional about a “portable” charger.
Hearing, Balance & Speech is Here to Help You!
Are you or a loved one interested in rechargeable hearing aids? If you would like help on making the switch and what type of hearing aid to choose, please contact us at Hearing, Balance & Speech to schedule an appointment. We are here for you, to help with all aspects of your hearing health.