There has been a lot in the news recently about rechargeable batteries for hearing aids. At some point, I am sure that they will be great, but we aren’t there yet.
There have been rechargeable hearing aids around since I got out of school 35 years ago. None of them were really a good option unless the individual had vision or dexterity problems.
Today, there is a new system available and I have looked at it and I don’t think it is quite what we want yet.
Today’s regular hearing aid batteries are zinc air. When the battery is dead, the chemical is gone, so it is safe to dispose of. Today’s rechargeable hearing aid batteries are lithium and must be disposed of in a safe manner.
Just because a battery is rechargeable, doesn’t mean that it never has to be changed. The rechargeable batteries and the charger are very expensive, more than buying a year’s supply of traditional batteries.
Also, using this system for recharging the hearing aid battery often voids the warranty of the hearing aid. So retrofitting hearing aids to make them compatible is a bad idea.
I will continue to watch the developments and when rechargeable hearing aid batteries are truly good, you will be the first to know.
Call us at 727-323-2471. We can help you.
Susan E. Terry, Au.D., F-AAA
Doctor of Audiology
Board Certified
P.S. We are here to help, if you have any questions about your hearing feel free to give us a call at 727-323-2471.