Hearing Aid Batteries

There are four different battery sizes that you can get for your hearing aids. The size is helpfully indicated by colour coding across all brands and hearing aids. The reason why there are different sizes of batteries is because of the different types of hearing aids. 

Larger and more powerful hearing aids, such as Behind-The-Ear hearing aids, require larger batteries. Smaller hearing aids, like In-The-Ear hearing aids, need smaller batteries so the hearing aid can still fit in your ear.

Yellow size 10 hearing aid batteries are the smallest battery size at 5.8mm x 3.6mm. They are meant for smaller, less powerful hearing aid models: 

• Receiver-In-The-Ear (RITE) hearing aids 

• Completely-In-Canal (CIC) hearing aids 

Due to their smaller size they also have the shortest battery life. One size 10 battery will last around 3 to 5 days, depending on the daily hours of use.

Brown size 312 hearing aid batteries are the second smallest size at 7.9 mm x 3.6 mm. They are meant for small to medium sized hearing aids: 

• Mini Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids 

• Receiver-In-The-Ear (RITE) hearing aids 

• In-The-Canal (ITC) hearing aids 

One size 312 battery will normally last for around 7 to 10 days. 

Orange size 13 hearing aid batteries fall in the medium range at 7.9mm x 5.4mm. They will fit medium to larger sized hearing aids: 

• Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids 

• Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) hearing aids 

• Some ITE hearing aids 

One size 13 battery will typically last 10 to 14 days.

Blue size 675 hearing aid batteries are the largest size at 11.6mm x 5.4mm. They will typically only fit larger sized, more powerful hearing aids: 

• Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids 

• Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) hearing aids 

One size 675 battery will typically last up to three weeks. 

Disposable zinc air batteries are made for one-time use. After the power runs out, you need to replace and dispose of them. You should never just throw out used hearing aid batteries in the garbage, as they are bad for the environment.  

Instead, you can drop them off at our clinics when you pick up new battery packs as part of our free exchange program. We make sure the batteries are properly recycled.  

PROS:

• Most hearing aid models are meant to use disposable batteries  

• They are easy to use and don’t require any recharging station 

CONS:

• They aren’t as environmentally friendly 

• You will need to constantly buy replacement batteries and dispose of used ones

Rechargeable technology is becoming more popular, but typically the batteries are not removable from the hearing aid unit. Instead of removing batteries to recharge them, you simply place the entire hearing aid in the charging station. 

Lithium-ion batteries are great because they have a long shelf life. You can recharge and reuse them for a long time before needing to replace them with new batteries.  

PROS:

• No need to frequently buy replacements 

• More environmentally friendly 

CONS: 

• Battery replacement needs to be done by the manufacturer

How you handle hearing aid batteries will affect how much use you can get out of them. If you don’t handle or store the batteries properly, you will find that they will not last as long and may damage the hearing aids. 

• Store your batteries somewhere safe, secure, and at room temperature. 

• Keep away from hot or humid environments, like next to a heater or stored in the bathroom. 

• Do not refrigerate them as they need to be cool, not cold.  

• Wash your hands before handling your hearing aid batteries to avoid getting dirt or oils on them. 

• Keep your batteries away from any metal objects when handling them. 

• Remove spent batteries as soon as possible so they don’t start corroding in the hearing aids. 

• Regularly clean your hearing aids so they work efficiently.

Hearing aid batteries are not expensive, but most people would still want to have them last as long as possible. Whether it’s for convenience or cost, here are some tips that can help you extend the life of the batteries: 

• Keep the hearing aid battery doors open when you aren’t wearing them to avoid draining the battery. 

• Do not remove the label stickers from the batteries until you are going to use them. 

• Put your hearing aids in a dehumidifier overnight to absorb any moisture that can wear on the batteries. 

• Avoid using expired batteries, and only buy batteries that you will use before they expire. 

• Use your oldest batteries first to avoid using expired ones.

Here are some basic instructions to help you replace your hearing aid batteries when they run out of power.  

• You should receive a warning sound, such as a voice alert or loud beep, to notify you that the battery life is low. 

• Put the battery and hearing aid on a flat, uncluttered surface like your kitchen table. 

• Remove the label on the battery and let it sit for a few minutes. 

• The label is stuck to the positive side of the battery, which should also be the shinier side. 

• Once the label is removed, the battery life will start depleting. Do not remove the label until you are about to use it in your hearing aid. 

• Place the used battery in a bag or container that you can drop off at our clinic when you pick up a new pack. 

Specific instructions will vary depending on the type and model of hearing aid that you have. You can call your local clinic at any time to ask for guidance if you are having trouble. We will also show you how to do it when you first pick up your hearing aids from us. 

Here are video instructions for BTE and ITE hearing aids that can give you some additional guidance as well: 

When you replace your hearing aid batteries, you will need to safely dispose of used batteries. In some places it is actually against the law to just throw away used batteries in the garbage. When you remove used batteries from the hearing aids, we recommend keeping them in some kind of sealed container. That way they won’t get lost or eaten by pets or children.  

When you need to pick up a new pack of batteries, you can bring them to our clinic. We accept old batteries as part of our recycling program to ensure they are disposed of in a safe and eco-friendly manner. 

You can safely fly with hearing aids and hearing aid batteries. However, there are some useful tips you should follow that will make your life a lot easier. 

• Call or check with the airport security agency of the country you are traveling to so you can see their current rules. 

• Make sure you pack your batteries somewhere safe and contained so they don’t touch other metal objects like keys or coins. 

• Pack extra batteries for your trip, and your charging station if you have rechargeable batteries. 

• You may be prohibited from flying with lithium ion rechargeable batteries in certain countries. The batteries are allowed as long as they are already in your hearing aids.

• Zinc open air batteries are fine to carry in your checked bag. 

• Inform any airport or customs security of your hearing loss and that you have hearing aid batteries with you. 

If you have a service plan with your non-rechargeable hearing aids, we offer a 4-year supply of batteries up to a maximum of 80 disposable cells per year per hearing aid. After the 4-year supply runs out, you will need to purchase batteries. 

Each card of size 10/312/13 batteries contains 8 cells which costs $14. Each card of size 675 batteries contains 4 cells which also costs $14. If the client holds a service plan, we apply a 50% discount. 

Are hearing aid batteries tax deductible in Canada?

According to the Canada Revenue Agency website, you can count hearing aid batteries as a medical expense tax credit. These are non-refundable credits that you can claim that will reduce the amount of income tax you have to pay.  

Generally speaking, you should be able to claim all of the amount you paid for hearing aid batteries in a tax year. This includes batteries you purchased outside of Canada. Hearing aid batteries are included under health-related devices, equipment and supplies. 

For more information on how to claim your hearing aid batteries on your taxes, consult the CRA website. Look for their current year’s notes and instructions as they can change over time.

Hearing aid batteries do not have to be complicated. You can get different brands, but they will generally work in any hearing aid of the appropriate type. If you want to know what size battery you need, you can look at the battery package or contact your hearing care professional. 

You can also call us at any time for assistance at 1-855-283-4848.

You might also be interested in...

• Hearing Aids
• Hearing Aid Types
• Hearing Aid Accessories