Hearing Aid Battery Application
A large number of hearing aids on the market still rely on traditional disposable zinc-air batteries, which are costly, require frequent replacement, and are not environmentally friendly. With the advancement of miniature lithium-ion battery technology, more and more high-end hearing aid brands are adopting rechargeable solutions.
Hearing Aid Battery Guide | How to Choose the Battery for Hearing Aid?
1、What is a hearing aid battery?
2、What are the basic requirements for hearing aid batteries?
2.1 High energy density
Users typically wear hearing aids for more than 10 hours a day. If the battery cannot provide sufficient runtime, frequent replacements or recharging will be required, negatively affecting the user experience.
2.2 Customizable size
Hearing aids are designed to be compact, which means the battery must have extremely tight dimensional tolerances to perfectly fit the battery compartment. Even millimeter-level deviations may prevent proper installation.
2.3 Low leakage and high safety
Because hearing aids are worn close to the ear canal, any electrolyte leakage can cause burns or infections. Therefore, the battery must use safe and stable packaging designs and corrosion-resistant materials. In addition, hearing aid batteries must pass safety tests such as thermal shock, short circuit, compression, and impact.
2.4 Support for high-rate discharge
Modern hearing aids often include Bluetooth, wireless connectivity, and app interaction features, which increase the instantaneous discharge current. As such, the battery must offer strong rate performance to support these functions.
2.5 Long cycle life
Hearing aids are high-value devices, and users expect consistent performance without frequent battery replacement. A qualified hearing aid battery should support 300–500 full charge and discharge cycles.
In addition, hearing aid batteries must meet specific medical certifications and safety testing standards, such as UN38.3, RoHS, and CE. In summary, these batteries are not just technical components—they are part of a wearable health device, and therefore must meet far stricter requirements for performance, safety, and reliability than typical consumer electronics batteries.
3、Common Types of Hearing Aid Batteries and Their Comparison
Based on power supply method, hearing aid batteries are mainly divided into disposable batteries (such as zinc-air batteries) and rechargeable batteries (such as lithium-ion batteries). Common size codes follow international standards and include types 10, 13, 312, and 675. Smaller in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids typically use size 10 or 312 batteries, while behind-the-ear (BTE) or high-power devices tend to prefer the larger size 13 or 675 batteries.
| Battery Type | Chemistry | Rechargeable | Common Models | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Zinc-Air Battery |
Zn–O₂ |
No |
Size 10 (Yellow), 312 (Brown), 13 (Orange), 675 (Blue) |
Low unit cost, standardized sizes, widely compatible |
Highly affected by humidity and temperature; prone to leakage or swelling; requires frequent replacement |
|
Lithium-Ion Battery |
Li-ion |
Yes |
101015 |
High energy density, customizable sizes |
High development cost |
|
Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery |
NiMH |
Yes |
Size 13, 312 |
Safe and stable |
Low energy density, bulky; not suitable for modern compact hearing aids |
|
Silver-Zinc Battery |
Ag–Zn |
Yes |
CR2450 |
High energy density, excellent safety performance |
Low market acceptance, expensive |
4、Why Are More and More Hearing Aids Choosing Lithium-Ion Batteries?
As the hearing aid industry advances toward greater intelligence, miniaturization, and wireless functionality, the limitations of traditional disposable batteries—in terms of battery life, environmental impact, and operational convenience—are becoming increasingly apparent. Lithium-ion batteries, as the most promising rechargeable power solution today, are gradually becoming the mainstream choice for high-end hearing aids. This trend is driven not only by technological advancements but also by evolving user needs. Lithium-ion batteries have emerged as the preferred power source for modern hearing aids due to the following five key advantages:
4.1 High User Demand for Battery Life and Convenience
Hearing aid users—especially the elderly—often face challenges such as declining vision and reduced hand dexterity. Traditional zinc-air batteries are small and difficult to install, requiring replacement every 3 to 7 days. This frequent replacement process can be inconvenient, prone to mistakes (such as reversed polarity or dropping the battery), and may result in unexpected power loss and interrupted communication.
In contrast, lithium-ion batteries offer the benefits of being rechargeable, supporting fast charging, and providing extended runtime. Many models now support “3 hours of charging for a full day of use,” and some even include wireless charging bases, significantly simplifying daily operation. Users can simply place their hearing aids on the charging base each night—much like charging a smartphone—greatly enhancing the overall experience.
4.2 Smart Features Require Higher Power Support
Modern hearing aids are no longer just sound amplifiers. They now integrate Bluetooth communication, app control, environmental sound recognition, noise suppression, and voice enhancement technologies. These features place greater demands on the battery’s load response and stable power output.
