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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does a hearing aid battery work?
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The most popular hearing aid battery system today is zinc air. This works through a unique
construction that utilises atmospheric oxygen from outside the battery. These batteries pack
more energy into a battery cell and twice the life than the older mercury system.
With zinc air batteries, you can expect fewer battery replacements, clearer tones, fewer
volume adjustments, and longer battery life than with mercury batteries. When the tab is
removed air enters through the holes (see diagram). The oxygen in the air reacts with the
Zinc to produce Zinc Oxide. This reaction produces energy - the energy which power's your
hearing aid device.
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2. Why is there a tab on my zinc air battery?
A zinc air battery uses air outside the battery as a source of power. The factory applied tab seals the air holes in the battery and ensures freshness until you are ready to use the battery. Do not remove the tab until you are ready to use the battery. To activate the battery, you simply remove the tab. After removing the tab, wait about one minute prior to inserting the battery into your hearing aid. This allows sufficient time for the air to enter and activate the ingredients. Replacing the tab when the battery is not in use will not extend the battery life.
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3. What are common battery sizes?
The most common battery sizes are 10, 13, 312 and 675. The size 5, the smallest battery, was introduced for the new Completely-In-The-Canal hearing aids. Rayovac was the first manufacturer of this new battery size. To identify the size, most manufacturers use an industry standard colour code on their zinc air tabs and packaging.
Manufacturers often place letters before or after the battery size to designate their factory reorder number. For instance, 13A or R10ZA are both size 13 batteries.
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4. Are Batteries Interchangeable Among Manufacturers?
Manufacturers have different battery quality and performance, however the battery dimensions are standardised within the industry. Just match your size designated by the colour code. Replacing the tab when the battery is not in use will not extend the battery life.
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5. How long will my batteries last?
Battery life is determined by the type and amplification of your hearing aid as well as the hours you wear your hearing aid. Your hearing care professional can tell you the battery life you can expect.
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6. How should I store my batteries?
You should store your hearing aid batteries at room temperature, avoiding storage in hot places since heat will shorten the life of the batteries. Refrigeration is also not recommended. In addition please read the warnings and usage symbols/instructions on the package carefully.
Batteries should not be carried loose in your pocket or purse since metal objects such as
coins or keys can either cause a battery to short out, leak or rupture. Always carry the batteries in the dial packs supplied. Store discarded batteries in places that cannot be reached by infants or children. If a battery is swallowed, consult a doctor immediately.
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7. What is the shelf life?
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Rayovac is the only hearing aid battery manufacturer to give a 4 year shelf life. However the fresher they are the better they perform, especially when kept in the correct storage conditions.
To find out the Best Before Date see the reverse of the pack where there is a 4 digit date code which notes month and year of the Best Before Date. For example 0709 would mean best before July 2009.
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8. Types of Hearing Aids
Technology has led to a remarkable new generation of hearing aids. These new hearing aids amplify sounds in a clear, crisp way that's natural and pleasing. Plus, the size of hearing aids has been vastly reduced. Your hearing care professional can recommend the hearing aid that's best for you.
Although there are many hearing aids to choose from, they come in four basic styles.
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Completely-in-the-Canal
Technology advancements have made these hearing aids the most compact. No larger than a dime, these hearing aids fit completely in the ear canal, making them practically invisible.
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In-the-Canal
These hearing aids are about the size of a pen top and fit in the ear canal so they are hardly noticeable.
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In-the-Ear:
These popular hearing aids are about the size of a finger nail. They fit in the outer ear and the ear canal.
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Behind-the-Ear:
With these hearing aids, a small curved case fits around the back of the ear and is connected to a mold in the ear.
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9. Tips for Better Hearing
- Have your hearing checked on a regular basis by a hearing care professional.
- Keep the tab on your zinc air battery until you are ready to use it.
- Always carry extra hearing aid batteries with you to avoid losing your hearing at critical times.
- Store your batteries at room temperature. Avoid storage in hot locations. Refrigeration is not necessary.
- Ventilate the battery compartment of your hearing aid at night to prevent moisture build up.
- Never carry loose batteries in a pocket or purse. Metal objects such as coins or keys can short out the battery.
- Store and discard batteries in places that can not be reached by infants or children.
If swallowed, see a doctor immediately.
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10. Test Your Hearing Yourself!
- Do higher pitched sounds such as a women's and children's voices seem to disappear?
- Is it difficult to hear in loud places?
- Do you often ask people to repeat themselves?
- Do you turn up the volume of the TV or radio when others have no problem hearing?
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| If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should get your hearing professionally checked. It's simple and easy. A hearing care professional will have you listen to a range of tones and words through earphones. |
Just like your vision, it is important to have your hearing checked regularly by a hearing care professional. |
View the Hearing Aid Battery Cross Reference Chart. |
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Size 5
Size 10
Size 312
Size 13
Size 675
