The standardization of hearing aid batteries has made it much easier to find the correct size and type with little effort. The size and color-coded systems help consumers locate the battery that works for their specific device. If there are issues with normal recommendations, Pittsburgh Ear LLC can help you find the right choice.
Types of batteries
Using a color-coded system, there are four main types of hearing aid batteries to choose from. Compatible hearing devices will come with additional documentation for changing batteries. Rechargeable batteries are in their own specific category, and can also be grouped in with disposable hearing aids. Technology for rechargeable types is still expanding, with silver-zinc being a popular choice. Below are the most commonly used battery types.
- Yellow (#10)
- Orange (#13)
- Brown (#312)
- Blue (#675)
Sizes
Although hearing devices can only use a specific battery size, there are noted advantages to each type. Some are more apparent than others, like smaller batteries being almost exclusive to smaller hearing aids. Features can sometimes affect battery life and can change the average swap time for all batteries.
- Yellow batteries last up to 80 hours. In-the-canal (ITC) and completely-in-canal (CIC) devices are the most common use.
- Orange batteries are used for behind-the-ear (BTE) and in-the-ear (ITE) devices. They are rated for up to 240 hours.
- Brown batteries are rated for 175 hours. This type is primarily used for ITC and ITE devices.
- Blue batteries are paired with BTE hearing aids. They boast the longest life at 300 hours total.
Rechargeable vs. disposable
Rechargeable batteries are a convenience for any user. There is a small sacrifice of overall battery life, but not one that is significant enough to make a difference. Disposable batteries refer to types that become depleted and can’t be recharged, not disposable hearing aids with nonremovable batteries. Depending on the hearing device size, changing the batteries can be cumbersome for some users. Convenience is the main reason to use rechargeable batteries, yet that doesn’t make disposable types obsolete. Wearers that opt to use disposable batteries should always have a spare set on hand. To improve longevity, unused batteries need to be kept in a cool, dry place. Keeping them in direct sunlight or heat will rapidly degrade battery life.
