HEARING AID BATTERIES

Hearing aid batteries are available in several sizes and capacity. These, usually correlate with the size of the hearing aid or its power requirements. Common sizes are:

5 10 312 13 675 Button cell batteries; AAA and AA cylinderical batteries.

The batteries are identified by numbers and color coding of the package they are marketed in. Some manufacturers market specially labelled `Hearing Aid Batteries'.

Chart showing the type number of batteries by different manufacturers
Size	10 (230)	13	312	675
ACTIVAIR	10HP	13HP	312HP	675HP
RAYOVAC	L10ZA	L13ZA	L312ZA	L675ZA
AARP	B0104	B0134	B3124	B6754
SIEMENS	10LC	13LC	312LC	675LC

BELTONE	B20PA	B26PA	B347PA	B900PA
DURACELL	DA10H (DA230)	DA13H	DA312H	DA675H
ENERGIZER	AC230E	AC13E	AC312E	AC675E
MIRACLE-EAR	ME10Z	ME8Z	ME7Z	ME9Z
PROLINE	10A	13A	312A	675A
STARKEY	S10A	S13A	S312A	S675A
WALGREENS	W10ZA	W13ZA	W312ZA	W675ZA

In terms of chemical composition, several types of batteries are available. These include: Zinc-air, Silver Oxide, Mercury, Alkaline, Lithium, Carbon, Nickle-cadmium.

Capacity of a battery is expressed as mAH (milliampere hour). Life of a battery can be calculated by dividing the capacity of the battery by the current drain of the hearing aid.

Nickle-cadmium batteries can be recharged and used for upto about 3 years. These batteries can be charged using special battery chargers. Typically an 8 hour charge provides about 20 hours of use of the battery. Some hearing aid manufacturers provide rechargeable hearing aids where the batteries in hearing instruments get recharged when the aids are stored in a charger box at night.

Several styles of battery testers are available for checking the status of hearing aid battery. A tester is one of a useful and relatively inexpensive device for the hearing aid users to have.

Hearing aid batteries should be stored and used in such a way that these are out of reach of children. There is a danger of ingesting batteries which have often been mistaken as tablets. In case of ingestion, there is a need to see a doctor immediately. Also call the National Button Battery Hotline collect at (202) 625-3333.