The Pros and Cons of Rechargeable Hearing Aid Batteries

Hearing loss can have a huge impact on an individual’s life, both personally and professionally. For example, in the workplace, people with hearing loss may miss verbal instructions or struggle to communicate effectively with colleagues and customers. This can lead to feelings of isolation and exclusion in the workplace. Similarly, socially, people with hearing loss may find it difficult to take part in group conversations and events as they may not be able to hear what is being said.

The good news is that there are a number of ways to manage hearing loss with the help of an audiologist. Hearing aids are the most common solution for those who have mild-to-profound hearing loss. When it comes to hearing aids, there are three main types.

In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids

In-the-ear hearing aids are one of the most popular types of hearing aids, as they fit comfortably in the outer bowl of the ear. ITE hearing aids come in three main varieties: full shell, half shell, and open fit. Full-shell ITE hearing aids completely fill the outer portion of the ear. They are generally more adjustable than other types of ITE hearing aids but can be a bit more noticeable due to their size.

Half-shell ITE hearing aids cover only part of the outer portion of the ear and are less noticeable than full-shell models.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids

Behind-the-ear hearing aids are larger and more visible than ITE hearing aids, but they also offer several advantages. For example, BTE hearing aids can be used to treat a wider range of hearing loss levels than ITE models, and their larger size allows for more features, such as directional microphones and telecoils.

This type of hearing aid is also more adjustable than ITE models, so users can fine-tune their settings for optimal sound quality.

In-the-Canal (ITC) Hearing Aids

In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids are a popular choice among those looking for a discreet hearing aid. ITC hearing aids fit almost entirely within the ear canal, making them barely visible when worn. They offer similar features and sound quality to ITE models but with more discretion. However, due to their small size, they may not be as adjustable as other types of hearing aids and may be less comfortable than larger styles.

Rechargeable hearing aid batteries provide long-term convenience and cost savings. But there are also downsides to these types of batteries – they may not be suitable for all users, their performance can be unpredictable and they require more maintenance than non-rechargeable batteries.

Here’s a look at the pros and cons of rechargeable hearing aid batteries to help you decide if they’re right for you.

The Pros

Long-Term Cost Savings

Rechargeable hearing aid batteries typically have a longer life than disposable ones, meaning that over time the costs associated with purchasing new batteries are significantly reduced.

Reduced Environmental Footprint

Disposable hearing aids use zinc-air cells, which contain toxic metals and corrosive materials. Rechargeable batteries, on the other hand, are made from non-toxic materials and do not require disposal after use.

Convenience

Rechargeable hearing aid batteries can be recharged in as little as three hours, meaning that you don’t have to worry about constantly buying new batteries and worry about changing your batteries every time they go out.

The Cons

Performance Issues

Rechargeable hearing aid batteries may suffer from reduced performance when compared to disposable options due to chemical buildup inside the battery over time. This means that they may need to be replaced more often than traditional disposable ones.

Higher Initial Cost

Rechargeable hearing aid batteries typically come with a higher initial purchase than disposable batteries. Talk with your audiologist about the initial cost of rechargeable hearing aids, they will be able to help you make the best decision for your needs.

Maintenance Needs

Rechargeable hearing aid batteries need to be recharged and stored correctly in order for them to maintain their performance. This means that if you’re not diligent about following instructions or forget to charge your battery regularly, it could lead to lessened performance or a shorter lifespan.

Do you need more information?

To learn more about hearing loss or rechargeable batteries, contact your local audiologist at Dr. Eimer’s Hearing Clinic for a hearing evaluation. They can recommend the best course of action if you have any hearing difficulties and help you find the perfect hearing aid to meet your needs. So don’t delay and contact us today at 231-333-5118.