Yes, you can store hearing aid batteries, but they lose power slowly even when you are not using them
Hearing aid batteries start to discharge the moment you remove the plastic tab that seals them. Once that tab is off, the battery is "activated" and will lose power whether the hearing aid is on or off. You cannot stop this process, but you can slow it down by storing batteries in the right conditions.
The key is keeping batteries cool and dry. Heat and moisture are the main enemies — they speed up the chemical reaction inside the battery that causes it to drain. A cool, dry place at room temperature will keep a battery usable longer than a warm or humid one.
Key Takeaways
- Hearing aid batteries begin to lose power as soon as you peel off the plastic tab, so storage cannot prevent discharge entirely.
- Store batteries in a cool, dry place at room temperature — not in the bathroom, car, or near a window where heat or moisture can reach them.
- Keep batteries in their original packaging or a battery case with individual compartments to prevent them from touching each other or metal objects.
- Most hearing aid batteries last 3 to 10 days once activated, depending on the size and how much you use your hearing aids.
- Do not store batteries in the refrigerator or freezer — the moisture and temperature swings will damage them faster than room temperature storage.
The best places to store hearing aid batteries
Keep batteries in a drawer, closet, or cabinet in a bedroom or living room where the temperature stays steady. The ideal storage spot is cool (around 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit) and has low humidity. Avoid the bathroom, kitchen, car, or anywhere near a window, heater, or air conditioning vent.
Leave batteries in their original blister pack or cardboard box as long as possible. If you have opened a pack, transfer unused batteries to a battery case — a small plastic organizer with separate compartments for each battery size. This keeps batteries from touching each other or metal objects, which can cause them to discharge faster or short-circuit.
Some people use a small plastic container with a tight-fitting lid, but make sure it is not airtight in a way that traps moisture. A straightforward drawer organizer works just as well and costs less.
Why the refrigerator is not a good idea
You may have heard that storing batteries in the refrigerator extends their life. This is not true for hearing aid batteries. The cold temperature itself does not harm them, but the moisture inside a refrigerator does. Every time you open the fridge, warm air enters and condenses on the cold surfaces — including your batteries. This moisture causes corrosion and makes batteries fail faster.
The temperature swings between the refrigerator and room temperature also stress the battery's internal chemistry. Room temperature storage is simpler and more reliable.
How long batteries last once activated
Once you remove the plastic tab, a hearing aid battery will power your device for 3 to 10 days on average. The exact time depends on the battery size (smaller batteries run out faster), how many hours a day you wear your hearing aids, and whether your aids have power-hungry features like wireless connectivity or noise reduction.
If you set up a battery and then do not use it in your hearing aid, it will still drain at roughly the same rate. Storing an activated battery in a cool, dry place may add a day or two to its life, but you cannot count on it lasting significantly longer. The best practice is to set up a battery only when you are ready to put it in your hearing aid.
What to do with old or dead batteries
Do not throw hearing aid batteries in the trash. They contain mercury or zinc-air chemicals that can harm the environment. Most pharmacies, hearing aid clinics, and battery retailers have a collection bin for used hearing aid batteries — ask at the counter or look for a small labeled container near the register.
Some communities also have hazardous waste collection days where you can drop off batteries for free. Call your local waste management office or search online for "battery recycling near me" to find a location close to you.
Signs a battery is failing
A battery that is running low will usually give you a warning beep or tone in your hearing aid before it dies completely. Some hearing aids also have a low-battery indicator light. If your hearing aid cuts out suddenly without warning, the battery may have failed faster than expected — this can happen if the battery was stored in heat or humidity, or if it was defective from the start.
If you notice that batteries are dying much faster than they should, check your storage conditions first. If the problem continues with batteries stored properly, the issue may be with your hearing aid itself — ask your audiologist to test it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I store hearing aid batteries in a plastic bag?
A plastic bag is not ideal because it can trap moisture, but it is better than nothing if you have no other option. A battery case with separate compartments is much better because it keeps batteries from touching each other and allows air to circulate. If you use a bag, make sure it is not sealed airtight and store it in a dry place.
What if I accidentally set up a battery and do not use it right away?
The battery will continue to drain whether it is in your hearing aid or sitting in a drawer. Store it in a cool, dry place and use it as soon as you can. You may get a few extra hours or a day out of it compared to leaving it at room temperature, but do not expect it to last much longer than a battery you have been using.
Do hearing aid batteries expire if I never open the package?
Unopened batteries in their original packaging can last for years if stored in a cool, dry place. Once you peel off the plastic tab, the clock starts ticking. Check the expiration date on the package — most manufacturers print one, though properly stored unopened batteries often work well past that date.
Can I store batteries in a small safe or lockbox?
Yes, as long as the safe or box is not airtight and is kept in a cool, dry location. An airtight container can trap moisture. If you use a lockbox, leave it slightly open or drill a few small holes to allow air to circulate.
Is it okay to store batteries next to my hearing aids?
Yes, storing spare batteries in the same drawer or case as your hearing aids is fine. Just keep them in separate compartments so they do not touch each other or the hearing aids themselves. Make sure the storage location is cool and dry.