Purchasing Batteries For Hearing Aids
For your convenience, Associated Audiologists sells hearing aid batteries at all of our locations. This professional line of batteries is mercury-free and provides superior performance compared with over-the-counter batteries you might purchase in drugstore chains, at shopping clubs, or online. We provide half-off pricing for all our patients.
These professional batteries provide the longest life when used in digital technology with wireless connectivity features found in high-performing hearing aids. This means that although less expensive batteries are available, you may end up spending more to power your hearing aids for an equal amount of time. In addition, less expensive batteries can negatively affect the performance of your hearing aids.
Be sure to talk with your audiologist about which batteries work best with your prescription hearing aids. We offer hearing aid batteries in Leavenworth, Lawrence, Manhattan, Overland Park, Prairie Village, and Shawnee Mission in Kansas; and in Kansas City and Independence in Missouri.
Understanding New Battery Packaging
Hearing aid battery packaging changed recently to protect young children from accidentally swallowing small batteries. Read more about why this changed.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to opening the new packaging on Power One batteries sold in our Associated Audiologists, Inc. clinics:
- Sit at a table with your hearing aid(s), battery pack, and a pair of scissors.
- Remove the used battery from your hearing aid and safely discard or recycle.
- Grasp the package of new batteries in one hand and a pair of scissors in the other.
- Use scissors to cut a triangle shape around one battery, like you are cutting a slice of pie.
- Open the “pie slice” from the back side, pulling the cardboard backing from the plastic, and take the new battery from the package.
- Remove the tab and let sit for one minute to allow air to activate the battery.
- Insert the fresh battery into your device.
Watch a video version of these instructions.
Tip: You may even want to keep a good pair of scissors in the same place you keep your batteries, so they’re always handy when you need them.
Storing Hearing Aid Batteries Safely
Some users have tried to open lots of batteries at once and store them together in a small container to avoid the hassle of using scissors each time. But unfortunately, this can result in the batteries losing their charge and ultimately, becoming useless. It can also pose a danger to yourself or others if batteries are mistaken for or mixed with medicines or food and swallowed — the whole reason for the new packaging in the first place!
If you open multiple batteries at once and are not planning to use them immediately, you must store them in a container with individual slots or compartments for each battery to ensure that the batteries do not come in contact with one another. Remember to leave the adhesive sticker in place until you are ready to use that battery. We offer a safe storage container for sale in all of our clinics, or you can also buy them online.
A battery storage case is a great solution for those who need assistance opening the childproof packaging or who will be traveling and cannot take scissors with you. But if you can safely do so, the best bet is still to just open the batteries you need and leave the rest in the sealed packaging.
Tips to Get More Life From Your Hearing Aid Batteries
- Before putting your batteries in your hearing aids, remove the sticker and expose them to the air for at least 60 seconds. This charges the battery and can help you get 25 to 30% longer life from your batteries.
- Turn your hearing aids off at night, and when not in use. In addition, it’s recommended to completely open your battery door/drawer at night.
- Batteries frequently have a longer shelf life when stored at room temperature. Don’t keep them in the refrigerator and keep them out of direct sunlight or heat.
- Make sure you’re aware of the expiration date on your battery packaging.
- Always keep spare batteries with you.
Questions and Answers About Rechargeable Battery Options
Is there a cost savings if I choose rechargeable batteries?
Not at this time. Your initial investment when choosing rechargeable will include the charger and the cost of the first rechargeable battery or batteries. The rechargeable battery life will depend on the type of rechargeable battery used in your device. The annual cost of replacement rechargeable batteries is currently the same as disposable batteries.
