Once you’ve acquired your first hearing aids, there are a few other accessories that you need to keep them functioning correctly and in the best condition. In addition to a carry case to keep them clean, batteries are also an essential purchase for every hearing aid owner. Now that you have your hearing aid available, one of the things that you should know is how much do hearing aid batteries cost per year. In this article, we guide you through hearing aid battery cost, the price of batteries, and other information that might come in handy.
Types of Batteries
There are two main types of batteries used in hearing aids:
Rechargeable batteries
Most new hearing aid models come with rechargeable batteries. These batteries can be recharged at night when the hearing-aid owner takes them out to sleep. So far, rechargeable batteries are mostly only available for behind-the-ear style hearing aids.
Standard disposable batteries
Zinc-air button disposable batteries are another common option. Zinc-air batteries are air-activated, so a factory-sealed sticker lets them remain inactive until it is removed. Once peeled from the back of the battery, oxygen will interact with the zinc in the battery and will activate it. To get the best performance from this type of battery, wait for about one minute after removing the sticker before placing it in the hearing device to activate it fully. Once the sticker is removed, the battery will remain active until the power is drained.
How Much do Hearing Aid Batteries Cost?
Digital hearing aids are a long-term investment. With a wide array of manufacturers, different sizes for different devices, all with different price tags, hearing aid batteries cost can differ significantly.
Which Batteries Are the Most Cost-effective?
A lot of factors can significantly impact the overall cost of hearing aid batteries. The primary factor in determining the most cost-effective one is to check your overall usage. It would still depend on how long you use your hearing aid. The more frequent you use it, the more batteries you need to consume.
Another element that may impact the price of hearing aid batteries is lifetime power and storage. Zinc batteries work when oxygen is present, so be careful to store the batteries to avoid draining themselves out. If batteries are kept appropriately, they should last a bit longer.
How Much do Hearing Aid Batteries Cost Per Year?
To put the price into standpoint, here’s a rough estimate of how much do hearing aid batteries cost.
Let’s say a cell costs 40c/ 40p. So, for a typical 12-hour per day wearer, we can assume:
| BATTERY LIFE | COST (PER DAY) |
|---|---|
| Batteries for a device with a 90-hour battery life | 5.3c/p per day |
| Batteries for a device with a 150-hour battery life | 3.2c/p per day |
| Batteries for a device with a 240-hour battery life | 2c/p per day |
Costs will all depend on the type of hearing aid you wear, how much battery power they require to operate, and the length of time used to wear them.
Hearing Aid Battery Life
Zinc air-button batteries for hearing aids can last from five to 14 days, for a typical 16-hour day of wear. However, this still depends on the size of the battery and the power needed by the hearing aid. Usually, smaller batteries have shorter battery life compared to larger ones.
The average lifespan of hearing aid batteries is as follows:
- Size 10 – three to seven days
- Size 312 – three to 10 days
- Size 13 – six to 14 days
- Size 675 – nine to 20 days
If you are experiencing shorter battery life, there may be an issue with your hearing device. In this case, check your user manual or contact your hearing healthcare professional to make sure everything is working well.
Battery Basics
Batteries are the most practical solution when it comes to powering smaller electronic devices. Although a considerable number of disposable batteries are still being utilized, rechargeable batteries are gaining popularity, and many users opt to transition into using rechargeable batteries instead.
The inclination to use rechargeable batteries is not unexpected since rechargeable batteries offer various advantages, including:
Comfort and ease of use
You won’t need to worry about small batteries and correct storage. Rechargeable batteries could simply be placed into a charger at night. This is particularly beneficial for users with dexterity issues.
Environmentally friendly
Two digital hearing aids will use an estimate of more than 300 disposable hearing aid batteries in a matter of three years. On the other hand, an average of only two lithium-ion rechargeable batteries would be spent under the same conditions.
Cost-effective
The cost of hearing aid batteries for a single zinc-air is roughly $1 each. Supposing the typical hearing aid wearer changes both batteries once a week, costs can exceed over $300 during a just three-year period.
Peace of mind
Having rechargeable batteries can give its wearer peace of mind knowing that the hearing aid batteries won’t go dead in the middle of the day. An overnight charge is enough to last the whole day.
Wrap Up
Hearing aids can be life-changing, but they can be of no use if not equipped with the right parts. Batteries are one of the essential elements of hearing aids. Understanding how they work and the cost of hearing aid batteries can help you keep them operational. Hearing aids need a constant source of power in order to run effectively and accurately. A low battery or faulty battery can significantly impair the performance of your hearing aid. Find out more about batteries.