While zinc-air batteries have high energy density, they struggle to maintain stable high-power output and are slow to respond to sudden current demands. Lithium-ion batteries, on the other hand, provide a stable voltage platform and strong discharge performance, enabling continuous Bluetooth connectivity and the smooth operation of smart components.
4.3 Environmental Regulations and Sustainability Pressures
Globally, more countries are tightening controls on electronic waste. Regions such as the EU and the U.S. have introduced stricter environmental regulations regarding the use and disposal of disposable batteries. The rechargeable nature of lithium-ion batteries significantly reduces replacement frequency and waste volume, aligning with today’s sustainability goals and regulatory trends.
4.4 Higher Customization and Structural Integration
Zinc-air batteries are available only in standard sizes, offering little flexibility for custom-fit hearing aids. Lithium-ion batteries, however, support a variety of form factors—such as pouch cells, cylindrical cells, and button cells—and can be deeply customized to match the internal structure of the hearing aid, enabling optimal integration of performance and physical design.
For instance, in-the-ear (ITE) or completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids require ultra-thin batteries—lithium polymer pouch cells can be made thinner than 3mm. For behind-the-ear (BTE) devices, larger-capacity lithium batteries can be embedded to provide longer battery life.
4.5 Lower Total Cost of Ownership
Although the upfront development and procurement cost of lithium-ion batteries is higher than that of zinc-air batteries, their rechargeable nature means significantly fewer replacements over time, resulting in much lower maintenance and operational costs. For users with severe hearing loss or long daily usage, lithium battery systems are clearly more cost-effective. Additionally, reducing the need to frequently open and close the battery compartment helps minimize wear on the device, extending its service life and ultimately improving product reliability and customer satisfaction.
5、How to Choose the Right Hearing Aid Battery Supplier?
In today’s increasingly competitive hearing aid market, the battery—as a core component—directly impacts the end user’s experience and the brand’s reputation. Therefore, when selecting a battery supplier, hearing aid manufacturers must evaluate suppliers comprehensively from the following key aspects:
5.1 Product Quality and Consistency Are Fundamental
Hearing aid batteries require extremely high precision in size, voltage stability, and consistency. Even minor variations can lead to device incompatibility, sudden shutdowns, or reduced battery life. Poor consistency control or insufficient cycle life can result in mass failures, leading to user complaints and large-scale returns. A qualified battery supplier should demonstrate the following capabilities:
Full traceability of raw materials (anode, cathode, separator, electrolyte);
Controlled production processes to ensure uniform internal resistance, voltage, and capacity across cells;
Complete quality inspection reports, including safety and storage test data for both cells and finished PACKs.
5.2 Customization and Differentiation Capability
Modern hearing aids are trending toward miniaturization, comfort, and integration of smart features. Batteries are no longer “standard components” but must be deeply customized to fit the device’s internal structure, power demands, and wireless module layout. A qualified supplier should be able to:
Offer customized sampling based on the specific battery requirements of the product;
Provide one-on-one engineering collaboration for co-development;
Support fast turnaround on small batch samples.
5.3 Delivery Capability
With hearing aid sales growing rapidly, battery suppliers must have flexible production capacity and reliable delivery systems to ensure supply continuity and avoid disruptions to final product shipments. A reliable battery supplier should maintain long-term, stable raw material channels to reduce risks related to upstream price hikes or material shortages.
5.4 Technical R&D Strength
Hearing aid manufacturing is a highly specialized field within precision electronics, where product iterations happen quickly. Lithium-ion batteries, as critical components, must also keep pace with cutting-edge technology. Therefore, when selecting a qualified battery supplier, it is essential to assess the company’s R&D capabilities, including their technical team structure, investment in research, and their knowledge of emerging battery technologies and innovations.
6、What Are the Signs That a Hearing Aid Battery Is Running Low?
- Abnormal Sound Output: This is one of the most common indicators. When the battery is low, the hearing aid may stop producing sound entirely. In some cases, the volume may decrease, previously clear audio may become distorted or fuzzy, or background noise may increase. These issues are typically caused by insufficient battery power, which leads to voltage drops and affects the hearing aid’s normal operation.
- Automatic Shutdown: If the hearing aid powers off by itself and cannot be restarted, it is likely that the battery is depleted or has been damaged due to prolonged use.
- Low Battery Alerts: Most hearing aids are equipped with low battery warning systems. When the battery level falls below a certain threshold, the device may emit a beeping sound or a voice prompt to alert the user that the battery is running low and needs to be replaced promptly.
- Indicator Light Changes: Many hearing aids feature a front-facing LED indicator light that turns red to signal low battery. In some models, different blinking patterns of the LED can also help users identify varying levels of battery charge.
7、What Should You Pay Attention to When Replacing a Hearing Aid Battery?
