How long do hearing aid batteries last?
Disposable hearing aid batteries usually last between about 3 and 10 days, depending on their size and on how much you use and stream with your hearing aid. Smaller batteries run out sooner. Typical figures published by Starkey Hearing Technologies’ Audibel brand are [1]:
| Battery size | Colour of the tab | Typical life | Usually used in |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Yellow | about 3–4 days | very small in-canal (CIC) and mini receiver-in-canal hearing aids |
| 312 | Brown | about 4–5 days | receiver-in-canal (RIC) and small in-the-ear hearing aids |
| 13 | Orange | about 5–7 days | behind-the-ear (BTE) and larger in-the-ear hearing aids |
| 675 | Blue | about 7–10 days | power behind-the-ear hearing aids |
The colour codes are the same for every brand, so the colour on the packet is the quickest way to buy the right size [2].
As another guide, Ireland’s public health service (HSE) says a hearing aid battery lasts around 7 to 10 days when the hearing aid is worn 12 hours a day [9]. Batteries drain faster when you wear your hearing aids for long days, stream phone calls, music or TV over Bluetooth, or have a more severe hearing loss that needs more power.
Which battery size does my hearing aid need?
Your hearing aid needs the battery size printed in its user guide and on the packet your audiologist gave you — usually 10, 312, 13 or 675. Look for the coloured tab: yellow (10), brown (312), orange (13) or blue (675) [2]. If you are not sure, bring the hearing aid to the clinic and we will check it for you.
How do I put in a new battery correctly?
To put in a new disposable battery, remove the coloured sticker, wait about 1–2 minutes, then place the battery in the door with the flat “+” side facing the way shown in the door, and close it gently.
Hearing aid batteries are zinc-air batteries: they start working only when air reaches them through small holes under the sticker. Manufacturers advise waiting before you close the door — Rayovac says about one minute [2], while Phonak and Audibel (Starkey) say about two minutes [1][3] — so that air can activate the battery. Do not put the sticker back on; it does not stop the battery from running down.
How should I store spare batteries?
Spare batteries should be kept at room temperature, in their original packet, with the stickers on, and away from coins and keys. Rayovac advises room-temperature storage and warns that heat shortens battery life and that refrigeration is not recommended [2]. Unopened batteries keep for a long time — Phonak states a minimum shelf life of two years [3]. Avoid keeping them in the fridge, a hot car or a bathroom, and always use the oldest packet first.
How long does a rechargeable hearing aid last on one charge?
A rechargeable hearing aid usually lasts a full day on one overnight charge. Manufacturers quote, for example:
- ReSound: about 3 hours to charge fully and about 30 hours of use, or 24 hours if you stream audio for half of that time [4].
- Phonak Audéo Infinio: up to 31 hours in the best case, less with streaming [5].
- Oticon: a full day including streaming after about 3 hours of charging; a 30-minute top-up adds about 6 hours [6].
These figures are measured in ideal conditions. Expect a little less if you stream a lot or your hearing loss needs more power. Most people simply put their hearing aids in the charger every night, like a mobile phone.
Do rechargeable hearing aid batteries wear out?
Yes. Like the battery in a mobile phone, the built-in lithium-ion battery of a rechargeable hearing aid slowly holds less charge over the years. When you notice your hearing aids no longer last the day, bring them to the clinic: we check the battery and, if needed, arrange a battery replacement through the manufacturer’s service.
Should I choose disposable or rechargeable hearing aids?
Rechargeable hearing aids suit most people, especially anyone who finds tiny batteries hard to handle because of arthritis, shaky hands or poor eyesight. Disposable batteries still make sense if you travel to places without electricity, need the smallest invisible hearing aids, or prefer to carry spare batteries instead of a charger. See our rechargeable hearing aids page and the price list for models of both kinds.
What should I do if a child swallows a hearing aid battery?
If anyone — especially a child — swallows a hearing aid battery or any button battery, go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. Do not wait for symptoms and do not make the child vomit. The US National Capital Poison Center advises an urgent X-ray for every child aged 12 or under who may have swallowed a button battery, because even small batteries can cause serious injury [7]. Always keep new and used batteries, and hearing aids, out of reach of children and pets.
How do I dispose of used hearing aid batteries?
Used hearing aid batteries should go to battery collection points, not into household waste. India’s Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022, notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, require batteries to be collected and recycled [8]. You can also bring used batteries to our clinics and we will hand them in for recycling.
How can I make my batteries last longer?
You can make hearing aid batteries last longer with a few simple habits:
- Open the battery door at night so the battery rests and moisture escapes.
- Keep hearing aids dry — a drying jar helps in summer and the monsoon (see how to clean your hearing aids).
- Remove the battery if you will not use the hearing aid for several days.
- Wash and dry your hands before handling batteries; grease and dirt can block the air holes.
- Have the hearing aid checked if batteries suddenly run out much faster — this can be a fault.
At Fairfield Hearing Clinics, battery checks are part of the free aftercare for two years after you buy your hearing aids from us. Book a check-up.
References
- Audibel (Starkey Hearing Technologies). How long do hearing aid batteries last? https://audibel.com/hearing-technology/how-to-maximize-hearing-aid-battery-life
- Rayovac. Hearing aid batteries (brochure, hosted by AudiologyOnline). https://www.audiologyonline.com/files/content/05900/05927/rayovac-brochure4103.pdf
- Phonak. Hearing aid batteries and chargers. https://phonak.com/en-uk/hearing-devices/accessories/hearing-aid-batteries-chargers
- ReSound. Rechargeable hearing aids — ReSound LiNX Quattro. https://www.resound.com/en-in/hearing-aids/resound-hearing-aids/quattro/rechargeable
- Phonak. Audéo Infinio. https://phonak.com/audeo-infinio
- Oticon. Rechargeable hearing aid tips. https://oticon.com/blog/rechargeable-hearing-aid-tips
- National Capital Poison Center (USA). Button Battery Ingestion Triage and Treatment Guideline. https://poison.org/battery/guideline
- Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board. Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022. https://tnpcb.gov.in/BatteryWaste.php
- Health Service Executive (HSE), Ireland. Hearing aid maintenance and care. https://www2.hse.ie/services/audiology/hearing-aids-implants/how-to-care-for-your-hearing-aid/
