After first purchasing and using hearing aids, you may find that you need to buy some new batteries after some time. However, with so many different hearing aid models and batteries, it can be difficult to know where to start.
This blog will help to guide you through the process of replacing your hearing aid batteries.
Figuring out which hearing aid battery you need
Firstly it is important to know which hearing aid batteries you need to purchase for your hearing aid. If you purchase the wrong batteries, you could damage your hearing aid and cost yourself more money in repairing or replacing your set. Below is a list of hearing aid types in addition to the batteries that work with them. You can also find more information on each battery and how to differentiate them, this will help you when you come to purchase your hearing aid batteries.
BTE – Behind the ear
Behind the ear hearing aids are placed on the outside of your ear. They have a slightly larger battery yet, this helps provide more power and therefore sound into your hearing aid. The hearing aid is connected to the ear canal via a tube. This is why BTE hearing aids are highly recommended for those with moderate to severe hearing loss.
BTE hearing aids can be fitted with three different types of batteries. Most commonly the size 13 (orange) battery is used for this hearing aid yet, size 675 (blue) can also be used as they provide more power. Finally, size 312 (brown) can be used for mini BTE hearing aids. Read below for more information on each of these hearing aids.
ITE – In the ear
ITE hearing aids are the most discreet hearing aids currently available. They are custom moulded to your ear and matched to your skin colour. As they are smaller they provide less power and are, therefore, recommended for mild to moderate hearing loss. ITE hearing aids also use size 312 (brown) batteries much like the BTE. However, they can also use size 10 (yellow) batteries.
RIC – Receiver in canal
RIC hearing aids are very similar to BTE hearing aids as they are placed on the back of the ear. These hearing aids, however, provide more discreetness as they are connected via a wire rather than a tube. The RIC is a flexible hearing aid as it is suitable for all levels of hearing loss. These hearing aids require size 312 (brown) hearing aid batteries to be powered. They also require the battery to be zinc-air batteries. You can find out more information on each specific battery type down below.
ITC – In the canal
ITC hearing aids are similar to ITE hearing aids, yet, rather than the full ear being custom moulded too, your audiologist will mould the hearing aid to only your lower ear. This is also known as a half shell. Since these hearing aids are so small they need a small battery to fit, this is why they use size 10 (yellow) hearing aid batteries. They can also use 312 (brown) hearing aid batteries as well.
Hearing aid battery size guide
Size 675 (Blue)
Size 675 hearing aid batteries are coded with a blue tab to make them easy to find. They are the largest hearing aid batteries available and therefore, provide the most power. These hearing aids are ‘Zinc-air’ which you can read more about down below. They have an average lifespan of 9-20 days so you can enjoy hearing clearly for a good amount of time. Often these batteries will come with a large tab to make them easier to place inside your hearing aid.
Size 312 (Brown)
Size 312 hearing aid batteries are labelled clearly with a brown tab. These batteries are the second smallest making them perfect for smaller hearing aids like the RIC and ITC. These hearing aids have an average lifespan of 3-10 days due to their size. Therefore, if you are an occasional hearing aid wearer ensure that you buy more than one pack of these batteries at a time. These batteries are also ‘Zinc-air’ hearing aid batteries.
Size 10 (Yellow)
Size 10 hearing aid batteries are labelled with a yellow tab to help identify them. These batteries are the smallest that you can buy, which is beneficial for small hearing aids like the ITE. However, due to their size they only have an average lifespan of 3-7 days. These batteries are ‘Zinc-air’ type batteries.
Size 13 (Orange)
Size 13 hearing aid batteries are the second largest battery available. This is why they are commonly used in BTE hearing aids, their size also offers good power and as a result they have a lifespan of 6-14 days. These hearing aids are also ‘Zinc air’ type batteries.
Different hearing aid battery types
Zinc Carbon
Zinc carbon batteries are made from a mixture of both carbon and zinc. Historically they were much more common as they were inexpensive to buy and widely available. However, they were known for having a short lifespan. Now technology has developed they are not the best option for newer more advanced hearing aids.
Zinc Air
Zinc Air batteries are the most common hearing aid batteries you can currently purchase. They have grown in popularity as they are eco-friendly and have a much longer lifespan. However, these batteries can be more expensive, although you will get more benefits from one purchase rather than multiple purchases on cheaper batteries that don’t last as long.
Rechargeable
Rechargeable is the latest hearing aid battery type to arrive and they are the most convenient to their users. Only the latest hearing aids are now rechargeable therefore, zinc air batteries are still the most popular type of disposable batteries.
Book a hearing test today
If you are unsure whether your hearing has degraded and need hearing aids, we recommend that you book a hearing test. If you have not had a hearing test in a while and are not sure what to expect, click the link to read our blog explaining what happens during your hearing test appointment. Here we can see if your hearing has deteriorated and help find the best solution for you. Call us at 0114 395 2039 or book an appointment online today.