- Keep Hands Clean and Dry:
Before replacing the battery, make sure your hands are clean to prevent oils or dirt from clogging the battery’s air holes or damaging the hearing aid. Hands must also be dry—moisture can cause the battery to short-circuit or become damaged. - Properly Activate the Battery:
Most hearing aids use zinc-air batteries. After removing a new battery from its packaging, allow it to be exposed to air for activation. Peel off the protective sticker and let the battery sit for 3–5 minutes. This gives enough time for air to reach the battery’s interior and fully activate it. Once activated, the battery will begin discharging. - Pay Attention to Polarity (+/–):
Batteries are marked with “+” and “–” symbols indicating the positive and negative terminals. The hearing aid’s battery compartment will also have corresponding markings. When inserting a new battery, ensure the positive end (+) faces the correct direction. Reversing the polarity may prevent the device from working or damage the battery compartment. - Remove the Old Battery Carefully:
When opening the battery door, use your fingers rather than fingernails or sharp objects, to avoid damaging the compartment. If the battery is small or difficult to handle, consider using a magnetic tool that often comes with hearing aid accessories to safely remove it. Never leave a depleted battery inside the device, as it may leak and damage internal components. - Avoid Dropping the Battery:
Replace the battery on a clean surface such as a table, soft cloth, or carpeted area. You may also do it on a sofa or another soft surface to prevent the hearing aid or battery from being damaged if dropped. For elderly users, wearing reading glasses during the process is recommended to avoid incorrect placement due to poor vision. - Store Batteries Properly:
Used batteries should be placed in a designated container and disposed of promptly—do not mix old and new batteries. Unused batteries should be stored in a cool, dry place and kept out of reach of children and pets. Avoid stockpiling large quantities, as improper storage or long-term exposure may cause batteries to become unusable or expire.
8、How to Make Hearing Aid Batteries Last Longer?
To extend the lifespan of your hearing aid batteries, consider the following tips:
- Turn Off When Not in Use:
Switch off your hearing aid when it’s not in use to avoid unnecessary power drain. - Remove the Battery Overnight:
If you won’t be using your hearing aid for an extended period, remove the battery to prevent leakage and damage to the device. Keep Dry:
Store both the hearing aid and battery in a dry environment. Moisture can shorten battery life and lead to corrosion.Avoid High Temperatures:
Heat accelerates battery drain. Do not leave your hearing aid in hot environments such as in direct sunlight, near heaters, or inside parked cars.- Clean Regularly:
Keep your hearing aid—especially the battery compartment—clean. Dirt and debris can interfere with battery performance and increase power consumption. - Use the Right Battery Type:
Always use batteries that are compatible with your specific hearing aid model to ensure optimal performance. - Choose High-Quality Batteries:
Use batteries from reputable brands. They tend to offer better consistency, longer life, and safer operation. - Lower the Volume:
Reducing the volume when possible can significantly extend battery life. - Disable Wireless Features When Not Needed:
Turn off Bluetooth or other wireless features when they’re not in use to reduce battery drain. - Inspect Regularly:
Check the battery compartment and contact points regularly to ensure there is no corrosion, damage, or poor contact that could affect battery efficiency.
9、Which Manufacturers Specialize in the R&D and Production of Hearing Aid Batteries?
FAQs About Hearing Aid Battery
Can hearing aid batteries be replaced?
Most hearing aid batteries are replaceable. Disposable zinc-air batteries require manual replacement, while hearing aids with built-in lithium batteries are typically recharged and should not be opened or replaced by the user.
How long does a hearing aid battery last?
Battery life depends on the battery type and the power consumption of the hearing aid. Different battery models have different durations:
Size 10 batteries last about 3–5 days
Size 312 batteries last about 5–8 days
Size 13 batteries last around 10 days
Size 675 batteries last up to 15 days
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries usually last 24–36 hours per charge.
Are hearing aids with lithium-ion batteries safe?
Yes, as long as the lithium battery is designed by a reputable manufacturer and has passed safety tests such as UN38.3 and IEC62133, it is considered safe. These batteries typically include multiple protection circuits and are widely used in high-end smart hearing aids.
Which type of battery is suitable for my hearing aid?
In-the-ear (ITE) and completely-in-canal (CIC) devices typically use size 10 or 312 zinc-air batteries or custom lithium batteries. Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids usually use size 13 or 675 batteries, or larger capacity lithium batteries. Always refer to your device manual or battery compartment markings for specific guidance.
Are batteries affected by heat or humidity?
Yes. Zinc-air batteries are prone to leakage in humid conditions, and lithium batteries may experience thermal runaway under high temperatures. It’s recommended to keep hearing aids away from bathrooms, saunas, or direct sunlight, and store them in a dry environment.
📌 Tip:
For professional Hearing Aid Battery customization or replacement solutions, feel free to contact the IrayEnergy engineering team. We’re here to provide efficient, reliable, and high-performance power solutions!
