F.A.Q.

How long will my batteries last?

Battery life is determined by the type and amplification of your hearing aid as well as the hours you wear your hearing aid. Your hearing care professional can tell you the battery life you can expect.

How should I store my batteries?

You should store your hearing aid batteries at room temperature. Avoid storing your batteries in hot places since heat will shorten the life of the batteries. Refrigeration is also not recommended. Batteries should not be carried loose in your pocket or purse. If a battery inadvertently comes into contact with a metal object such as coins or keys the battery may discharge, leak or in rare incidences even rupture. To prevent this from occurring keep unused batteries in the original packaging or in a battery holder.

What are common battery sizes?

Hearing aid batteries come in sizes are 10, 13, 312 and 675. To identify the size, most manufacturers use an industry standard color code on their zinc air tabs and packaging.

Manufacturers often place letters before or after the battery size to designate their factory reorder number. For instance, 13A or R13ZA are both size 13 batteries.

Why is there a tab on my zinc battery?

A zinc air battery uses air outside the battery as a source of power. The factory applied tab seals the air holes in the battery and ensures freshness until you are ready to use the battery. Do not remove the tab until you are ready to use the battery. To activate the battery, you simply remove the tab. After removing the tab, wait about one minute prior to inserting the battery into your hearing aid. This allows sufficient time for the air to enter and activate the ingredients. Replacing the tab when the battery is not in use will not extend the battery life.

Types of hearing aid

Technology has led to a remarkable new generation of hearing aids. These new hearing aids amplify sounds in a clear, crisp way that’s natural and pleasing. Plus, the size of hearing aids has been vastly reduced. Your hearing care professional can recommend the hearing aid that’s best for you.

Although there are many hearing aids to choose from, they come in four basic styles.

Completely in the canal

Technology advancements have made these hearing aids the most compact. No larger than a dime, these hearing aids fit completely in the ear canal, making them practically invisible.

In the canal

These hearing aids are about the size of a dime and fit in the ear canal so they are hardly noticeable.

In the ear

These popular hearing aids are about the size of a quarter. They fit in the outer ear and the ear canal.

Behind the ear

With these hearing aids, a small curved case fits around the back of the ear and is connected to a mold in the ear.

Tips for better hearing

Have your hearing checked on a regular basis by a hearing care professional.
Keep the tab on your zinc air battery until you are ready to use it.
Always carry extra hearing aid batteries with you to avoid losing your hearing at critical times.
Store your batteries at room temperature. Avoid storage in hot locations. Refrigeration is not necessary.
Ventilate the battery compartment of your hearing aid at night to prevent moisture buildup.
Never carry loose batteries in a pocket or purse. Metal objects such as coins or keys can short out the battery.
Store and discard batteries in places that can not be reached by infants or children.
If swallowed, see a doctor immediately.

Test your hearing yourself

Visit our Test your hearing page to find out more.

Are battery chemistries interchangeable?

Battery systems are interchangeable by size. However, because of your hearing aid or hearing aid usage, you may receive better sound quality or battery life from a certain chemistry. Consult your hearing care professional to learn what is best for your aid.

Are batteries interchangeable among manufacturers?

So how can I recycle my old batteries?

Free to use battery collection facilities have been set up at retail outlets, offices, civic buildings, schools and other public amenities around the country. It’s easy to find your nearest collection point by visiting: www.batteryback.org. These schemes are funded by battery makers like Rayovac.

Do hearing aid batteries contain mercury? I thought they were all mercury free?

Rayovac is at the forefront of removing mercury from hearing aid batteries. While zinc air replaced mercuric oxide as the main battery chemistry back in the 1970s, mercury is still used in small amounts as a stabiliser to aid performance. However mercury is a heavy metal and potentially harmful to the environment if landfilled. After years of research and development, we have introduced cleaner process and materials to eradicate the use of mercury (Hg); without compromising performance – to create a more environmentally friendly product that is the most powerful on the market. It is already available to Rayovac customers and is ISO 14001 accredited.

How else is Rayovac going green?

We have a strong commitment to the environment and sustainable production. All our plastics are 100% recyclable, our dial cards are sourced from PEFC approved sustainable forests. We are always looking for ways to minimise environmental impact and are looking at ways of reducing our packaging.