The Underrated Benefits of Rechargeable Hearing Aids

For many people, it is the normal routine of purchasing and replacing batteries when wearing a hearing aid. But with rechargeable batteries, it will revolutionize the traditional way of wearing one. The technology has been around longer than you think, but until recently, the battery life of rechargeable batteries was only limited to a few hours. With the recent changes in rechargeable technology, integrated lithium-ion batteries, or field changeable silver zinc batteries, can hold a charge of up to 24 hours of playtime.

It may not be the standard way of powering up your hearing aids, but rechargeable batteries will convince you otherwise. There are many rewarding benefits if you choose to invest in a pair of rechargeable hearing aids and if you are curious to find out more, here are some fulfilling benefits to using lithium-ion rechargeable batteries.

Safety

The usual disposable zinc-air button batteries are extremely dangerous if accidentally swallowed or eaten by children or pets. They can often be mistaken for food because of their size and if swallowed or inhaled, may cause serious injuries. With the rechargeable batteries, you do not have to worry anymore because most of the lithium-ion batteries are built into the hearing aid body compartment.

Environmentally-friendly

As compared to the lithium-ion batteries, the disposable zinc-air button batteries can only be used once, thrown in household trash and will ultimately end up in landfills. As the battery casing corrodes, the toxic chemical components in the batteries will be absorbed by the soil which will then travel into our water supply.

But with rechargeable batteries, they can be recharged one thousand times more than the disposable batteries, reducing the consumption of the latter and saving the environment in that area.

Energy efficient

When fully charged, the lithium-ion battery can last for 19 hours or more (depending on your usage). Instead of constantly buying more disposable batteries, you can simply put your hearing aids in their charger at the end of the day.

Convenience for older wearers

Many older wearers are more resistant to wearing hearing aids because of the trouble of buying and replacing the batteries. With their bad eyesight and mobility due to old age or illnesses, some of them are living alone and have no other means of getting the batteries except to go out themselves. With rechargeable hearing aids, this will save them a lot of trouble.

Lesser chance of getting caught off-guard

You are less likely to get caught off-guard with a near-to or dead battery while being outside. Once you are settled down with the daily routine of charging your hearing aids at the end of the day before bed, you will not get a dead battery the next day. This is a similar concept with charging your smartphones before bed so you are prepared to go about your day with a fully charged smartphone.

The disposable zinc batteries do not offer the same protection as the rechargeable ones. They can run out anytime, with little or no warning beforehand. With the rechargeable hearing aids, you will no longer have to carry backup batteries everywhere you go or have the persistent worry about them running out at inconvenient timings.

Cost-saving

Without rechargeable batteries, consumers often spend up to $150 per year on disposable batteries, or even more, depending on their hearing aid style and usage. You do not have to worry about shipping and handling costs if you are buying disposable batteries in bulk to get a cheaper price overseas. With rechargeable batteries built into the hearing aid unit, they can be recharged as many times as you require and you only have to replace it on a yearly basis.

There are plenty of other factors to consider when you are looking to purchase a hearing aid, especially if you are looking to invest in rechargeable hearing aids. It is important you consult your audiologist in seeing which one suits you the most for your needs through hearing aid fittings.