Is it time to buy new hearing aid batteries? Do you have any idea where to go or what brand of batteries you should be buying? It’s true: not all batteries are equal, and the wrong batteries can reduce the performance of your hearing aids and cost you a lot more money than is needed.
Some of the big names include Duracell, Energizer, PowerOne and Rayovac, but there are hundreds of different brands of hearing aid batteries to choose from. When you start comparing the quantity in a package, how long the batteries last, their price, size, and appearance… It’s easy to see how this can be a difficult decision. Read on to learn everything you need to know about purchasing hearing aid batteries so you get the most value for your money!
How Many Hearing Aid Batteries Can I Buy At Once?
Most hearing aid batteries will come in packages of 4 or more, with some boxes containing 120 batteries or more. If you know you will use your hearing aids for years to come, it’s very tempting to buy the largest box of batteries possible for convenience. However, hearing aid batteries have an expiry date, and it would be a waste to purchase batteries that will expire before you can use them.
Most hearing aid batteries have a shelf life of about 3 years, and will have an expiration date printed on the outside of the box. We recommend stocking up on a year’s worth of batteries to avoid any issues with batteries expiring before you can use them. This way, you’ll have enough to carry them in your car, wallet, or take some to work in case of emergencies!
When deciding how many you need to buy at a time, you need to consider how long the batteries are lasting you, how many batteries are in a box, and the expiration dates of the batteries. An easy way to calculate how many batteries you use in a year is to divide 365 days by the number of days each battery lasts, then multiply it by how many hearing aids you use.
For example, if you need to change your batteries once a week and you wear two hearing aids, you are using (385/7 days) x 2 hearing aids = 104 batteries a year. If you use a smaller size 10 battery that needs to be changed every 3 days, you will use approximately 242 batteries a year.
Which Hearing Aid Batteries Last The Longest?
THow long the battery lasts can have many factors and while all manufactures will state theirs is the longest lasting… which one really is? I have worked in the hearing industry for years and have found that there is definitely a difference between the brands of batteries. In my own hearing clinic in Quesnel, I currently use the Rayovac Extra Advance. I have learned over the years that a good quality battery is extremely important to keep your hearing aids functioning properly and save you money in the long run.
There has been research done on battery life, but the results are mixed depending on who does the research, how the tests are calculated, and the size of batteries tested. As a result, your best bet is to maximize your battery’s life by choosing the right one for the job. A quick talk with your hearing care professional can help you make the right choice!
You need to consider the size of your hearing aid battery, how many hours a day you are wearing the hearing aids, how often you are in a group or crowd and how much battery any of your hearing aid accessories will require. All of these factors can play a large part on how long your battery is going to last. No two people will have the exact same battery needs.
How Do I Choose The Right Hearing Aid Batteries?
Size, and appearance will likely be a deciding factor in your decision between hearing aid batteries. Your battery’s size is determined by which hearing aids you have. Fortunately, all hearing aid batteries have standard color coding across brands. From the largest to the smallest in appearance, these are the standard hearing aid battery sizes and their corresponding color:
You can purchase most brands of hearing aid batteries at any pharmacy. However, the best option is to visit a certified hearing care professional to discuss your options before making a decision.
At Community Hearing Care, you can purchase Rayovac Extra Advance hearing aid batteries for only $1.00 per cell, with packages containing 4 or more batteries. They are a long-lasting premium battery with long pull tabs that make it easy for you to replace your hearing aid batteries quickly. We guarantee all of our batteries and they are a tax-free medical expense, so make sure you keep your receipts!
Come visit us at 533 Reid Street in Quesnel, BC, or call (236) 424-3000 for more information!
