If you're an experienced hearing aid user, you've probably gone through a disproportionate amount of batteries over the years, and they were probably the zinc-air type.

The zinc-air battery is the most common type of battery currently used in the majority of hearing aids. These disposable batteries are tiny and disc-like, and they don't hold much of a charge before they are used up and must be thrown away. This is why hearing aid users usually go through hundreds of them over the lifespan of their device.

The arrival of rechargeable hearing aid

Fortunately, zinc-air disposable batteries aren't the only available choice. Rechargeable hearing aids are nothing new in hearing aid technology, but they are slowly gaining momentum because of lithium-ion technology's recent arrival. This is the same technology that powers your laptop and your smartphone, and it is the first rechargeable technology to enable a full day's worth of hearing aid use.

A recent Hearing Tracker survey of hearing aid users found that rechargeability was a must for almost seven out of every ten individuals questioned. Considering the many benefits of rechargeable batteries, this is no surprise. Here are some of the key reasons why you should consider making the switch to rechargeable hearing aids.

Why you need rechargeable hearing aids

You'll save time.

Have you ever run out of batteries before work and had to make a last-minute trip to the drug store? Rechargeable batteries on hand will save time and allow you to devote more of your schedule to other things.

This is particularly useful if you have mobility issues as you won't need to spend time leaving the house. You will find everything you need to power up your hearing aid in your own home.

You'll save money.

The cost of lithium-ion batteries is borne at the point of sale, so any time the power supply runs low, you don't have to shell out money. The 5-year life of rechargeable hearing aids makes them more economical in the long run, despite the higher upfront cost.

Your battery never needs to be replaced.

A Lithium-ion battery lasts about five years until it needs to be replaced, which happens to be the length of a hearing aid's typical use life! Compared to earlier rechargeable battery systems, this is a considerable improvement. In past versions of hearing aids, rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries were used but appeared to last only about a year before needing replacement.

Suitable for those with difficulties with dexterity.

Hate changing tiny batteries? Lithium-ion batteries are stored in sealed packages built into the hearing aid. They aren't designed to be removed, so you don't have to struggle to fit a small battery into a small slot anytime you need more power. This makes it more convenient for those who have problems with dexterity. It also makes it less likely you will drop small batteries on the floor, making your house environment safer for small kids or pets.

You'll be doing your part for the environment.

Single-use batteries have a profound adverse environmental effect. They are packed with heavy metals and corrosive materials and can severely pollute the soil when improperly disposed of.

Since rechargeable batteries and a battery charger are more energy-efficient than the environmental effects of battery manufacture, they have the following benefits:

• 28 times lower impact on the global warming effect
• Nine times lower air acidification impact
• 30 times less impact on air pollution

It is evident from these figures that the entire world should be using use rechargeable devices for all its electronic devices, not just hearing aids!

You'll continue to have power in colder weather.

In cold temperatures, zinc-air batteries encounter issues with performance. The cold weather may result in your batteries losing their charge much faster, which saps your hearing aid power and can cause sound quality issues.

In colder climates, lithium-ion rechargeable hearing aids are becoming very common because they don't have the same drawback, doing just as well as in more temperate areas. Lithium-ion batteries experience little or no loss of charge in cold weather, making them more effective than the disposable types.

You won't be left stranded without power.

With a good routine set up, smartphone users are rarely left without power. It is the same with rechargeable hearing aids. If you put them on the charger before you sleep, you'll always have enough power to see you through the day. If you are still relying on disposable batteries, you will always be vulnerable to an unexpected loss of power.

When streaming, there is no need to hold back.

When using disposable battery hearing aids with Bluetooth streaming, you have two options: you can stream less and enjoy a longer battery life, or stream as much as you want and have your batteries last for just a few days. This trade-off dissipates with the emergence of lithium-ion rechargeable technology. Without the risk of the battery running out at any point in the day, you will be able to use your hearing aid the way you want.

As you can see, there is a myriad of reasons why rechargeable technology could benefit you. For advice on the right rechargeable hearing aid for your needs, contact us today!

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