How do rechargeable hearing aids work?
Rechargeable hearing aids have a battery built into the case. Instead of opening a small door and swapping a disposable battery every few days, you place the aids in a charger at night, much as you would a phone or an electric toothbrush. In the morning you take them out and they switch on.
Most of the hearing aids we fit at Sutton Hearing Care are rechargeable, because for the majority of people the convenience is worth it. That does not make them right for everyone.
What are the advantages of rechargeable hearing aids?
- No fiddly batteries. Disposable hearing aid batteries are small and can be hard to handle, especially with arthritis, numb fingertips or poor eyesight.
- A simple routine. Out of the charger in the morning, back in at night. Many people find this easier to remember than changing batteries.
- No battery running flat at a bad moment. If you charge overnight, you start each day with a full charge rather than wondering when a battery will die.
- Less waste. You are not throwing away used batteries every week or two.
- Safer at home. Small button batteries are a hazard to young children and pets. A built-in battery removes that risk.
What are the disadvantages?
- You need to remember to charge. If you forget, you cannot simply pop in a spare battery. A portable charging case helps.
- Batteries age. Like a phone, a built-in battery gradually holds less charge over the years. Ask how battery replacement is handled under your warranty and aftercare.
- Not every style is available. The smallest custom aids that sit deep in the ear canal usually use disposable batteries because there is no room for a rechargeable cell.
- Travel needs planning. You need to take the charger with you, and possibly a plug adaptor abroad.
- Heavy streaming uses more power. If you stream calls, music or TV for many hours a day, you may need to top up during the day.
What should you look for in rechargeable hearing aids?
Once your hearing test has narrowed the choices, these practical points help decide between models.
The charger
Some chargers are simple docks that sit on a bedside table. Others are portable cases that hold a charge themselves, so you can top up your aids on the go. Check how easy it is to drop the aids into place, especially if your hands are stiff. Some designs click in firmly; others rely on magnets.
The size and shape
Rechargeable aids are usually receiver-in-canal or behind-the-ear, with some custom in-the-ear options. Ask to hold the aids and practise putting them in and taking them out before you decide.
Charge indicators
Lights on the charger or alerts in an app show whether the aids are charging and how much charge is left. Make sure you can see or hear these easily.
Streaming and app features
If you want to stream calls or television, check that the rechargeable model you are offered supports it with your phone. Our guide to Bluetooth hearing aids explains what to ask.
What happens if they stop holding charge
Ask your audiologist how battery wear is handled and whether it is covered. At our clinic, every pair includes a 5-year manufacturer warranty and 5 years of aftercare.
Which brands make rechargeable hearing aids?
All seven brands we fit offer rechargeable models: Phonak, Oticon, Signia, Starkey, ReSound, Widex and Unitron. Rechargeable options appear across technology levels, so going rechargeable does not mean you must buy the most expensive aid. Our guide to the best hearing aids in the UK explains how to choose between brands and levels.
Who might be better with disposable batteries?
Disposable batteries can still be the better choice if you want the smallest possible in-canal hearing aid, if you often stay away from home without easy access to power, or if you simply prefer to carry spare batteries and never think about charging. There is no wrong answer. It is about what you will find easier.
Looking after rechargeable hearing aids
A little care keeps rechargeable aids working well for years:
- Keep the contacts clean. Wipe the charging points on the aids and in the charger with a dry cloth. Wax or skin oil can stop the aids charging properly.
- Dry them before charging. If you have been out in the rain or exercising, let the aids dry before putting them in the charger.
- Keep the charger plugged in and in a sensible place. A bedside table away from sinks and direct sunlight works for most people.
- Do not leave them in a hot car. Heat is hard on any battery.
- Check the lights. Get into the habit of glancing at the charger to confirm both aids are charging.
If the aids stop lasting through the day, or one charges and the other does not, bring both aids and the charger to the clinic. Our repairs service can check whether the issue is the aid, the charger or something simple like dirty contacts.
Try rechargeable hearing aids in Sutton Coldfield
Book a free hearing test at our clinic in Streetly. If hearing aids would help, we can programme a rechargeable pair for a free 14-day home trial so you can try the charging routine in real life. Prices start at £1,595 a pair, as set out on our hearing aid prices page, and include real ear measurement, follow-ups and a 60-day money-back guarantee.