What you need to know about hearing aid batteries

Hearing aid batteries are small, disposable power cells that last anywhere from three days to three weeks depending on the type, your hearing aid model, and how often you use it. The four standard sizes — 10, 13, 312, and 675 — are not interchangeable, so you need to know which one your hearing aid takes before you buy. Most hearing aids use zinc-air batteries, which set up when you peel off a tab and expose them to air; some newer models use rechargeable lithium batteries instead. The cost per battery ranges from about $1 to $3 when you buy in bulk, though single packs at pharmacies cost more.

You can buy hearing aid batteries at drugstores, online retailers, hearing aid clinics, and medical supply companies. Medicare does not cover hearing aid batteries, but some Medicaid programs do — this varies by state. If cost is a barrier, your audiologist or hearing aid provider may have discount programs or bulk pricing, and some nonprofits that serve deaf and hard-of-hearing people offer batteries at reduced rates.

Key Takeaways

  • Hearing aid batteries come in four sizes (10, 13, 312, and 675), and you must use the correct size for your specific hearing aid model.
  • Zinc-air batteries set up when you remove the tab and last three days to three weeks; rechargeable lithium batteries last several days per charge and require a charging case.
  • Buying batteries in bulk online or through your hearing aid provider costs less per battery than buying single packs at pharmacies.
  • Medicare does not cover hearing aid batteries, but some state Medicaid programs do, and nonprofits may offer discounted batteries to people with low income.

The four battery sizes and how to identify yours

Hearing aid batteries are labeled by size number, and each number corresponds to a specific diameter and thickness. Size 10 is the smallest and fits in-the-ear (ITE) and completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids. Size 13 fits ITE and behind-the-ear (BTE) models. Size 312 is common in BTE and receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids. Size 675 is the largest and powers full-size BTE models and devices with higher power demands.

The easiest way to find your battery size is to look at your hearing aid's battery door — the size number is usually printed there. You can also check your hearing aid's user manual or call your audiologist. If you have lost the manual, most hearing aid manufacturers post them online by model number. Do not guess: putting the wrong size battery in your hearing aid can damage it or cause it to malfunction.

Zinc-air batteries versus rechargeable options

Zinc-air batteries are the traditional choice and still the most common. They have a colored tab on top that you peel away to set up them. Once exposed to air, they begin to drain, so you should not remove the tab until you are ready to use the battery. A zinc-air battery typically lasts three to twenty-one days depending on the size, your hearing aid's power consumption, and how many hours per day you wear it. They cost $0.75 to $3 per battery when bought in bulk.

Rechargeable lithium batteries are built into newer hearing aid models and cannot be replaced — the entire hearing aid charges in a case overnight. A full charge typically lasts a full day of use. Rechargeable hearing aids cost more upfront but save money over time because you never buy replacement batteries. They are also easier for people with arthritis or poor dexterity, since you do not have to handle tiny batteries. The downside is that you must remember to charge them every night, and if you forget, your hearing aids will not work until they charge.

Some people keep a backup set of zinc-air batteries even if they use rechargeable hearing aids, in case the charger breaks or they travel without it. Ask your hearing aid provider whether this is practical for your model.

How long batteries last and what affects battery life

Battery life depends on four main factors: the battery size, your hearing aid's power setting, how many hours per day you wear it, and the brand. A size 10 battery in a small ITE hearing aid might last five to seven days, while a size 675 in a powerful BTE model might last fourteen to twenty-one days. If you wear your hearing aids twelve hours a day, batteries will drain faster than if you wear them four hours a day.

Your hearing aid's power setting also matters. If you have it set to maximum volume or if your hearing loss is severe and requires more amplification, batteries drain faster. Some hearing aids have a battery-saver mode that reduces power consumption. Humidity and temperature can also affect battery life — storing batteries in a cool, dry place extends their lifespan, while heat and moisture shorten it.

Keep track of when you insert a new battery and note how many days it lasts. This gives you a baseline so you know when to expect a battery to die and can avoid being caught without a working hearing aid. If a battery dies much sooner than expected, it may be defective, or your hearing aid may need servicing.

