Many hearing aid wearers are tired of having to regularly buy and change batteries. Rechargeable hearing aids can cut out this tedious process altogether.

Rechargeable hearing aids can be more expensive upfront, but they can save wearers money in the long run by rechargeable hearing aids eliminating the cost of disposable batteries. Let’s explore the pros and cons of rechargeable hearing aids to help you decide if they are right for you.

Cost

Buying a pair of digital hearing aids can be expensive, especially with the added cost of rechargeable batteries. However, there are ways to reduce this upfront cost and save money over time. Some manufacturers run sales and promotional offers at various times of the year to help people purchase a new pair of hearing aids for less. Likewise, if you have an old pair of hearing aids that are in good condition you can trade them in for a newer model and lower the initial price tag.

Another big cost savings when purchasing a pair of rechargeable hearing aids is the elimination of the need to constantly buy replacement batteries. Typically, people who wear traditional battery powered hearing aids end up using and discarding hundreds of disposable batteries each year. This can end up costing people up to $100 a year.

This extra expense can be avoided with the use of rechargeable hearing aids which offer a much more sustainable and environmentally friendly solution. The lithium-ion or silver-zinc rechargeable batteries that come with rechargeable hearing aids are easy to use and provide a long daily battery life. Additionally, they can be recycled when they are no longer needed.

The biggest drawback of rechargeable hearing aids is the initial cost and the fact that they are not compatible with all battery types. It is essential to check with the manufacturer of your device to find out which type of battery and charger works best. The user manual will usually provide a list of compatible accessories.

Lastly, rechargeable hearing aids require special care to ensure they function properly for years. Avoiding moisture is important, as the devices must remain dry to prevent corrosion on the electrical connections inside. In addition, it is important to wipe down the device with a cotton swab dampened with alcohol once a week. This will help to keep the microphone and receiver clean and free of earwax and other debris that can damage the delicate mechanisms.

Convenience

The most obvious benefit of rechargeable hearing aids is that you don’t need a constant supply of disposable batteries. For some, this convenience is enough to justify the extra investment in a pair of rechargeable hearing aids.

The process of purchasing, storing and changing small, hard-to-handle batteries can be challenging for some wearers, especially those with dexterity issues. Rechargeable hearing aids cut this step out entirely, eliminating the need for expensive, dispoable batteries that can be a choking hazard and a potential fire hazard when discarded improperly.

With rechargeable hearing aids, all you need to do is plug them in at night—the same way that many people now charge their phones before going to sleep—and they’ll be ready for the day ahead of them. This can make them a good choice for busy lifestyles, as you won’t have to worry about running out of power in the middle of a meeting or when out with friends.

Rechargeable hearing aids use lithium-ion batteries—the same technology found in hundreds of other rechargeable consumer products. This gives them high levels of energy and power density, meaning that they can last all day with normal use—even when paired with a power-hungry Bluetooth device like an MP3 player.

This longer battery life is also important for wearers who live in areas with extreme winter weather. Zinc-air disposable batteries struggle to function properly in cold temperatures, draining them quickly and impacting sound quality. Lithium-ion batteries, on the other hand, offer little to no performance loss when worn in freezing temperatures.

Another reason that rechargeable hearing aids can save you money in the long run is that they have a lower environmental impact than disposable batteries. Disposable batteries are made of toxic heavy metals and can leach into soil, surface water and groundwater when tossed into landfills. In contrast, rechargeable hearing aids use lithium-ion technology that has been proven to have 65% less environmental impact.

If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of rechargeable hearing aids or want to discuss whether they are a good fit for your lifestyle, contact Advanced ENT & Allergy today. Our team has extensive experience with all of the leading brands and can help you find the right hearing aids to meet your needs.

Environment

Rechargeable hearing aids use built-in batteries that don’t require regular removal, unlike traditional disposable button batteries. They’re docked at night on a charging station, much like smartphones and other electronic devices. While many hearing aid users still prefer disposables, rechargeables are gaining popularity.

A rechargeable battery can last up to a year, and is much more environmentally friendly than disposables. Disposable batteries are made of tiny buttons that can be a choking hazard for children and pets, and can be toxic when improperly stored or discarded. Rechargeable batteries don’t pose this risk, and they can be disposed of in the trash.

Recharging is also more convenient than changing disposables. This is especially true for people with dexterity problems or arthritis, who might find it difficult to handle the small, delicate batteries of standard hearing aids. Some rechargeable models are designed with a small charging case that can hold multiple charges, so you’ll always have one ready to go.

Depending on the model, some rechargeable hearing aids are resistant to dust, water, and other environmental contaminants. These features can make them ideal for active individuals or those who spend time in the outdoors. They may even come with a built-in tinnitus sound therapy, which is an excellent way to manage tinnitus and reduce stress.

If you choose to invest in a rechargeable hearing aid, be sure to check that it has a long warranty period. Most companies offer a two- to three-year warranty on their products. While this isn’t as long as some other options, it’s sufficient for most users.

There are a variety of brands that offer rechargeable hearing aids, including MDHearing and Phonak. Both providers offer behind-the-ear (BTE) models that are suitable for varying degrees of hearing loss, and both provide impressive customer support. However, they may not have as many models or styles to choose from compared to other hearing aid manufacturers.

Another option is a rechargeable hearing aid from Audien. These affordable devices are a great choice for anyone who suffers from mild to moderate hearing loss. They also feature a fall detection mode, which can send a notification to family and caregivers when it detects that the wearer has fallen. They also have Bluetooth functionality and can connect to an app that lets users stream music and television shows.

​Safety

Many rechargeable hearing aids feature a secure case that keeps dust and dirt out. This helps prevent damage to the batteries and the internal components of the device. It also makes it easier for the user or their audiologist to troubleshoot the device if there is an issue. This feature isn’t available on all devices, but it is a good option to consider when selecting a new pair of hearing aids.

Changing disposable batteries is a nuisance for many people, especially those with dexterity issues or arthritic hands. Additionally, small button batteries can be a choking hazard for children and pets if accidentally swallowed. This can be a serious problem because it can cause permanent damage to the internal organs.

By switching to rechargeable hearing aids, you can avoid this problem completely by ensuring they are always charged before using them. This can help prevent you from being caught off guard by a battery running out on the go and eliminate the need to buy or carry extra batteries.

The lithium-ion technology used in rechargeable hearing aids has a high power density, meaning it can provide more than a full day of power for your device. This is the same technology that powers your mobile phone, and it has been shown to provide more reliable and consistent power than older rechargeable technologies.

Lithium-ion batteries are also more environmentally friendly than their zinc-air counterparts. Zinc-air batteries can pollute the environment if they aren’t disposed of properly, but recharging and reuse of lithium-ion batteries is a more sustainable solution.

If you’re interested in a switch to rechargeable hearing aids, consult your local audiologist for advice and recommendations. They can offer suggestions for the best rechargeable hearing aids and accessories for your needs, as well as teach you how to care for your new devices. By working with a hearing professional, you can make sure your rechargeable hearing aids provide years of reliable use and improved quality of life. Changing to rechargeable batteries can be a smart and convenient decision that will benefit your health in the long run.