A 2021 Guide for Selecting Disposable or Rechargeable Hearing Aid Batteries

Signia's Styletto Connect hearing aids in charger.

Hearing aids are battery-powered. Whether it’s rechargeable batteries or disposable ones that need to be manually changed, hearing aids need a source of energy. This means that you will have to incorporate battery replacements or time for charging into your daily routine.

The style of battery that you’ll need will depend on your hearing aid brand and model. You get to choose which hearing aid batteries to buy.

Here’s a guide on hearing aid types and brands to look into.

What are the Types of Hearing Aid Batteries

There are two hearing aid battery categories:

1. Rechargeable batteries composed of lithium-ion or silver zinc
2. Zinc-air button disposable batteries

Rechargeable Batteries

You most likely own a device (computer or smartphone) that has its own rechargeable battery. Just like these devices, hearing aids also have a rechargeable battery that needs to be restored with power in order to work each day. 

Here are some companies that make hearing aids with rechargeable batteries:

• Oticon
• Phonak
• ReSound
• Signia
• Starkey

Long-time hearing aid users, who wear devices with rechargeable batteries, recommend placing them in the charger overnight while they are sleeping. 

Your hearing aids’ battery life will be mentioned in the manufacturer’s pamphlets that come with your hearing aids. On average, you can expect at least 30 hours of use per charge. Please note that streaming music, media, phone calls, etc. via Bluetooth® will quickly drain your batteries. ​       
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Zinc-air Button Disposable Batteries

There’s zinc in disposable batteries, which is why they are lighter in weight and cheaper than lithium-ion. Zinc is environmentally friendly, so it can be recycled, unlike regular batteries. 

Disposable batteries have a factory seal that should be peeled off when you are ready to place them in your hearing aids. The sticker protects the hearing aids from getting air into them. As soon as oxygen comes in contact with the zinc, creating zinc oxide, the hearing aid becomes activated. It’s important to keep the backing on until you are ready to place the batteries into your hearing devices.  











There are four sizes of hearing aid batteries. Each size is color-coded to lessen confusion. The smallest batteries can last about 3 days, and the larger batteries can last for 22 days. 

Here’s a list of battery size from largest to smallest:

• Blue size 675
• Orange size 13
• Brown size 312
• Yellow 10

The blue size 675 batteries are used for powerful hearing aids that allow maximum amplification. They have generally been used in behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids.

The orange size 13 batteries are typically used in BTE hearing aids that are in size medium to large, and provide high levels of amplified sound. 

The brown size 312 batteries are generally used in small BTE and in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids.

The yellow size 10 batteries are used in the smallest hearing aids, i.e. mini-receiver ITE hearing aids and completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids.

The Lifespan of Hearing Aid Batteries

The lifespan of hearing aid batteries are influenced by:

• How often you stream phone calls, music, etc. 
• The number of control functions that you use.
• How long you wear your hearing aids. For better brain function, it is recommended that you wear your hearing aids from the moment you wake up, to the moment when you are about to go to sleep.  

It’s always a good idea to keep extra batteries with you, no matter how often you use your devices. 

3 Tips on Purchasing Hearing Aid Batteries

1. Remember to look at the expiration date prior to purchasing your batteries. This is especially important if you are buying them in bulk. 
2. You can extend the battery life by storing them in a cool and dry environment. DO NOT store batteries in temperatures that are too hot (like by your stove) or too cold (like in your refrigerator).
3. The policies on shipping and returns are decided by the business that sells the batteries, not the manufacturer.    

Hearing Aids and Batteries: The Cost

Battery costs should be taken into consideration when purchasing hearing aids. 

Disposable vs. Rechargeable - rechargeable batteries may be more cost-effective than depending on the disposable batteries. Consider your personal preferences. Rechargeable batteries are easier to use than changing out batteries if you have dexterity challenges. If you have an active lifestyle, disposable batteries may be your best option if you are constantly on the go. 

Bundled with Hearing Aids - Bundling can be an option. Batteries are normally included with the bundled cost of hearing aids, along with warranties. Bundles usually include as many batteries as you need for the lifespan of your hearing aids. 

So, if you need a rechargeable or disposable battery-powered hearing aid, contact us at Pure Sound or stop in at one of our office locations in Elizabethtown, Lititz, Mt. Joy, or Strasburg. ​

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