One of the top complaints of those who wear hearing aids centers around batteries. Batteries typically last for three days to two weeks depending on the size of the battery, the type of hearing loss, and the size and type of the hearing aid. Batteries can be expensive to purchase. In addition, for those with limited mobility in the hands, arthritis or tingling or numbness in the fingertips, or low vision, changing the batteries can be difficult or impossible. There is now an alternative to changing hearing aid batteries so often: rechargeable hearing aids!

Rechargeable batteries have been on the market for some time however, it is only recently that this technology has become available in hearing aids, making the life of hearing aid consumers and their families much easier!

Rechargeable hearing aids are available in different styles including behind-the-ear (BTE) and receiver-in-the-ear (RITE or RIC). The concept of charging your hearing aids is similar to charging your computer or cell phone. It simply involves placing your hearing aids into their charging case (that comes with your hearing aid purchase) and plugging the case into a wall outlet or USB port to charge. After a couple of hours of charging, your hearing aids will have a 24-hour or longer charge.

Benefits of Rechargeable Hearing Aids:

• Cost-effective
• Easy for those with dexterity issues
• Environmentally friendly
• Eliminates worry of changing your batteries during an event
• Saves time in having to pick up batteries from the store

Rechargeable hearing aids are a wonderful alternative to using the traditional zinc-air disposable batteries. It eliminates the hassle of changing the batteries in the hearing aids. As wonderful as the concept of rechargeable hearing aids sounds, it is important to discuss this option with an audiologist to see if this type of technology is appropriate for you or your loved one. If you are interested in rechargeable hearing aids or have any general questions, you can schedule an appointment with an experienced audiologist at Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center.