Blog

The hearing aid models you choose will be based on your level of hearing loss and what is best suited to your lifestyle. Since hearing aids come in a variety of shapes and styles, it’s not surprising that the batteries that power those hearing aids vary, as well.

Hearing aid batteries come in five universal sizes, regardless of the brand of hearing aid you purchase. Number and color can identify the sizes as follows:

Size 5 – Red
Size 10 – Yellow
Size 312 – Brown
Size 13 – Orange
Size 675 – Blue

 The most common battery size for hearing aids in the U.S. is the 312 battery (brown seal) and hearing aid manufacturers rarely use Size 5 batteries in hearing aid batteries anymore.

Battery Life

Hearing aid batteries need to be replaced regularly. Battery life depends on several factors, including the type of hearing aid, the size of the battery, and time used. Given those factors, it’s not surprising that the average life span for hearing aid batteries ranges from a few days to several weeks.

Size 10 – 3 to 7 days
Size 312 – 3 to 10 days
Size 13 – 6 to 14 days
Size 675 – 9 to 20 days

 Battery life assumes 16 hours of use per day, because most hearing aids are turned off overnight, and at other times when not in use. You can get more out of your hearing aid batteries by leaving the battery compartment door open when not in use. This saves battery life and allows air to circulate, evaporating moisture.

Cost of Replacing Hearing Aid Batteries

When you get your hearing aids, it’s important to discuss the battery type you’ll need for your hearing aid, expected battery life, and how to handle the batteries. That includes where to store them, and the importance of keeping spare batteries handy.

The following is a general estimate of what you can expect to spend on batteries for two hearing aids, according to size at a Concept clinic:

Size 10: $100/year
Size 312: $80/year
Size 13: $40/year
Size 675: $20/year

The most convenient way to make sure you are getting the right hearing aid batteries for your device is to obtain them directly from your hearing health provider. Hearing clinics will often sponsor a battery club or discount programs that include discounts and reminders. You can also find batteries at retail stores, pharmacies, grocery stores, electronics stores and through online retailers.

The Cost of Untreated Hearing Loss

While the cost of hearing aids and the batteries may seem high to some, the cost of untreated hearing loss can be higher in so many ways. AARP recently reported that patients with untreated hearing loss pay considerably higher medical bills. In addition, patients with untreated hearing loss are three times more likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s, Dementia and a variety of other health problems.

If you or someone you love is suffering from hearing loss, it’s important to see a hearing health specialist as soon as possible.