If you wear or are considering wearing hearing aids, chances are you’ve been faced with many decisions on what style of hearing aid you’d like. One such decision is about the battery: rechargeable batteries or replaceable, disposable batteries. Neither battery type impacts the hearing aid’s functionality or efficacy—they both work well. There are a number of factors to consider, so let’s discuss the differences between the two battery types so you can make an informed choice that you feel confident in.
Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable batteries are a newer technology, and they’re rising in popularity. One survey reports that 70% of hearing aid users prefer rechargeable to replaceable batteries. Rechargeable hearing aids use lithium-ion batteries that are never removed. Instead, you dock your hearing aids in a charger like a smartphone. One charge will last all day, requiring you to charge them overnight.
Pros of Rechargeable Batteries
- More convenient. No need to constantly purchase, store and carry disposable batteries. They’re also on the same rhythm you are: work all day, charge at night.
- Easier to handle. Rechargeable batteries don’t require the same motor skills as replaceable batteries—which are quite small and easy to drop—since you never need to change them.
- Longer lifespan. Hearing aids with rechargeable batteries tend to last longer than those with replaceable batteries. These batteries usually last about five years before they need to be replaced, but you’ll recharge them hundreds of times in those five years.
- Environmentally friendly. Rechargeable batteries are never removed and thrown away, so that’s one less item in the landfill.
Cons of Rechargeable Batteries
- Dependency on access to electricity and your charging unit. If you find yourself in a place with no electricity or you forgot your charging unit at home, you’ll be entirely unable to charge.
- Lack of control. If your battery needs to be replaced, that means a trip to the clinic; you won’t be able to do it yourself.
- Higher cost upfront. The exact cost varies by style, brand, technology and other attributes, but in general, rechargeable hearing aids cost more upfront. However, they are more cost-effective over time, since you won’t need to buy batteries.
Replaceable Batteries
Replaceable batteries are removed and replaced frequently by the user, and a fresh battery can last from a few days to weeks, depending on your hearing aid and usage. These are typically more common.
Pros of Replaceable Batteries
- Easy to find. Replaceable batteries were the default until only recently, when rechargeable batteries hit the market. As a result, replaceable batteries and hearing aids that use them are more widely accessible.
- Replace the battery anywhere. If you can’t reliably charge a battery, replaceable batteries are much more convenient; just pop in a new battery whenever you need, even away from home.
- Go a long time between replacements. A single replaceable battery can typically last 10 to 16 days, so you can set it and forget it until the next round.
- Lower cost upfront. Prices will vary, but generally, disposable battery-powered hearing aids are lower in price than rechargeables.
Cons of Replaceable Batteries
- Hard to handle. The batteries are small—about the size of a button—and maneuvering them out of the battery port and inserting a new one may present challenges.
- Dependency on having batteries on hand. If you forget to buy a battery pack or leave home without any, then you have no way to keep your hearing aid functioning when the battery runs out.
Which Should I Choose?
Every hearing aid user has different personal preferences and different hearing care needs. There is no one-size-fits-all. Therefore, it’s important to discuss your needs in depth with your hearing health professional. Whatever type of battery you choose, you want to ensure you’re getting the hearing health care you deserve. Call Aaron's Hearing Aid & Audiology Center today to schedule an appointment.