Best Hearing Aid Batteries Of 2021 – Forbes Health – Forbes

Generally, there are two types of hearing aid batteries: zinc-air disposable batteries and rechargeable batteries.

Zinc-Air Disposable Batteries

Zinc-air batteries use air as their energy source and are activated by oxygen when you remove the tab attached to the battery. Zinc-air disposable batteries come in four sizes and work with many types of hearing aids.

Rechargeable Batteries

Rechargeable hearing aid batteries are most often lithium-ion batteries that must be recharged for three to four hours regularly. Since they’re reusable, rechargeable hearing aid batteries are more environmentally friendly than disposable batteries. However, rechargeable batteries also have drawbacks, such as the user being without a hearing aid while recharging and the need to pack a charger when you travel. Many hearing aid models come with their own rechargeable batteries.

Zinc-Air Disposable vs. Rechargeable Batteries

Zinc-air disposable batteries come in large quantities, are easily replaced by the user and are suited to more hearing aid types than rechargeable hearing batteries. On the other hand, rechargeable batteries are better for the environment and maybe more cost-efficient in the long run since you’re not regularly discarding them. Rechargeable batteries may also hold their power longer than zinc batteries if you’re using Bluetooth and streaming services, and they’re easier to handle than small button batteries. However, some types of hearing aids are not suited to rechargeable battery use.

Hearing aid battery manufacturer Power One recommends its customers see if their hearing aids can keep a current for 10 days without needing to replace zinc batteries. If so, the hearing aid may be compatible with a rechargeable battery. Consult your hearing health professional or audiologist for help in deciding which battery is best for your hearing aid.

Source: https://www.forbes.com/health/healthy-aging/best-hearing-aid-batteries/