Rechargeable Hearing Aids, Do They Really Work?

The estimated 28.8-million American adults who could benefit from using hearing aids are pretty much spoilt for choice when selecting what type of hearing aid to use. Modern-day hearing aids come with different features, and some are even rechargeable. Due to the design of rechargeable hearing aids, you are not likely to worry about losing battery power as you use your hearing aids in your daily life. However, you can’t help but be a little nervous if you depend on this technology to hear. You may wonder whether rechargeable hearing aids work as well as advertised or whether they even function at all.

This anxiety is entirely valid, and so are the questions you might have about the technology. Hearing aids are an essential element of your daily life since you need them for everything, including a quick trip to the grocery store or enjoying your favorite movie or television show. Since this item of technology affects so many parts of your life, it must work well and dependably so you can always rely on it.

What Type of Battery Do I Have?

Many modern hearing aids possess batteries that are rechargeable by default. Consequently, if you bought yours recently, it is highly likely to have one out of the two kinds of batteries: lithium-ion batteries or silver-zinc batteries. The latter batteries have a battery door at the back of your hearing aid and are rechargeable.

However, you will need to replace them often to continue getting the best out of your hearing aids. On the other hand, a lithium-ion battery can last as long as your hearing device itself. Therefore, if your device operates using such batteries, it will likely not come with a battery door.

Hearing Aids Require Special Care

Rechargeable hearing aids work for the most part, and they work well. These devices’ reliability has skyrocketed over the last several years due to huge strides in battery technologies. However, you can take some maintenance measures to improve the reliability of your hearing aids, just like with any other electronic device. Some of these measures are:

• Store your hearing aids at the charging station: If you often use your recharging station as a place to store your hearing aids, you can significantly prolong your battery’s life. Long-term battery life isn’t affected by charging a battery that isn’t empty. As a matter of fact, charging your hearing aids when not using them can enhance your long-term battery life. You can set your charging station next to your bed as a simple way to remind yourself to charge the device when it is not in use.
• Watch out for moisture and dirt: Debris, moisture and dust will accumulate on your hearing aids, regardless of how frequently you use them. Your battery’s efficiency can diminish if your hearing aid is exposed to these three elements. As a result, charging can be obstructed, so getting a full charge may take longer than usual. Therefore, it is crucial to keep your hearing aid dry and clean, especially when it comes to the charging station.

Replacing A Rechargeable Battery

You won’t have to worry about replacing your batteries if they are lithium-ion since they will likely last as long as your device. Therefore, you can simply charge them as long as necessary to continue usage.

Conversely, a hearing aid that uses silver-zinc batteries will require an occasional battery change to remain functional. Your batteries’ longevity can be improved by replacing them correctly, so audiologists recommend the following:

• Wash your hands before changing hearing aid batteries
• Keep your battery compartment clean and moisture-free
• Keep batteries in a dry place at room temperature
• Let your batteries remain at room temperature for five minutes prior to taking off tabs that may be attached.
• Don’t throw away plastic tabs or packaging till you are ready to use batteries.

Extended Times of Non-Use

Putting your hearing aids on the charger for a long time may not be the best way to store your device if you plan not to use it for an extended period. Consequently, if you won’t be wearing your hearing aids for weeks or months at a time, you can unplug your charger and keep your devices in a cool, dry place. For hearing aids that use silver-zinc batteries, consider leaving the battery door open to prevent your batteries from rusting due to moisture.

Rechargeable For Daily Use

Your overall needs should be met if you charge your hearing aids once daily. For instance, a three-to-four-hour charge of your lithium-ion battery-powered hearing aid should suffice for 24-hour usage. Rechargeable batteries work, and they are becoming increasingly common daily. Therefore, reach out to your audiologist to see the different models available and select which one is best for you.

Why Choose Kirsch Audiology or Your Hearing Loss Treatment?

We offer top-notch audiology services and provide the latest hearing aids and accessories, ensuring that our patients can enjoy the best hearing possible. We also provide other services like tinnitus treatment, counseling and diagnostic audiologic evaluation.

Contact us today at 310-586-5533 to get started.