All hearing aids require a power source, but many modern hearing aids have the option of either a disposable or rechargeable battery. Which option is the best for you?
Benefits of Rechargeable Batteries:
1. Convenient – Instead of having to frequently repurchase batteries over the lifespan of the hearing aid, you simply charge the hearing aid at night while you sleep. The hearing aid then has battery power for up to 30 hours on a single charge. The internal battery can be charged thousands of times before needing replacement.
2. Easy to Use – Disposable hearing aid batteries are very small and can be difficult to change for some people. Rechargeable hearing aids easily pop into a charger, so there is no fumbling with small pieces.
3. Environmentally Friendly – Given that most disposable hearing aid batteries last about 5-7 days, you will ultimately throw away hundreds of batteries over the lifespan of hearing aids if you use that option. Although hearing aid batteries can be recycled, disposable batteries create much more waste over the lifespan of a hearing aid compared to 2 rechargeable batteries.
Benefits of Disposable Batteries:
1. More portable – Disposable batteries are much easier to take on the go, since you don’t have to pack the charger with a power cord. A pack of disposable batteries is small enough to easily fit in a pocket or wallet.
2. Little downtime – When disposable batteries die, it’s as simple as changing to a new battery in a matter of seconds to power your hearing aids again. When the charge dies on rechargeable hearing aids, it typically takes a couple of hours for the hearing aids to fully recharge, which is especially inconvenient if you don’t have your charger with you.
3. Different hearing aid style options – Certain styles of hearing aids, such as tiny invisible in the ear hearing aids, are only able to be powered by disposable batteries. Other types of hearing aids, such as behind the ear styles, typically have the option of either rechargeable or disposable batteries.
The best hearing aid battery option for you is a matter of lifestyle and personal preference. An audiologist can help you decide what the best choice is to fit your needs.