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Prolonging the lifespan of your hearing aid batteries could save you both time and money. If you can attain a few extra days out of each battery, that’s a decent amount saved over the course of a year.

Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to optimize the life of your hearing aid batteries. If you can turn these eight guidelines into habits, you should observe a difference right away.

Listed below are eight ways to maximize the life of your hearing aid batteries.

1. Buy new hearing aid batteries

Hearing aid batteries unopened in the packaging can last for years. Unfortunately, just like all batteries, power is reduced as each year passes by, so it’s always better to purchase the newer package.


Hearing aids take a unique type of battery called a zinc-air battery. Each one has a plastic tab covering tiny holes on the top of the battery. Right after the tab is removed, air enters the holes and activates the zinc.

After this happens, the battery is live and the power will begin draining (reapplying the tab has no effect). That’s why you should pull the tab only if you intend on using the battery immediately.

3. Utilize the five-minute rule

Immediately after removing the tab, don’t insert the battery into the hearing aid right away. Rather, wait around 5-7 minutes. This will enable the air to completely activate the battery, expanding its life by as much as three days.

4. Store at room temperature

You may have heard that you can lengthen the life of your batteries by storing them in your refrigerator. The cold temperature slows the release of power, or so the thinking goes.

The problem is that the opposite occurs. Zinc-air batteries and moisture do not mix, and the condensation that develops from the refrigerator leads to corrosion and a greater risk of early failure.

Simply store your batteries at room temperature for the greatest outcome.


If you’re not using your hearing aid, turn it off and open the battery door. This decreases drain and prevents corrosion. But keep in mind, don’t store your hearing aids in the bathroom; temperature changes and moisture are harmful to the batteries. Your bedroom side table is probably the best place.

6. Invest in a hearing aid dehumidifier

With a hearing aid dehumidifier, you won’t have to worry about where to keep your hearing aids. At night, put your hearing aids in the dehumidifier to remove moisture and to provide a safe place for storage.


If you don’t anticipate using your hearing aids for some time, taking out the batteries entirely will help protect against corrosion from trapped moisture within the hearing aid.

8. Wash your hands before changing the batteries

You should always keep in mind that dirt, grime, and moisture are bad for both the hearing aid batteries and the hearing aids themselves. That’s why it’s crucial to wash your hands before changing the batteries.