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Different types of hearing aids use different batteries. Some hearing aids are rechargeable, while some contain batteries that the user needs to change manually.
This article discusses the types of hearing aid batteries, how long they last, gives a list of brand examples and covers some information about hearing health.
Rechargeable hearing aids are becoming increasingly popular among leading hearing care brands. Most of these rechargeable batteries are lithium-ion batteries, and the user needs to charge them in a docking dock, typically overnight.
Disposable batteries in hearing aids tend to be zinc-air batteries. These activate when a person removes the seal from the back of the battery before inserting it into the device. The lifespan of these batteries depends on the type and how often a person uses the device.
Many hearing aid centers allow people to drop off their used disposable batteries for recycling. Responsible disposal of medical devices, such as hearing aid batteries, can help prevent environmental pollution.
It is important to store and dispose of batteries safely to prevent children and animals from swallowing small batteries or inserting them into their ears or nose.
The four most common sizes of hearing aid batteries, which are color-coded, are:
- Size 10 (yellow): This is the smallest battery size that power completely-in-canal (CIC) and some in-the-canal (ITC) models.
- Size 312 (brown): The next size up is the 312 battery. These power receiver-in-the-ear, receiver-in-canal (RIC), and some in-the-ear (ITE) models.
- Size 13 (orange): The size 13 battery suits behind-the-ear (BTE) and ITE hearing aids.
- Size 675 (blue): This is the largest hearing aid battery that powers BTE hearing aids.
The lifespan of a hearing aid battery depends on the type of battery and how frequently a person uses the hearing aid.
Depending on usage, people should charge rechargeable hearing aids overnight. Most companies claim that they can last for 20-30 hours between charges.
In many models, if a person uses streaming from other devices via Bluetooth, the battery drains more quickly.
The rechargeable batteries themselves last for approximately 4-5 years before they need replacing.
For disposable batteries, the lifespan can range from 3 days to 3 weeks, though it depends on the size:
- Size 10 (yellow): 3-7 days
- Size 312 (brown): 3-10 days
- Size 13 (orange): 6-14 days
- Size 675 (blue): 9-20 days
To ensure maximum efficiency from batteries, a person should switch off their hearing aids when not in use.
People should also not allow disposable batteries to come into contact with other metal objects, such as coins or keys, as this can short-circuit the battery.
A person may choose rechargeable hearing aids because they do not have to physically change the battery. A rechargeable battery is more convenient and places fewer demands on a person’s dexterity and vision than disposable hearing aid batteries.
However, rechargeable batteries are not always available in every style. Therefore, it is important that a person decides which style will be best for them before purchasing.
Rechargeable hearing aids are often more expensive than others, so a person should also consider the value of investing in a long-term battery option.
Disposable batteries may cost less to buy initially, but they may work out more expensive in the long term, as a person will need to buy replacement batteries more frequently.
Learn more about the cost of hearing aids here.
Disposable battery-powered hearing aids may benefit people who travel regularly. When a person is traveling, it would probably be easier and quicker to physically change a battery than to find a power source to charge the device.
For people wanting to choose an environmentally friendly option, rechargeable batteries have a lower impact on the environment.
Below is a list of leading hearing aid providers. We have compared two models from each brand; one runs on disposable batteries, and the other is rechargeable.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based.
Signia Motion 13 Nx vs. Signia Pure Charge&Go X
Signia’s Motion 13 Nx takes size 13 (orange) batteries. The rechargeable model is the Pure Charge&Go X model. Learn more about Starkey hearing aids here.
| Motion 13 Nx | Pure Charge&Go X | |
| Battery type | Disposable | Rechargeable (full charge takes 3-4 hours) |
| Style | BTE | RIC |
| Bluetooth Connectivity? | Yes | Yes |
| Colors available | 12 | 10 |
| Additional features | Optional Telecoil Connection to Signia app | Acoustic motion-sensor technology Connection to Signia app |
Starkey Livio Edge AI vs. Starkey Picasso
The Livio Edge AI model by Starkey uses rechargeable batteries, and the Picasso model uses disposable batteries, but which type depends on the style a person chooses. Learn more about Starkey hearing aids here
| Livio Edge AI | Picasso | |
| Battery type | Rechargeable (24-hour battery life when fully charged) | Disposable |
| Style | BTE RIC ITE ITC | ITE ITC CIC Invisible-in-canal |
| Bluetooth Connectivity? | Yes, with select smartphones and accessories | Yes, with accessories |
| Colors available | 7 for over-the-ear styles 6 for in-ear styles | 6 |
| Additional features | Artificial intelligence and embedded sensors Connection to app | Customization to fit individuals ear shape |
Nano X2 Recharge vs. Nano CIC hearing aid
The Nano CIC hearing aid uses size 10 (yellow) batteries. Nano’s X2 Recharge model, as its name suggests, is rechargeable. Learn more about Nano hearing aids here.
| Nano X2 Recharge | Nano CIC | |
| Battery type | Rechargeable (one charge provides 12 hours of life) | Disposable |
| Style | BTE | CIC |
| Bluetooth Connectivity? | No | No |
| Colors available | 2, beige and silver | 2, beige and classic |
| Additional features | 4+ earbud sizes to choose from Portable charging case included in the purchase | 4+ earbud sizes to fit the person’s ear canal properly |
ReSound LiNX Quattro vs. ReSound Enzo Q
The ReSound LiNX Quattro model is rechargeable, whereas the ReSound Enzo Q model takes size 13 (orange) or size 675 (blue), depending on the model a person chooses.
| LiNX Quattro | Enzo Q | |
| Battery type | Rechargeable (24-30 hours of battery life on a single charge) | Disposable |
| Style | CIC ITC ITE (BTE) (RIC) Microphone-in-helix (MIH) | BTE – available as either High Power or Super Power |
| Bluetooth Connectivity? | Yes | Yes |
| Colors available | 7-14 depending on style | 13 |
| Additional features | App connectivity which monitors battery life | Ideal for those with severe to profound hearing loss and compliments cochlear implants |
The National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) states that fewer than 30% of adults aged 70 or older who could benefit from hearing aids actually use them.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that
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- avoiding noisy places where possible
- putting as much distance between the noise source and a person
- using earplugs if possible, especially in loud environments, such as music concerts
- keeping music and television volume down
- getting checked by a doctor if noise exposure is a problem
There are many different types of hearing aid batteries. Some of these are rechargeable, and others are disposable, requiring a physical change of battery regularly.
Many leading hearing aid brands offer both rechargeable and disposable battery-powered models. If a person owns a disposable battery-powered model, they should check which battery size is needed.
A person might have to pay more for rechargeable hearing aids at first, but they last for around 4 years on average before the battery needs replacing. Disposable hearing aid batteries will need replacing anywhere between every week to every 3 weeks.
Rechargeable hearing aid batteries may have less environmental impact than disposable hearing aid batteries.