OTC hearing aid batteries unfortunately don’t last forever— as much as we wish they could! Thankfully, though, there are some ways you may be able to extend their lifespan and get the most out of them. By following our tips, you may find that your OTC hearing aid batteries last longer than ever before, potentially saving you time and money.
This article explains how long OTC hearing aid batteries tend to last and how you may be able to make them last longer. For personalized advice, contact our team at Tweak Hearing today.
How Long Do OTC Hearing Aid Batteries Last?
The lifespan of OTC hearing aid batteries varies depending on various factors. These include the type of hearing aid you have, its power requirements, and how often you wear it.
For example, if you wear your hearing aid for most of the day, the battery will drain faster than if you only wear it for several hours per day. However, two people who wear their hearing aids for the same amount of time daily may find one person’s battery lasts longer than the other’s if they use differently sized batteries.
OTC hearing aid batteries come in several sizes, each corresponding with a color. The sizes play a large role in determining how long the battery will last, but it’s important to remember that other factors also contribute. These sizes, colors, and typical lifespans are:
- Size 10 (Yellow)— Lasts approximately three to seven days
- Size 13 (Orange)— Lasts approximately six to 14 days
- Size 312 (Brown)— Lasts approximately three to 10 days
- Size 675 (Blue)— Lasts approximately nine to 20 days
The Top 5 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your OTC Hearing Aid Batteries
Extending the life of your OTC hearing aid batteries may allow you to use the batteries for longer, and this may save you both time and money. Some ways you may be able to prolong the life of your hearing aid batteries include:
1. Not Removing the Tab Before Using Them
Hearing aid batteries are unique, unlike other batteries you likely have around your home. They’re referred to as zinc-air batteries, which means they’re activated by air. As a result, the moment they’re exposed to air, their ‘life’ begins! Hearing aid batteries come with a plastic tab on the back to prevent air from getting in, so as soon as you remove this tab, you start the battery. Ensure you don’t pull the tab until you insert the new batteries into your hearing aids.
2. Letting the Battery Rest
While it’s important to leave the tab in place until you go to use your new batteries, you should leave them for several minutes before inserting them. Since the batteries are activated by air, they need a few minutes to take in enough air before they can get to work. Once you’ve taken the plastic tab out, leave the batteries on a clean, dry surface for several minutes to allow the air to activate the battery and potentially extend its life by up to three days.
3. Leaving the Door Open
Whenever you’re not using your hearing aids, make sure you turn them off and open the battery door. Leaving the battery door open minimizes battery drain and helps any moisture to escape, reducing the risk of battery corrosion. Keeping your batteries healthy helps to keep your hearing aids healthy, so every step you take matters!
4. Removing the Batteries When They’re Not Needed
If you know you won’t be wearing your hearing aids for a while, it’s best to remove the batteries altogether. This is because batteries may trap moisture over time, and when left in hearing aids that aren’t being used, they’re more susceptible to corrosion. This may damage your hearing aids— which are much more expensive to replace than the battery!
5. Using Clean Hands When Changing Batteries
When you go to insert new batteries in your hearing aids, make sure you wash and dry your hands thoroughly before touching both the hearing aids and the batteries themselves. Whether you can see it or not, hands often have moisture, oils, grease, and dirt on them that may cause damage to these pieces of equipment.
Tweak Hearing: Helping Your OTC Hearing Aid Batteries Last Longer
OTC hearing aid batteries tend to have a long shelf life, typically three to four years. That means they’ll need to be replaced eventually! If your OTC hearing aids require size 13 batteries, our Size 13 Premium Batteries for Simply Tweak are designed to last. Compatible with all hearing aids and sound amplifiers that use size 13 batteries, they’re mercury-free, with quality and battery duration that match other size 13 battery manufacturers. To discover the Tweak difference, browse our products today.