Hearing Health

Which is better: hearing aid with battery or rechargeable?

Advantages and disadvantages

Aug, 28, 2023

Nowadays, there are several hearing aid solutions in the market that cater to a variety of hearing needs: from rechargeable in-ear hearing aids, which eliminate the need for frequent battery replacements, to the conventional battery-powered hearing aids. When choosing the perfect hearing aid to complement your lifestyle, consult a hearing care professional so that they can carefully assess your unique requirements.

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Battery-powered hearing aids

Battery-powered hearing aids require disposable zinc-air batteries, which become activated by oxygen once the protective seal is removed. The lifespan of these batteries is influenced by several factors, including their usage frequency, size, environmental humidity levels and the frequency of power-intensive features, such as Bluetooth.

Advantages of batteries

To fully reap the benefits of battery-powered hearing aids, it is best to consider both its advantages and disadvantages. Let's explore the advantages of this type of hearing aid. Battery-powered hearing aids offer the advantage of prolonged battery life, allowing several days of usage before needing replacement. Not to mention, these hearing aids are designed to be compact and lightweight, enabling easy portability and discreet usage. Another significant advantage is the option to recharge the hearing aid while simultaneously using it. This means users can enjoy continuous usage without having to frequently replace disposable batteries.

Disadvantages of batteries

The disadvantages of battery-powered hearing aids are important factors to consider while choosing the right hearing solution. Firstly, handling batteries can be challenging for individuals with visual impairments or conditions like Parkinson's disease. The tiny size of the batteries and the need to insert them properly into the hearing aid can pose challenges, potentially leading to frustration and difficulty in maintaining the device. Secondly, the issue of battery disposal is a significant concern, as disposing of batteries can be troublesome and may present an environmental hazard.

How can you extend the life of your battery?

To extend the battery life of your hearing aid, remember to turn off the power when not in use, store batteries in a cool, dry place and remove the battery from the device if it will not be used for several days.

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Hearing aids with rechargeable batteries

The latest generation of hearing aids is designed to be rechargeable, resembling the charging process of smartphones and other electronic devices. They no longer require disposable batteries and come with a convenient charging case that doubles as a storage container. After an overnight charge, these rechargeable hearing aids can last all day.

Rechargeable batteries

In today's world, hearing aids can also be powered by rechargeable batteries, although they generally have a lower capacity compared to disposable batteries. These rechargeable batteries are often nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) and come in various colors like blue, orange, brown, and yellow. To recharge them, you'll need a compatible charger designed for this purpose.

Hearing aid battery charger

The latest rechargeable hearing aids come equipped with lithium-ion batteries and compact charging cradles, some even available in mini versions. These devices allow for quick recharging within a few hours. Additionally, they offer the convenience of charging on the go using USB plug-in charging stations and power banks, eliminating the need for a traditional electrical outlet.

Advantages of rechargeable batteries

Rechargeable hearing aids offer several advantages. Charging is easy, all you have to do is place the hearing aid on the designated base. Also, you will no longer need to carry spare batteries, as the batteries in your device are rechargeable. Moreover, by choosing rechargeable hearing aids you are reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

Disadvantages of rechargeable batteries

When you decide to opt for a rechargeable hearing aid, your selection of hearing aid models becomes more limited, as not all of them offer this self-contained method. This means that the design and color that you may prefer might not be available in a rechargeable version. In addition to this, if you have severe hearing loss and require a more powerful hearing aid, rechargeable models might not be the most suitable choice.

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Health insurance and costs

Not all health insurance cover the cost of hearing aid, so it's necessary to speak to your provider to find out. However, it's important to note that the cost of the chargers for rechargeable batteries is the patient's responsibility and is not reimbursed by insurance.

Hearing aids to suit your needs

At Amplifon, you'll find hearing solutions that range from almost invisible styles that fit discreetly inside the ear, to those that sit snugly behind the ear. You can even select devices that connect wirelessly to your smartphone.

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