Where to buy hearing aid batteries and how to save money

You can purchase hearing aid batteries from several sources, each with different price points. Drugstores like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid carry them, but single packs cost $2 to $4 per battery. Online retailers like Amazon, Costco, and hearing aid supply websites sell bulk packs of sixty or more batteries for $0.75 to $1.50 per battery. Hearing aid clinics and audiologists often sell batteries at a discount to their patients, sometimes $1 to $2 per battery. Medical supply companies and mail-order pharmacies also stock them and may offer bulk discounts.

Buying in bulk online is usually the cheapest option if you can store batteries properly and do not mind waiting for shipping. If you need batteries urgently, a local pharmacy or your hearing aid provider is faster. Some people split a bulk order with a friend or family member who also wears hearing aids to save money and share shipping costs.

Ask your hearing aid provider whether they have a subscription or auto-ship program — some do, and it can lock in a lower price. If you are on a tight budget, mention this to your audiologist; they may have samples or discount programs you do not know about.

Storage and handling tips to extend battery life

Zinc-air batteries should be stored in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Do not store them in the refrigerator or freezer — the moisture can damage them. Keep them in their original packaging or in a battery organizer until you use them. Once you remove the tab, the battery begins to drain, so do not peel it off until you are ready to insert it into your hearing aid.

If you remove a battery from your hearing aid at night (which many people do to let it rest and extend its life), leave the battery door open so moisture can escape. Store the battery in a dry container, not in a closed case with your hearing aid. Some people use a small battery caddy with a desiccant packet to keep batteries dry overnight.

If a battery leaks or corrodes inside your hearing aid, do not try to clean it yourself — take it to your audiologist or hearing aid provider. Corrosion can damage the hearing aid's circuitry. To prevent leaks, do not store old and new batteries together, and do not leave a dead battery in your hearing aid for more than a day.

Medicare, Medicaid, and other ways to reduce costs

Medicare Part B does not cover hearing aid batteries. However, some state Medicaid programs do cover them for people who meet income and age requirements. Coverage varies widely: some states cover batteries only if you received your hearing aid through Medicaid, while others cover them for any Medicaid member. Contact your state Medicaid office or visit your state's Medicaid website to learn what your state covers.

Veterans may be able to get hearing aid batteries through the VA if they are enrolled in VA health care and have a service-connected hearing loss rating. Call your local VA medical center's audiology clinic to ask about battery programs.

Nonprofits that serve deaf and hard-of-hearing people sometimes distribute batteries at low or no cost. Organizations like the Hearing Loss Association of America, local deaf societies, and community health centers may have programs. Search online for "hearing aid batteries low cost" plus your city or state name, or call your local health department to ask about resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any brand of battery in my hearing aid?

Any brand of the correct size will work, but quality varies. Major brands like Energizer, Rayovac, and Duracell are reliable. Store brands are usually cheaper and work fine. Avoid very cheap batteries from unknown sellers online, as they may be counterfeit or have poor shelf life. Stick with one brand for a while so you can predict how long batteries last.

What should I do if a battery leaks inside my hearing aid?

Do not try to clean it yourself. Take your hearing aid to your audiologist or hearing aid provider as soon as possible. Leaking batteries can corrode the circuitry and cause permanent damage. To prevent leaks, do not leave a dead battery in your hearing aid overnight, and store batteries in a cool, dry place.

Are rechargeable hearing aids worth the extra cost?

It depends on your lifestyle and budget. Rechargeable hearing aids cost more upfront but save money over time since you never buy batteries. They are easier to use if you have arthritis or poor hand dexterity. The downside is you must charge them nightly and cannot use them if you forget. Ask your audiologist to let you try a rechargeable model before you decide.

How do I know when my battery is about to die?

Most hearing aids beep or give a warning tone when the battery is low. Some have a battery indicator light. If your hearing aid does not warn you, keep a log of when you insert each battery so you know roughly when to expect it to die. This helps you avoid being caught without working hearing aids.

Can I return unopened batteries if I bought the wrong size?

Most retailers accept returns of unopened battery packs within their standard return window. Check the store's return policy before you buy. Online retailers like Amazon usually accept returns, but some hearing aid supply websites have stricter policies. Keep your receipt and do not open the package if you think you may need to return it.