Nearly half of all those who wear prescription hearing aids now wear rechargeables. Here are some tips to be sure they’re always ready when you are, and that they perform as well as possible.

The initial investment when choosing rechargeable prescription hearing aids includes the charger and the cost of the first rechargeable battery or batteries. Costs vary by manufacturer, but can range from $200 to $500. The rechargeable battery life depends on the type of rechargeable battery used in the device. The annual cost of replacement rechargeable batteries is currently the same as disposable batteries, around $50.

Over the long run, the cost of rechargeable prescription hearing aids works out to be about the same as prescription hearing aids powered by traditional batteries. Still, rechargeables are becoming more and more popular with patients. In fact, industry reports state that nearly half of all prescription hearing aid wearers now have rechargeables.

Why are rechargeables becoming more popular? A few advantages include:

• No need to buy batteries or change them.
• Easier to use for those with dexterity issues.
• Less waste and the perception of being more environmentally friendly.
• Convenience of fully charging hearing aids overnight, and not having to carry extra batteries.
• Safety, as small batteries can easily be swallowed — a potential danger to children and pets.

If you are considering rechargeable prescription hearing aids or you already wear them, here are some tips to get the best performance out of these devices.

• The best time to charge these hearing aids is at night when you’re not using them. Make it a practice to put them in the charger when you take them out of your ears before going to bed, and you’ll wake up to fully charged hearing aids every morning.
• Keep your charger next to the bed. That way when you take your hearing aids out before you go to sleep, the charger serves as a visual reminder to recharge the devices.
• Plug the charger directly into a wall socket. Avoid using an extension cord as this could potentially damage the charger. A charger that’s not plugged in will drain the hearing aids and the overall rechargeable hearing aid battery life.
• Extreme heat or cold is bad for rechargeable hearing aids; for the best results, keep your charger and your hearing aids in a room between 50° and 90° F.
• Don’t keep your hearing aids in an unplugged charger. This can shorten the life of your rechargeable batteries.
• Always be sure the lights are on your charger when you place your hearing aids in it.
• If you forget to recharge your hearing aids, a quick 30-minute charge can give you an extra six hours of use.
• Use a soft tissue to remove any moisture from your charging dock prior to charging. Do not use rubbing alcohol or other chemicals to clean.
• If you’re taking an international trip or going camping, for example, be sure to take the appropriate adapters and electrical devices with you so you can charge your hearing aids.

In addition, rechargeable hearing aids are just like hearing aids powered by traditional batteries.

• They last longer if you keep them clean, removing earwax with a soft cloth from the hearing aids and the charger.
• Keep them away from water and don’t forget to remove them when swimming or showering.
• Never take your hearing aids out and leave them lying around. Children and pets are often attracted to them. Kids might play with them or hide them, and pets often eat them. Both may result in the need for expensive repairs or replacements.

Have questions about rechargeable hearing aids? Associated Audiologists offers the most advanced rechargeable prescription hearing aid solutions on the market.

Schedule an appointment with a doctoral-level audiologist to learn more.