Storing hearing aid batteries correctly will help maintain battery life, giving better performance when the batteries are discharged. The life of batteries can be influenced by the environment in which they are stored, such as temperature, humidity and any insect activity due to moisture. By following some really simple dos and don’ts, you will be able to maintain the quality and reliability of your hearing aid batteries.

Store Your Hearing Aid Batteries Properly

Store in a cool, dry place. Keep unused hearing aid batteries in their original packaging. Store your hearing aid batteries at room temperature except zinc-air, until ready to use. Store your hearing aid batteries in their original, unopened packages. Store them at room temperature with the protective tabs intact until you can use them. Batteries can bend, so keep them in their package until they are ready to use. Air and moisture can damage batteries if the package is open, so keep one until you need it.

Check the Expiration Dates

Check the expiration dates printed on the battery packaging. Use batteries before they reach their expiration date. Expired batteries may have significantly reduced charge capacity and effectiveness. These factors can reduce the performance and reliability of your hearing aids.

Rotate Your Stock Regularly

If you have a substantial stash of hearing aid batteries, you should rotate your stock regularly. By doing this, you will use your older batteries first. This will prevent batteries you’ve purchased from expiring unused. It assures that once you need them, there’ll always be fresh batteries on hand.

Don’t Store Hearing Aids in Extreme Temperatures

Do not store batteries in the refrigerator or freezer. Extreme temperatures can damage the battery chemistry and reduce battery life, and cold air can increase the moisture content of the battery. This may lead to corroded contacts or battery leakage. Never expose hearing aid batteries to heat sources, direct sunlight or high temperatures. Exposure to heat may cause batteries to expand, leak or have a shorter running time. Do not place batteries in heaters or just allow them to be in a hot car as this can cause issues with your hearing aids.

Don’t Mix Batteries

Mixing old and new batteries can cause uneven performance and damage to your hearing aid. The batteries should be the same make, the same model and have the same expiration date.

Don’t Place Them in Tight Spaces

Keep them in a tight space. Avoid storing loose hearing aid batteries in a purse, pocket or bag without protective packaging. Loose batteries can come into contact with metal objects like keys or coins, causing them to short-circuit.

By following these instructions, you will get the most out of your hearing aid batteries in terms of performance, reliability and safety. Proper storage can maintain battery integrity, maximize charge capacity and reduce the risks of long-term damage or malfunction to your hearing aid. If you want to learn more about hearing aid batteries schedule an appointment with a hearing health professional.