This guide will walk you through the essentials of hearing aid battery care, including changes to packaging, step-by-step usage instructions, and practical tips for extending battery life. Let’s dive in!
Changes to Battery Packaging
Recently, hearing aid battery packaging in the U.S. has been updated to make it childproof. While this is an important safety measure, the new design can be challenging to open, even for adults. Here’s how to handle it:
- Use scissors to cut into the packaging and remove one battery at a time. This method prevents unnecessary contact with other batteries and avoids accidental power drainage.
- Be patient and precise when opening the package to ensure batteries remain in good condition.
- If you have difficulty, consider asking a family member or caregiver for help.
The video below is a great example of how to open your battery packing:
Proper Use of Hearing Aid Batteries
Your hearing aids are a critical part of your daily life, and keeping them powered is essential to maintaining clear and reliable hearing. Proper battery care ensures your devices work as intended, while also preventing potential issues.
To get the best results from your hearing aid batteries, follow these steps:
- Remove the old battery from your hearing aid before replacing it.
- Prepare your workspace by sitting at a stable surface with a pair of scissors and your battery pack. This will help prevent any drops or mishandling.
- Carefully use scissors to cut open the battery packaging and access one battery at a time. Think of this process like cutting a slice from a pie.
- Take the new battery out of its package, peel off the sticker, and wait about a minute for air to activate the zinc-based power source.
- Place the battery into your hearing aid with the flat side facing upward, then close the battery compartment.
- Turn on your hearing aid to ensure it powers up and is ready to use.
Tips for Extending Battery Life and Performance
Here are some useful strategies for making the most out of your hearing aid batteries:
Keep batteries sealed:
Leave batteries in their original packaging until you’re ready to use them.
Handle carefully:
Avoid removing the protective tab on a battery before it’s needed, as exposure to air will begin the activation process.
Store properly:
Store batteries at room temperature in a dry place, avoiding extreme heat or cold.
Maintain hygiene:
Wash and dry your hands before handling batteries to prevent oils or moisture from affecting their performance.
Check expiration dates:
Before purchasing batteries, check their expiration dates to ensure they’re fresh and long-lasting.
Avoid short circuits:
Don’t store batteries loose in a pocket or near metal objects, as this can cause a short circuit, even with the sticker still attached.
Keep out of reach:
Store batteries safely out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
Recycle responsibly:
Contact your local recycling center for guidance on safely disposing of used batteries.
Why Proper Handling Matters
We’ve had instances where patients experienced rapid battery drain because batteries were improperly stored or allowed to touch each other. By keeping batteries in their original packaging and only removing them when needed, you can avoid these issues and maximize their lifespan.
Environmentally Friendly Disposal
Used hearing aid batteries should never be thrown into regular trash. Instead, recycle them responsibly:
- Many communities offer designated recycling programs for batteries. Check with your local municipality for drop-off locations or guidelines.
- The plastic and cardboard components of battery packaging are also recyclable, so make sure to separate and recycle these materials where possible.
Need Help?
If you have any questions about your hearing aid batteries, we’re here to help!
Whether it’s demonstrating the proper way to open the new packaging, troubleshooting power issues, or recycling old batteries, our team is ready to help.
Contact us online or call your nearest location to speak to our team:
Adel – (515) 276-6122
Urbandale – (515) 276-6122
Grinnell – (641) 236-5650
