Even though it may seem to be a straightforward question to ask just how long hearing aid batteries should be expected to last, it isn’t. How long hearing aid batteries will last is dependent upon many factors. Just how long a battery lasts depends on which company manufactured it, and will vary between models from the exact same manufacturer. The way you use your hearing aid will also influence battery life; the more hours a day it is turned on, the more rapidly you will use up batteries.
In addition, there are variations in battery life across battery manufacturers, and the exact same manufacturer may have different lines of batteries, some that are supposed to last longer than others. Some hearing aid batteries will not start to deplete their power resources unless they’re plugged into a hearing aid that is turned on, and some (such as zinc-air batteries) will begin to burn power the instant you pull off the adhesive tab on the bottom of the battery, and will continue to lose power even if the hearing aid is not on.
Because the cost of hearing aid batteries adds up, if you’re looking for a new hearing aid, you should do some research to find out which types and models of hearing aids are known for the best battery life, because that could influence your choice. If you have an existing hearing aid and are looking for the most long-lasting batteries for it, the Internet can be a fabulous source of comparative ratings and reviews.
Hearing aid manufacturers have worked to make things less confusing by standardizing their sizes and using specific color codes for each size which is the same for every manufacturer. Take a look at the estimated battery life below to get a basic idea of how long batteries of each size can be expected to last:
- Yellow – #10 – 80 hours
- Orange – #13 – 240 hours
- Brown – #312 – 175 hours
- Blue – #675 – 300 hours
For the longest battery life, remember to turn your hearing aid off when you are not using it. Store your unused batteries at room temperature, indoors, and in their original, unopened packaging to ensure their longest possible life.