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Frequently Asked Questions
Dear Friends,
More than six million Americans wear hearing aids and 20 million more should. Please take a moment to review this section and take your first step toward better hearing.
1. What are the common battery sizes?
The most common battery sizes are 10, 13, 312 and 675. The size 5, the smallest battery, was introduced for the new Completely-In-The-Canal hearing aids. Rayovac was the first manufacturer of this new battery size. To identify the size, most manufacturers use an industry standard color code on their zinc air tabs and packaging.
Manufacturers often place letters before or after the battery size to designate their factory reorder number. For instance, 13A or R10ZA are both size 13 batteries.
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2. How long will my batteries last?
Battery life is determined by the type and amplification of your hearing aid as well as the hours you wear your hearing aid. Your hearing care professional can tell you the battery life you can expect.
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3. How should I store my batteries?
You should store your hearing aid batteries at room temperature. Avoid storing your batteries in hot places since heat will shorten the life of the batteries. Refrigeration is also not recommended. Batteries should not be carried loose in your pocket or purse. If a battery inadvertently comes into contact with a metal object such as coins or keys the battery may charge, leak or in rare incidences even rupture. To prevent this from occurring keep unused batteries in the original packaging or in a battery holder.
Batteries that have been fully discharged can be thrown in your regular trash. Store and discard batteries in places that cannot be reached by infants or children. If a battery is swallowed, see a doctor immediately. For recommended treatment, call the National Button Battery Hotline
collect at 202-625-3333.
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 4. Why is there a tab on my zinc battery?
A zinc air battery uses air outside the battery as a source of power. The factory applied tab seals the air holes in the battery and ensures freshness until you are ready to use the battery. Do not remove the tab until you are ready to use the battery. To activate the battery, you simply remove the tab. After removing the tab, wait about one minute prior to inserting the battery into your hearing aid. This allows sufficient time for the air to enter and activate the ingredients. Replacing the tab when the battery is not in use will not extend the battery life.
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5. Types of Hearing Aids
Technology has led to a remarkable new generation of hearing aids. These new hearing aids amplify sounds in a clear, crisp way that's natural and pleasing. Plus, the size of hearing aids has been vastly reduced. Your hearing care professional can recommend the hearing aid that's best for you.
Although there are many hearing aids to choose from, they come in four basic styles.
 | Completely-in-the-Canal
Technology advancements have made these hearing aids the most compact. No larger than a dime, these hearing aids fit completely in the ear canal, making them practically invisible.
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In-the-Canal
These hearing aids are about the size of a dime and fit in the ear canal so they are hardly noticeable.
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 | In-the-Ear:
These popular hearing aids are about the size of a quarter. They fit in the outer ear and the ear canal.
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Behind-the-Ear:
With these hearing aids, a small curved case fits around the back of the ear and is connected to a mold in the ear.
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Battery Breakthroughs
The new hearing aids have also spawned new hearing aid battery technology. Today's batteries pack far more power in much less space and there are different battery systems to meet every hearing aid wearer's power demands.
Zinc Air is the most popular power system. Through a unique construction that utilizes air from outside the battery, these batteries pack more energy into a battery cell than the older mercury and silver systems.
High Power Zinc Air is specially designed to reduce sound distortion and provide longer life in high drain applications. High Power may be better for you if...
- You have difficulty hearing in crowds or noisy places.
- You do not always receive clear sound.
- You do not always receive the battery life you should.
- You wear hearing aids classified as high drain or high power
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6. Tips for Better Hearing
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Have your hearing checked on a regular basis by a hearing care professional.
- Keep the tab on your zinc air battery until you are ready to use it.
- Always carry extra hearing aid batteries with you to avoid losing your hearing at critical times.
- Store your batteries at room temperature. Avoid storage in hot locations. Refrigeration is not necessary.
- Ventilate the battery compartment of your hearing aid at night to prevent moisture buildup.
- Never carry loose batteries in a pocket or purse. Metal objects such as coins or keys can short out the battery.
- Store and discard batteries in places that can not be reached by infants or children.
If swallowed, see a doctor immediately.
For recommended treatment, call the NATIONAL BUTTON BATTERY HOTLINE collect at 202-625-3333.
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7. Test Your Hearing Yourself!
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Do higher pitched sounds such as a women's and children's voices seem to disappear?
- Is it difficult to hear in loud places?
- Do you often ask people to repeat themselves?
- Do you turn up the volume of the TV or radio when others have no problem hearing?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should get your hearing professionally checked. It's simple and easy. A hearing care professional will have you listen to a range of tones and words through earphones.
Just like your vision, it is important to have your hearing checked regularly by a hearing care professional.
For more information on hearing loss, call the not-for-profit Better Hearing Institute at
1-800-EAR-WELL (327-9355).
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8. Are battery chemistries interchangeable?
Battery systems are interchangeable by size. However, because of your hearing aid or hearing aid usage, you may receive better sound quality or battery life from a certain chemistry. Consult your hearing care professional to learn what is best for your aid.
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9. Are batteries interchangeable among manufacturers?
Manufacturers have different battery quality and performance, however the battery dimensions are standardized within the industry. For instance, a size 13 battery across manufacturers should fit in your hearing aid. Just match the size designated by the color code.
View the Hearing Aid Battery Cross Reference Chart.
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Size 5
Size 10 (or 230)
Size 312
Size 13
Size 675
