Which hearing aid battery size do I need?
Your hearing aid is designed for one battery size only, so the quickest way to check is to look at the old battery, the packet you were given at your fitting, or the hearing aid’s user guide. Every manufacturer uses the same four standard sizes, so a size 312 battery from one brand fits any hearing aid that takes size 312.
The colour on the sticker or pull tab tells you the size at a glance. This system is used across the industry, which helps if you find small print hard to read.
| Size | Colour code | Typically used in |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | Yellow | The smallest aids, such as completely-in-canal and some small receiver-in-canal models |
| 312 | Brown | Many receiver-in-canal and in-the-canal hearing aids |
| 13 | Orange | Larger receiver-in-canal and behind-the-ear hearing aids |
| 675 | Blue | Power behind-the-ear aids for more severe hearing loss |
As a rule, the bigger the battery, the more energy it holds. That is why the largest size tends to be used in powerful aids, and the smallest in the most discreet ones.
How long do hearing aid batteries last?
There is no single answer, because battery life depends on several things working together:
- Battery size. Smaller batteries run down sooner than larger ones.
- Hours of use. Someone who wears their aids from breakfast to bedtime will change batteries more often than someone who wears them for a few hours.
- Streaming. Bluetooth streaming of phone calls, music or TV uses noticeably more power.
- Level of amplification. Aids set up for a greater hearing loss work harder.
- Surroundings. Very dry, very humid or cold conditions can shorten battery life.
In everyday use, most people find a disposable battery lasts somewhere between a few days and a couple of weeks. If yours suddenly start running out much faster than usual, it is worth asking your audiologist to check the hearing aid, as a fault can drain power.
How do zinc-air batteries work?
Nearly all disposable hearing aid batteries are zinc-air. They are sealed with a small sticky tab, and they start working once air reaches the zinc inside through tiny holes in the casing. That is why a battery with its tab still on can sit in a drawer for a long time without losing much charge.
How to store hearing aid batteries
- Keep them at room temperature in their original packet until you need them. The fridge is not a good place, because condensation can form when they warm up.
- Keep them away from coins and keys, as metal can short-circuit them.
- Use the oldest pack first and check the expiry date on the packet.
- At night, open the battery door of your hearing aid. This helps moisture escape and, with some models, switches the aid off so the battery is not used.
- Carry a spare pack in your bag or car so a flat battery never ruins a day out.
Signs your hearing aid battery is running low
Many hearing aids play a short tone or spoken message when the battery is getting low, and some apps show the battery level. Without a warning, you may notice sound becoming weaker or distorted, or the aid cutting in and out. If a fresh battery does not fix it, the problem may be wax in the receiver or a fault rather than the battery. Our guide on how to clean hearing aids covers the simple checks to try first.
Safe disposal and keeping children and pets safe
Used hearing aid batteries should not go in your household bin. Many supermarkets, libraries and recycling centres have battery collection points, and you can store used batteries in a small jar until you are ready to drop them off.
Button batteries are small and easy to swallow. Keep new and used batteries out of reach of children and pets, and never put a battery in your mouth while changing it.
Should I switch to rechargeable hearing aids?
Rechargeable hearing aids have a built-in battery that you charge overnight in a small case, much like a phone. Most of the hearing aids we fit at Sutton Hearing Care are rechargeable, because people tell us they like not handling tiny batteries, especially if they have arthritis, reduced feeling in their fingers or poor eyesight.
Disposable batteries still have a place. They suit some of the smallest custom aids and some power aids, and they are handy if you travel somewhere you cannot easily charge. Your audiologist can talk you through both options alongside the style of aid that suits your ears and hearing. Our page on invisible and rechargeable hearing aids shows the main styles.
Help with batteries and hearing aids in Sutton Coldfield
If you are not sure which battery your hearing aid takes, or batteries seem to be going flat too quickly, bring your hearing aids to us at Sutton Oak Road in Streetly. We service and repair most makes, including hearing aids bought elsewhere, through our hearing aid repairs service.
If it has been a while since your hearing was checked, you can also book a free hearing test of up to 90 minutes with an HCPC-registered audiologist, with no GP referral needed. Call 0121 369 0780 or book your hearing test online.