How do I test hearing aid batteries?
The easiest way to test a hearing aid battery is to use a hearing aid tester. Testers are inexpensive accessories that you purchase from your hearing specialist. You also can purchase these devices from RadioShack® or a similar store.
If you do not have a tester and are not sure if your hearing aid battery has power, you could cup the device in your hand, slightly covering the microphone. If you hear the screech of the aid, the battery still has some power, though it might not have a full charge.
What does "remove tab to activate" mean?
When you receive your hearing aid batteries, they all have a tab attached to them. You must remove the tab to activate the battery.
How often do I need to change the batteries in my hearing aids?
How often you need to change your hearing aid batteries depends on three things. First, the power that is needed for your optimal hearing. Second, the size of the hearing aid battery (e.g., size 10 is smaller than a size 675 battery). And third, how often you use your hearing aid. But, generally speaking, you can expect to change your batteries every couple of weeks.
Does turning off your hearing aid when you're not using it prolong its battery life? What is the average usage time in hours?
Turning off your hearing aid when you're not wearing it will certainly prolong the life of your battery. It is not possible to accurately predict how long a battery will last because there are so many variables. For example, the size of the hearing aid battery and the level of hearing loss one has—mild, moderate, or profound—will affect battery life. Your hearing specialist should be able to give you an indication of the life of the battery using this information.
Aren't all hearing aid batteries the same?
No. Different hearing aid batteries offer many different features, such as size of tab and method of dispensing the battery itself. Only Duracell® EasyTab® batteries are recognized by the Arthritis Foundation® for their easy-to-change battery design.
However, battery size and dimensions are the same across battery brands. Hearing aid batteries are color-coded by size to help you find the right battery for your device. There are four hearing aid battery sizes:
10—Yellow
312—Brown
13—Orange
675—Blue