Types of hearing aid batteries

While there are rechargeable hearing aid batteries available on the market, the most common type is still the zinc-air button battery. Traditionally hearing aid batteries were produced using trace amounts of mercury to assist with conductivity and stabilise internal components, but all major battery manufacturers now manufacture mercury-free cells (which are safer and better for the environment).

Because zinc-air batteries are air-activated, a factory-sealed sticker allows them to remain inactive until the sticker is removed. Once peeled off the back of the battery, oxygen in the air will interact with the zinc in the battery and commence charging the battery. The battery will not be deactivated if the sticker is placed back on the device, so once it is removed the battery will remain in an active state until the power is drained.

Zinc-air batteries remain stable for up to 4-years when stored at room temperature and in a dry environment. It is important to note that storing zinc-air batteries in the refrigerator actually has no benefits and could actually cause water particles to form under the sticker, which could activate the battery before desired use.

Sizes of hearing aid batteries

Hearing aids come in many different sizes and styles. Because there are various sizes of hearing aids with different features, the amount of power needed for the device to run differs. Larger hearing aids generally require larger hearing aid batteries. Additionally, hearing aids used for individuals with severe or profound hearing losses typically require larger batteries because more power is needed to help them operate.

There are four common sizes of hearing aid batteries available on the market. The sizes, from smallest to largest, are 10, 312, 13 and size 675. Because size differences may appear trivial to the regular eye or can be difficult to remember, hearing aid battery packaging is colour-coded to make finding and purchasing the correct size easy.

• Size 10 – yellow
• Size 312 – brown
• Size 13 – orange
• Size 675 – blue

Hearing aid battery life

One of the most common questions individuals have about hearing aid batteries is how long they will last. Generally speaking, hearing aid batteries can last anywhere from 5 to 14 days, based on a 16 hour per day use cycle. This is of course dependent upon the size and power usage of a hearing aid battery. Typically, smaller hearing aid batteries don’t last quite as long because their size restricts the amount of power stored in them.

If a hearing aid user is experiencing shortened battery life, it’s possible there is an issue with the hearing device. A hearing aid wearer should consult their device manual or contact their hearing healthcare professional to make sure everything is working properly.

How to extend the life of a hearing aid battery

While there generally aren't methods to extend hearing aid battery life, there are a few steps to follow to ensure the power isn’t being wasted.

When not in use, hearing aid batteries can be taken out of the hearing aid and stored in a small, safe place. If this isn’t an option, simply turn your hearing aid off when not in use and leave the battery compartment door open. Not only will this help keep battery power from being wasted, taking out the batteries of a hearing aid and leaving the compartment open can allow any moisture that has built up from daily use to evaporate overnight. Leaving the battery compartment open not only helps maintain battery life, it can also help extend the life of your hearing aid!

To get optimal performance from your hearing aid battery, always store them at room temperature. Heat exposure has been shown to shorten the life of hearing batteries, in addition to a humid environment such as a bathroom or inside the car.

Also, batteries shouldn’t be carried loose in pockets, a purse or a backpack where they might come into contact with other metal pieces. Items such as change or keys can short-circuit the hearing aid batteries.

Compare our hearing aid battery prices* and save on single packets...

... and save on boxes of 10 packets or more.

If you happen to see any of our hearing aid batteries or hearing aid accessories advertised at a lower price, we guarantee to beat it.

 * Comparison model is zinc-air battery size 312; Comparison prices exclude postage. Prices are sourced from advertised prices online for the same product on 18 September 2021. Comparison does not include special offers or special prices that may be offered by our competitors from time-to-time. Comparison websites above represent a sample of competitors and are not comprehensive. Comparison websites are: Hearing Aid Batteries Express, HABEX, Hear for Less, Ear & Hearing Australia, Melbourne Audiology Centre, Blamey Saunders Hears, Hearing Aid Hero, Harmony Hearing, Attune Hearing, Maria Brown Hearing Clinic. Power One model is Power One Mercury Free and where not available, traditional Power One zinc-air model. ZeniPower model is ZeniPower MF. Rayovac model is Rayovac Extra Advanced.