Even though it seems to be a simple question to ask how long hearing aid batteries should be expected to last, it’s actually not. Precisely how long hearing aid batteries last is determined by quite a few variables. Battery life will depend on the model of your hearing aid, and may vary widely even in models developed by the exact same manufacturer. The actual life of a hearing aid battery also depends on the length of time each day that the hearing aid is turned on. As you would expect, the more you use your hearing aid, the more rapidly the batteries will deplete.
The batteries themselves are a key factor. Batteries the exact same size from different manufacturers will have distinct lives. And there will be variation within one battery manufacturer if they offer premium or extended-life lines. Battery type is another factor in longevity. For example, zinc-air batteries will begin to lose stored energy the instant you remove the tab on the bottom and will continue to lose charge even if the hearing aid is turned off while other types will only discharge when they’re inside a hearing aid that is turned on.
Because the expense of hearing aid batteries adds up, if you are looking for a new hearing aid, you should do some research to find out which types and models of hearing aids are known for the best battery life, because that could influence your decision. If you have an existing hearing aid and are looking for the longest lasting batteries for it, the Internet can be a great source of comparative ratings and reviews.
Hearing aid manufacturers have worked to make things simpler by standardizing their sizes and using unique color codes for each size that is the same for every manufacturer. The following list of battery life is an approximation, of course, but it should give you a general idea of how long hearing aid batteries of each size should last:
- Size 675 – Blue – 300 hours
- Size 312 – Brown – 175 hours
- Size 13 – Orange – 240 hours
- Size 10 – Yellow – 80 hours
To ensure the longest life for your hearing aid batteries when they’re in the hearing aid, turn the hearing aid off when you are not wearing it. To ensure the longest shelf life for batteries you have purchased but haven’t used yet, store them indoors, at room temperature, and in their original, unopened packaging.