Hearing aids batteries FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

First of all, we wish to mention at this stage that we are an independant company. We have no link to any hearing aid battery manufacturer and offer an unbiased opinion on hearing aid batteries.
Our role is to market the best hearing aid batteries at the best price, we want to ensure our customers get what works for them and not push them a specific brand.
Also note that, unlike some other websites, we are also fully independant from hearing aid dispensers. Some websites will use your details to resell them to the highest bidder who in turn will contact you by phone, mail or email to sell you hearing aids!

1. What are the common battery sizes?

Hearing aid batteries come in 4 sizes 10, 13, 312 and 675.
To identify the size, most manufacturers use an industry standard color code on their zinc air tabs and packaging.

Color Coding System
Size 10: Yellow
Size 312 Brown
Size 13 Orange
Size 675 Blue

Manufacturers often use letters before or after the battery size to differenciate themselves. For instance, you can find references like13A or R13ZA but they are both size 13 batteries.

2. How long will my batteries last?

This is the most frequently asked question from our customers and the trickiest one to answer!
Battery life is determined by the type and amplification of your hearing aid as well as the hours you wear your hearing aid.
Someone working in a noisy environment will certainly need more amplification than someone living in a quiet place.

Some people get better results with a brand and other with a different brand. It is impossible for us to predict which will last longer for you.
This is why we came up with the Hearing aid battery Trial Packs!
These Trial Packs are sold per battery size (ie you can order the size 10 Trial Pack) and we will send you one card of each brand we sell at a very low price!
You can then try by yourself all our brands and decide by yourself what would work better for you!
TIP: when testing hearing aid batteries, try to do the test in a 'regular' situation, ie start on a Monday morning and see how long it will last. Repeat with the same brand by starting with a new one again on a Monday morning. Do this 3 or 4 times to find an 'average'.
Repeat the same process using the second brand and on with the other brands.

3. How should I store my batteries?

You should store your hearing aid batteries at room temperature. Avoid storing your batteries in hot places since heat will shorten the life of the batteries.
Refrigeration is also not recommended.
Hearing aid batteries should not be carried loose in your pocket or purse. If a battery inadvertently comes into contact with a metal object such as coins or keys the battery may charge, leak or in rare incidences even rupture.
To prevent this from occurring keep unused batteries in the original packaging or in a battery holder.
Please dispose of your hearing aids batteries in an appropriate recycling place, your local council should be able to point you the closest place to your home/work.
Store and discard batteries in places that cannot be reached by children. If a battery is swallowed, see a doctor immediately. 

4. Why is there a tab on my zinc 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.

Battery Breakthroughs

The new hearing aids have also spawned new hearing aid battery technology. Today's batteries pack far more power in much less space and there are different battery systems to meet every hearing aid wearer's power demands.
Zinc Air is the most popular power system. Through a unique construction that utilises air from outside the battery, these batteries pack more energy into a battery cell than the older mercury and silver systems.

5. What are GenX Hearing aid batteries?

Made exclusively by Rayovac and PowerOne, these GenX batteries are specially designed to reduce sound distortion and provide longer life in high drain applications. GenX may be better for you if...

• You have difficulty hearing in crowds or noisy places.
• You do not always receive clear sound.
• You do not always receive the battery life you should.
• You wear hearing aids classified as high drain or high power (Phonak Excellia,...)

Rayovac GenX are sold as Rayovac Extreme Perfomance batteries while the PowerOne batteries are simply called GenX.
6. 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 buildup.
• 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.
  

9. Are batteries interchangeable among manufacturers?

Yes they are!
Manufacturers have different battery quality and performance, however the battery dimensions are standardized within the industry. For instance, a size 13 battery across manufacturers should fit in your hearing aid.
Just match the size designated by the color code. See paragraph 1 for more details.
Note that there are 2 types of battery brands: the manufacturer brands (Rayovac, Renata, Power One, ZeniPower, Duracell,...) and the distributor brands (Boots, EarPower, PureCell, etc...)
The distributor brands are made by the manufacturers, as an example, Boots hearing aid batteries are made by Rayovac.
You can check our Hearing Aid Battery Cross Reference Chart here.

10. Troubleshooting with hearing aid batteries.

Sometime hearing aid wearer will find that their chosen batteries do not last as long as usual.
Typically, this is not the battery's fault but the hearing aid itself, most often it means it is time to have it checked/serviced by your dispenser.

• Dead batteries.
  A dead battery is a brand new battery that just does not work at all. It does happen once in a while.
  We have seen this with each and every single brands of batteries. Our statistics show that no brand is more or less prone to the dead battery syndrome.
  We understand from the manufacturers that this is inherent to the production process.

11. Should I leave the hearing aid batteries while drying the hearing aid?

Yes or No?
Well the jury is still out. While studies show that it is very important to dry the hearing aid device(s) overnight to remove all humidity/moisture and ensure the electronics inside it are not corroded or damaged, no studies show that leaving the battery reduces or lenghtens its life.
Some people experience longer battery life, some don't.
Results can vary, so our recommendation is to judge it on a case by case basis. There is not one good answer

We have a section on the website that explains in detail the benefits of drying your hearing aid daily!
12. Is your question still not answered?

Click here to email  an audilo specialist.