Rechargeable Hearing Aids Guide

What changes with rechargeable aids

Instead of replacing a small battery, you place the hearing aids in a charger. That can be easier for people who find tiny battery doors difficult. The tradeoff is reliance on a working charger and access to power.

Battery life varies by model, age, settings, wireless use, and listening environment. Avoid assuming that a number advertised for one model will match your day. Ask for the manufacturer's current specifications for the exact aid you are considering.

Questions to ask before buying

Find out how to confirm that the aids are seated and charging, how to clean charging contacts, whether a portable charging case is offered, and what happens if the rechargeable cell loses capacity. Ask whether the battery is replaceable by the clinic or must go to the manufacturer.

If you travel or spend long days away from outlets, discuss your routine. A disposable-battery model may still be the better fit for some people.

Daily care

Follow the manufacturer's charging and storage instructions. Keep the contacts clean and dry, avoid extreme heat, and contact the clinic when the aids fail to charge or operating time changes unexpectedly. Repeated charging trouble may reflect the charger, contacts, power supply, or the aids themselves.