Disposable vs. Rechargeable Hearing Aid Batteries: Which is Right for You?

The world of hearing aids has come a long way in recent times. In the olden days, there was just one style; today, there are multiple. You can select from an in-the-ear, behind-the-ear or in-the-canal hearing aid, for instance. And the choice doesn’t end there, either. You can select from different battery styles, too. The two options available on the market are disposable hearing aid batteries and rechargeable hearing aid batteries. Both of them have their advantages. 

In this blog, we’re going to run through some of the key information you’ll need to know in order to make the decision that’s right for you. We’ll take a look at the pros and cons of each and offer some useful tips that’ll help you to decide. Ready? Let’s go.

Disposable Batteries: What to Know

Disposable batteries are just what they sound like: batteries that you throw away once you’re done with them. These batteries look like small, silver buttons. Depending on how long the user is wearing the hearing aid, they tend to last anywhere from a few days to a week. Once they’re dead, you can simply take out the old battery and replace it with a new one.

There are plenty of advantages to using disposable batteries. For one thing, you tend to have more options when it comes to selecting your hearing aid because more models use this type of battery. It also reduces the amount of downtime that you’ll have without your hearing aid. If your rechargeable battery dies, then you’ll need to wait for it to charge it back up before you use it again. That’s not the end of the world, but it could be inconvenient.

Another advantage is that you can buy these types of batteries everywhere. If you’re traveling and realize that you don’t have your rechargeable battery charger, then you’d be in a bit of trouble. But if you have disposable batteries, you’ll be able to just head down to a store and pick up the type you need.

So, they can be a little more flexible. The downside of these batteries is that you’ll go through a lot of them – most users use around 100 a year. 

Rechargeable Hearing Aids: What to Know

Rechargeable hearing aids have been growing in popularity in recent times. In the past, the technology just wasn’t there, but now it is, hence the rise in hearing aid manufacturers using this type of battery. There are many advantages of rechargeable batteries; indeed, one of the main benefits is the one that applies to all things that are rechargeable; it’s better for the environment.

Rechargeable batteries are exceptionally easy to use. When the battery needs some juice, you just put it in the charging pod and let it fill up. Many return to full battery relatively quickly – around five hours from empty to fully charged is normal. And when it’s fully charged, you’ll get around 24 hours of use. This makes it ideal since you can just charge it while you’re sleeping and then be ready to wear it all the following day.

The only downside is that if you don’t have your charger, then you can’t charge your hearing aid. That’s no big problem when you can return home to retrieve it, but it can be an issue if you’re traveling far from home.

How to Choose the Right One for You

Ultimately, the type of battery you select isn’t as important as ensuring that you have the right hearing aid that feels comfortable, and which works well. But it can be a factor. They both have their pros and cons, so it mostly comes down to whichever style you’d rather have. 

Once you’ve made your decision, you’ll be able to invest in your hearing aid and begin enjoying all the benefits that it can bring. If you’re experiencing hearing loss and you’re ready to begin your journey towards improved hearing, be sure to get in touch with us here at Galco Hearing Aid Service. Our hearing instrument specialist will determine the extent of your hearing loss and help you to find the right one for you. You can book your appointment by calling us at (281) 245-0520.