8 Benefits of Rechargeable Hearing Aids
The first hearing aids did not require batteries at all. They were called ear horns and basically were funnels for the ear - scooping up and concentrating as much available sound as possible as you held it up to your "good ear". Fortunately, technology has progressed leading to electrical devices for hearing improvement and their ability to be powered by batteries. And just like the vast improvements that have come with newer digital hearing aids, the latest evolution in power is the use of rechargeable batteries. Here we list 8 benefits of using hearing aids with rechargeable internal batteries instead of the older zinc-air disposable powered devices of yesteryear.
1. Stable performance
For people living in cold areas, rechargeable hearing aids are the better choice. Because of their chemical make-up, zinc-air batteries are very challenged in colder temperatures. And especially in dry and low temperature environments, the zinc based battery starts to consume too much power, causing the hearing aid to behave unstably and causing intermittent or poor quality sound. In comparison, the lithium used in rechargeable batteries performs much better in low temperatures.
2. Environmental protection and safety
Lithium battery rechargeable hearing aids avoid the unpleasant risks of a leakage event that sometimes befall disposable batteries when the internal chemicals leak. How many times was a remote or flashlight ruined by the leaked (and corrosive) chemicals of a cheap disposable battery? The other aspect of not having disposable batteries filled with volatile chemicals to deal with is that you don't need to worry about how to dispose of them. Let's be honest, they usually end up in the trash, which means they are in a landfill somewhere leaching those very chemicals into the ground. So another big win for using rechargeable hearing aids is that it's better for the environment!
3. Easy to operate
Disposable batteries are very small and can be easily dropped or lost when being replaced. Making this worse is that our visual acuity and dexterity become diminished as we get older. The is a frequent pain point for users because these disposable batteries typically need to be replaced 7-10 days. The solution? No disposable batteries! Instead, pick up a pair of rechargeable hearing aids that automatically charge in their storage case.
4. Affordable and convenient
The ongoing cost and effort (many say "hassle") to replace disposable batteries becomes no small burden. Why not make life with hearing aids as easy and low cost as possible? If we do the math, we can see that rechargeable hearing aids are the cost-effective solution to a simpler life.
5. Safe and secure
Disposable hearing aid batteries have to be stored (and located). And if you are traveling, it's yet another hassle to manage. On top of that, they can inadvertently be swallowed by pets or young children, posing a different kind of safety hazard. If you have pets or toddlers in your home at anytime, rechargeable hearing aids are your best choice.
6. Portable and efficient
What happens when you are out visiting with a friend, and your hearing aid suddenly loses power? If you don't happen to be carrying extra batteries then you may be in pickle. If you love the outdoors or travel frequently, rechargeable hearing aids are definitely your best companion. Just charge the rechargeable hearing aid every night before going to sleep and you are ensured to have a full day's worth of power the next day.
7. More energy efficient
Lithium batteries are touted as much more energy efficient (greater capacity) than the very archaic zinc-air battery. In fact, zinc-air batteries will continue to discharge even if not being used (this is why they are sealed in the package with tiny little sticker labels covering the contact points). And if you use Bluetooth for audio transmission, the disposable battery will deplete even faster than a rechargeable lithium battery.
8. The shape is more unique
Lithium batteries can be molded into various shapes and therefore lend themselves to more variety of sizes and shapes of devices. Modern hearing aids take advantage of this and come in more slim and appealing designs, allowing for a greater palette of stylish choices for today's users.