All hearing aids require a power source: either disposable batteries or a Lithium-Ion rechargeable system.
With disposable batteries, the hearing aid battery door must be opened at night to make sure the hearing aids are turned off, thus preserving the life of the battery. These disposable batteries are sold with a paper tab which is color coded to indicate the size battery. The battery is a zinc battery and pulling the tab off allows the zinc to emit from the positive (flat) side of the battery. It is important when taking the tab off the battery to allow it to “breathe” for about two minutes prior to inserting the battery into the hearing aid battery door and closing it. This two-minute delay allows the battery to fully activate, providing maximum opportunity to receive the typical 5-7 days of use. Most hearing aids are set up by the audiologist to provide the hearing aid wearer with an acoustic signal, either a chime or a voice “battery” to indicate that the battery is low and should be changed.
Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery systems are very efficient and when purchasing hearing aids with this system, a charger is provided that is specific for that manufacturer and product. In these rechargeable systems, there is no designated battery door to open, and the entire hearing aid is placed into a charger. The charger is used typically once a day, usually at night, although some charger systems have power packs. The power pack allows for multiple charges to be stored in the charger. A full charging may take up to three hours, however, the hearing aid may be placed into the charger for shorter charging times. With these Lithium-Ion rechargeable systems, the actual battery inside will most like have a five-year life and may be replaced in the office or by having the audiologist send the hearing aid back to the manufacturer for service.
