How much do hearing aid batteries cost?

How much do hearing aid batteries cost and how long do they last?

Hearing aid batteries usually cost about $1 a piece. A size 13 hearing aid battery in a well working hearing aid usually lasts 7-10 days or approximately one week. Some digital aids are getting up to three weeks. If your hearing aid is going through quality batteries in less than one week your hearing aid is probably malfunctioning and should be checked. If you have a really small hearing aid with the tiny (size 10) battery you may only get five days out of a battery.

How do you know if your batteries are of good quality? Most hearing health-care offices (audiologists and dispensers) carry fresh quality batteries in their offices for sale. Ask your hearing professional if they have a battery club to help you save money. If you purchase your batteries from a drugstore or department store they may cost less, but they may have been on the shelf awhile. If your current batteries do not last as long as another brand you may not be saving any money. If your battery package does not have an expiration date you will not know how long they have been on the shelf or in the back room. In most cases as long as the sticker on the back of the battery has not been removed it should last as long as the expiration date on the package.

What is the best way to store hearing aid batteries? To store hearing aid batteries it is best to leave them in the package they came in until use. Hearing aid batteries do not need to be stored in a refrigerator or freezer. It is best to keep them in a cupboard or on a shelf at room temperature. Remember, do not remove the sticker on the back of the battery until you need to use it. Removing the sticker activates the battery and it will start to drain whether it is in the hearing aid or not. You cannot save the battery by putting the sticker back on it. The battery will drain more in the hearing aid with the hearing aid turned on or volume turned up. If you are not wearing your hearing aid disengage the battery by opening the battery door full open, this will give you more battery life.

Dr. Tia Flynn is a certified audiologist and has been in business for more than 12 years. Every Tuesday morning from 9 a.m. to noon, Dr. Flynn provides free hearing screenings at 1601 Third St. in Coeur d'Alene. (208) 664-2767. Visit www.affordablehearinginc.com for a free copy of the consumers guide to hearing aids and watch helpful videos.