The main benefit of batteries is the simple fact that they can provide a source of power to devices without those devices having to be connected via a cord to any external source of power. Batteries go inside such devices, and they make those devices portable. Whether it be laptops, tablets, or smartphones, this essential benefit of batteries seems sure to always be the main one – however much they are finding uses in more and more different applications.
But forget about portable electronic devices. Where battery technology is absolutely necessary is in powered portable devices that are truly essential. Hearing aids are one such example. However, hearing aids need to make use of batteries small enough to fit inside this small device. This means that, for those getting a hearing aid for the first time, they might be unfamiliar with the best practices when using these small batteries. Certainly, AAA rechargeable batteries could never be appropriate in this context.
Small Batteries
The most commonly used batteries inside hearing aids today are so-called breathing zinc batteries. Pale Blue Earth, experts in the latest battery technology, say that this particular type of battery – and its use in hearing aids – has proven to be stubbornly resistant to all updates that have come along. Well, nearly all.
Hearing aids have been around for decades and, naturally enough, using heavy batteries in them has never been an option. A hearing aid is supported by the ear – not the strongest weight-bearer on the body.
However, this has in the past led to a problem. Back then, these batteries hadn’t been able to hold a great deal of charge, and the development of lithium-ion batteries in the early nineties did not lead to such batteries small enough for use in hearing aids. Therefore, hearing aid batteries are to this day zinc batteries.
The Zinc “Breathing” Battery
This has meant that technology for hearing aid batteries has developed along pretty different lines than the battery technology which powers other types of portable devices. Instead, we have the unique zinc “breathing battery” today. But what does this mean?
The breathing part refers to the fact that the battery works thanks to a reaction of the zinc with air itself. When oxygen enters holes in the bottom of the hearing aid, the zinc reacts with it and produces a long, sustained energy flow, which can allow hearing aids to be used for many hours before recharging or battery replacement is required. Compared to lithium batteries, they actually have the potential to release more energy at these small sizes and they are naturally very light, making them suitable hearing aids. This is why you will never find lithium inside a hearing aid.
Best Practices
There are a range of usage and care tips for almost every type of battery. We have all heard of some of the more well-known examples – do not store your batteries in the device, keep them away from heat, do not run the battery all the way down, and so on. Hearing aid batteries come with their own set of best practices.
For example, before hearing aid batteries are inserted, it is wise to leave them out in the air, as this will activate them more efficiently. This idea of a supply fresh oxygen to the battery is key – it is also wise to remove the battery cover when the hearing aid is removed at night.
When it comes to properly using a hearing aid battery, users really need to think differently than would be the case with any other type of battery. They are unique – and uniquely effective.
