Disposable vs. rechargeable batteries: the debate has been ongoing for a while. Many factors come into play when choosing the right battery type for you, and it's not always easy to grasp the differences between rechargeable and disposable options, especially in terms of quality. For a long time, disposable batteries were the only option, but rechargeable solutions have become increasingly common and practical over time.
When it comes to hearing aids, finding the battery type that best suits your lifestyle is important, and with the growing number of options, you may wonder how the quality of rechargeable batteries compares to that of disposable ones. This is a legitimate question that deserves to be explored before making such an important decision. In this article, we will look at the main differences between disposable and rechargeable hearing aid batteries, and we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of each to enlighten you and help you make an informed choice.
Disposable Hearing Aid Batteries
Disposable hearing aid batteries have a much shorter lifespan than their rechargeable counterparts: they generally last only 5 to 7 days and must be replaced regularly. This can be appealing in certain situations, as you don't need to carry a charger when traveling and you can change the batteries anywhere; however, you must always have spare batteries with you for the inevitable moment when they run out. Due to this frequency, disposable hearing aid batteries are quite easy to find. They come in a variety of sizes suitable for almost all types of hearing aids and can be easily purchased in supermarkets, pharmacies, or online.
Historically, hearing aid batteries contained mercury, but today zinc-air batteries are much more common (and much safer). These batteries are activated by oxygen and do not work until the tab on the back has been removed. This tab helps preserve the charge, but the battery starts to discharge, even unused, as soon as the tab is no longer in place.
Advantages of Disposable Hearing Aid Batteries
Disposable batteries are very accessible and can be easily purchased in supermarkets, pharmacies, or online.
Unlike many rechargeable batteries, disposable hearing aid batteries can be changed by the user themselves as needed.
Disposable hearing aid batteries can be replaced anywhere when they run out, and this type of hearing aid does not require traveling with a charger.
Disadvantages of Disposable Hearing Aid Batteries
Disposable batteries need to be changed every few days: the unit cost therefore quickly adds up. A rough estimate suggests that hearing aids consume about 100 disposable batteries per year.
Hearing aid batteries are tiny, and it can be difficult and tedious to change them on the go. This is even more complicated for people with vision or dexterity problems, especially in busy or poorly lit places.
Disposable batteries lose efficiency as they approach the end of their life, which degrades listening quality at those times. Since they run out every few days, there are many opportunities for suboptimal hearing aid performance.
Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable hearing aid batteries are relatively new to the market, but they offer many improvements over disposable batteries. They are not without their flaws, but they offer more practicality, durability, and ease of use. The three most common types of rechargeable batteries found in hearing aids are nickel-metal hydride batteries, silver-zinc batteries, and lithium-ion batteries.
Nickel-metal hydride batteries offer the lowest amount of energy and are, therefore, the least common of the three, as modern hearing aids often require more power than they can provide. They remain a viable option for people who only use their hearing aids for a few hours a day but are less suitable for those who depend on them all day. Even if they sometimes last less than a year, they are a reliable and inexpensive solution and can remain a worthwhile investment for occasional users who wish to limit regular battery changes.
Silver-zinc batteries are next in frequency and are ideal for those who wear their hearing aids for long periods and therefore need more autonomy. These batteries offer very high power output and are as stable as lithium-ion and nickel-metal hydride cells. One of their great assets is that they are easily transportable and degrade less after repeated recharges; they will still need to be replaced every few years.
Lithium-ion batteries are extremely common in hearing aids and often equip compact, power-hungry digital devices. They are the newest of the three: they offer long autonomy in a small format and can last almost 6 years. Like silver-zinc batteries, they are perfect for people who use their hearing aids regularly and need a charge that lasts.
Advantages of Rechargeable Hearing Aid Batteries
Most rechargeable hearing aids can be worn all day without needing to be recharged (CLARIA's EV1 and EV3 both offer 20 hours of autonomy).
These batteries are easily recharged overnight and are ready to use in the morning, like a phone or most everyday electronic devices.
Even if the initial cost is higher, you will eventually save money over the years by not having to replace batteries every few days.
Fewer battery changes mean less waste. Disposable battery hearing aids can require more than 300 batteries in 3 years. Most rechargeable batteries last at least 3 years, if not longer.
Disadvantages of Rechargeable Hearing Aid Batteries
Many rechargeable batteries can only be replaced by the manufacturer or distributor. Even if this only happens every few years, the situation can be frustrating for some.
When traveling, you will need to bring a charger to ensure your hearing aids are charged and ready to use. Most rechargeable hearing aids come with simple charging solutions.
Rechargeable batteries are not available in all sizes and are not compatible with all hearing aids, which limits the choice of devices.
Rechargeable batteries require a larger initial investment, which can be a problem for people looking for hearing aids on a tight budget.
CLARIA Rechargeable Hearing Aids
In many ways, from the convenience of not having to change batteries every few days to waste reduction, rechargeable hearing aid batteries clearly emerge as the better option compared to disposable batteries. That said, the higher initial cost can be a real and significant barrier for people looking to purchase hearing aids on a limited budget. The good news is that affordable hearing aids are available that offer the practicality of rechargeable batteries at an accessible price.
CLARIA currently offers two affordable hearing aid models that meet the needs of many users, at a much lower price than what is found at an audiologist. The EV1 hearing aid is CLARIA's most economical option. Not only is it 100% rechargeable, but it also offers 20 hours of autonomy, allowing it to last all day on a single charge. The EV3 hearing aid is slightly higher in price but remains affordable. It offers a more compact format than the EV1, with even more features: wireless charging, Clear Sound+, and enhanced comfort.
If the cost of rechargeable hearing aid batteries is a concern for you as a consumer, it may be worth looking into these two models on claria.com.
Conclusion
There are many factors to consider when deciding which type of hearing aid battery is right for you. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, but the overall practicality of rechargeable batteries should not be overlooked. Despite a higher initial cost for rechargeable batteries, the benefits are considerable, not to mention the savings made over the years by not having to buy batteries. Add to that economical options like those offered by CLARIA, and rechargeable hearing aid batteries become a very compelling alternative.
Each person has their own needs, but it can be safely stated that rechargeable hearing aid batteries are not of lower quality than disposable batteries: they have much to offer.
