Disposable vs. Rechargeable Hearing Aid Batteries — What’s Best For You?

Hearing aids can make a world of difference for people who have hearing loss. Whether you have mild or severe auditory issues, hearing aids can make life so much easier to navigate. 

These electronic devices work by amplifying the sounds around you to make them more clear and distinct. This can improve your conversations, enhance your free time, and elevate your overall quality of life.

A hearing aid can run on either disposable or rechargeable batteries. Disposable batteries are used for a singular duration of time until they run out of energy. Once they have run out, they are thrown away and replaced with a new battery. 

Rechargeable batteries can be used over and over again for extended periods of time. When the battery runs out of energy, it is recharged and used again. 

Determining which type of hearing aid batteries are best for you will depend on several factors, including the type of hearing aid, your lifestyle, and individual preferences. In this guide, we will take a closer look at disposable vs. rechargeable batteries.

About Disposable Hearing Aid Batteries

Disposable batteries were the standard hearing aid power source for many years before rechargeable options grew in popularity. These types of batteries are meant for one-time use, being disposed of when they run out of energy. 

Most disposable batteries are recyclable, which makes them a good environmental choice. With that said, fewer companies are producing disposable hearing aid batteries.

While there are fewer brands making disposable batteries, they are still widely available in most places. This makes them a quick and convenient option for people who wear hearing aids. These batteries are readily available in many pharmacies, department stores, and convenience stores. If your disposable battery unexpectedly dies, it can be replaced in a matter of minutes.

Another great aspect of disposable hearing aid batteries is that there are many different sizes to choose from. This means that whatever type of hearing aid you use, there is a disposable battery that can fit the device. 

Disposable batteries are categorized by their size in millimeters and color-coded for easy identification. For example, Duracell produces hearing aid batteries in the following sizes: 5.8mm, 7.9mm, and 11.6mm.

Since disposable batteries are discarded after use, there is no maintenance required. When your battery runs out of energy, you simply dispose of the battery in a designated recycling bin. In most cases, these batteries last anywhere from 10 to 16 days.

About Rechargeable Hearing Aid Batteries

While disposable batteries were the traditional approach to hearing aid power, rechargeable batteries have rapidly surpassed them in popularity. These batteries are becoming the new standard, with more hearing aid manufacturers adapting their products to include rechargeable power sources.

When you have rechargeable hearing aid batteries, you will have the same battery in each device long term. When the battery runs out of energy, it is recharged for continued use. There is no disposal of the battery, which means it has no environmental impact. 

At full power, a rechargeable battery lasts only about 24 hours. With that said, they do not need to be taken out of the device to be charged. This means there is not an ongoing removal and insertion process for your batteries. This makes most rechargeable options a better fit for people with poor fine motor skills. 

The battery itself lasts for about one year before its capacity begins to decrease. At this point, you can remove the batteries and purchase new ones to be inserted. Since you are buying new batteries less often, rechargeable batteries can be more cost-effective than disposable ones.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

While disposable and rechargeable batteries are both reliable power sources, they each present different advantages. Disposable batteries are available in a wide range of sizes, which means they can fit nearly all hearing aid devices. However, they need to be changed every 10 to 16 days, which can become costly.

Rechargeable batteries are better for the environment, as they are only replaced about once a year. They do not need to be removed from the device as often as disposable batteries, which makes them better for people with dexterity problems. 

One disadvantage is that rechargeable batteries do need to be charged often, as they only last about one day at full power.

How to Choose the Right Hearing Aid Battery

Choosing hearing aid batteries may seem tricky if you’re new to wearing these devices. You will need to consider the type of device you use, how often you’ll need to change the batteries, and how eco-conscious you are. You should also consider your fine motor skills and the ease with which you can change the batteries. 

If you need help choosing the right batteries, you can always consult with your audiologist for guidance and personalized advice. Your audiology doctor will discuss your unique concerns and give you more information on different types of batteries to help you make the optimal choice.

Get Professional Care

Are you straining to hear the sounds around you? You may be in need of hearing aids. These tools make it easier to navigate the world by amplifying sounds and making noises more distinct. When you use these devices, you must choose the right hearing aid power source to keep your aids working as efficiently as possible. 

Choosing hearing aid batteries may seem simple, but there are several factors to consider beforehand. Hearing aid batteries are available in either disposable or rechargeable products. 

Disposable batteries may last longer than their rechargeable counterparts, but they can be tricky to handle for people with dexterity issues. They also need to be changed frequently, as they last only about two weeks. Rechargeable batteries are easier to work with and are more sustainable for the environment.

Having trouble deciding between disposable vs. rechargeable batteries for your hearing aids? The pros at Happy Ears Hearing Center can help! Our audiologists will perform a complete hearing assessment and set you up with the best hearing aids to meet your needs. Contact us today to learn more about our hearing aid options.