Hearing Aid Batteries and Accessories
Over time, the costs of hearing aid batteries can add up, especially if you don’t take care of them properly. Here are a few quick tips to keep your batteries longer.
Hearing aids include amazing technology that will help you reconnect with loved ones and the things you love, especially if you wear them every day. While hearing aids will start improving your life immediately out of the box, most people invest in some accessories to help them work better in different environments or to keep them in good working order.
Imagine being able to:
Stream from your phone, TV, and other devices through wireless accessories. You can stream phone calls, music, or even your favorite show directly to your hearing aids using technology like Bluetooth. If your hearing aid doesn’t come with Bluetooth, ask us about wireless microphones, remote controls, personal streaming devices, and TV headsets.
Overcome background noise or hear more clearly over distances with transmitters and receivers. These accessories can transmit sounds to your hearing aids, so you can focus better on what you want to hear…not the background noise.
Amplify your partner’s voice with assistive listening devices. Whether you’re chatting with a friend, coworker or loved one, you can amplify their voice with a microphone that streams right to your hearing aid or works on its own.
Skip your spotty wireless connection and plug in with adaptors and cords. If your wireless connection cuts out a lot, you might prefer to plug directly into your phone, TV or other device. Ask us how.
Keep your hearing aid functioning at its best with cleaning kits. Not only do these kits help keep your hearing aids clear of earwax and other debris, they come with handy tools to change your batteries.
Protect your hearing aids with wax guards and filters. Earwax can lead to distortion of sound and annoying feedback. Ask us about wax guards and filters that prevent damage and extend the life of your hearing aids.
Never miss a beat – stock up on hearing aid batteries. Keeping extra batteries on hand helps ensure you can use your hearing aids when you need to.
How to extend the life of your hearing aid batteries
Figure out what Is draining your batteries
Usually hearing aid batteries work well for 3 to 6 days. If your batteries seem to fizzle out before then, consider whether you’re doing things that are draining them quickly. Here are the most common culprits:
- Overusing advanced options. Advanced features can make the difference between hearing and hearing clearly. Don’t be afraid to use them…just make sure you’re only using them when you need them.
- Changes in altitude. Switching from high to low altitudes can drain batteries, so consider whether they are worth wearing on the ski slopes.
- Exposure to moisture. If you like wearing your hearing aids while working out, make sure to dry and store them correctly. In fact, if your hearing aid is exposed to moist environments on a regular basis, think about getting a dehumidifier.
A few more tips to get more out of your hearing aid batteries
- Pull the tab only when you’re ready to use the battery. Once you expose the battery to air it is activated and will begin to drain.
- Wait a few minutes before installing your battery. Once you’ve pulled the tab, let the battery sit on the counter for a few minutes to make sure it gets enough air before you install it. Most hearing aid batteries have zinc, which gets its charge by interacting with air. If you install it before it fully “charges” you’ll get less out of it.
- Keep an eye on the expiration date. It’s so tempting to buy in bulk or on sale, but if you aren’t careful your batteries may be old before you even take them out of the box.
Should I Get Rechargeable Hearing Aid Batteries?
Rechargeable hearing aid systems that utilize lithium-ion power packs allow you to simply plug your hearing aids directly into the recharging station to recharge them each night. This eliminates the need to constantly buy new batteries. These systems are better for the environment, as well. In five years, you will probably go through eight rechargeable batteries.
Ask Us About Rechargeable Batteries. Call Us.
Do I Need Bluetooth Hearing Aids?
Most hearing aids are compatible with iPhones and other smartphones. Any hearing aid that has Bluetooth connectivity capabilities can be paired with a smartphone, while there are several apps on the market that can give you even more control over your hearing aids. In addition, certain hearing aid brands are developed to work directly with iPhones and smartphones. These hearing aids can bypass the apps and give the user the ability to make true “hands-free” phone calls, as well as enjoy stereo streaming of music and TV shows. These direct connection hearing aids also do not require a separate Bluetooth device to connect with your phone, which is a requirement for some other models.
Bluetooth technology provides these capabilities without overly draining battery life, which can be important if this is a feature you anticipate using a lot. Other hearing aids allow you to connect to Bluetooth using an additional device called a streamer.
Bluetooth connectivity can help connect you to the outside world, keeping important social bonds intact. Every piece of hearing aid technology is designed to help you maintain your quality of life. Come on in and we’ll demonstrate the technology to you.