How to change hearing aid batteries.

Are you wondering about changing your hearing aid batteries on your own? These simple steps make changing the batteries a bit less complicated.

First check if your hearing aids have rechargeable batteries – if so, you will have been issued with a charging dock and there will not be any way you can access the rechargeable battery inside.

For different manufacturers, styles and models, the steps involved in changing non-rechargeable hearing aid batteries will vary slightly and require you to know the correct battery size to use. There is a colour coded battery system so find out which colour your device requires from those initially included in your fitting kit or from your hearing clinic. 

Here are the basic steps for changing your hearing aid batteries yourself at home. 

How to change Behind-the-Ear (BTE) and Receiver in the Canal (RIC) hearing aid batteries¹

1. Fully open the battery door / drawer. Gently remove the old battery from the hearing aid. The magnetic tool provided in your hearing aid fitting kit will assist in removing your old battery and replacing it with a new battery. Pick up the new battery with clean hands.
2. Remove the battery from the sticker label in the packaging, finding the flat or smooth side of the battery that imprinted with a plus symbol: +
3. Insert the new battery into the battery drawer with the plus symbol + side aligned in accordance with the instructions of your hearing aid manufacturer. If you have accidentally put your battery in the wrong way, the battery door / drawer will not close easily.
4. Fully close the battery door / drawer. If you have inserted the battery correctly, some hearing aids will play a jingle through the earpiece. Hold the earpiece close to your ear or insert it straight away to hear the jingle².

Watch battery change video demonstration

How to change an ITE, ITC or CITE hearing aid batteries

Whether you have an In-The-Ear, In-The-Canal, or Completely-In-The-Canal hearing aids, they may appear slightly different, but the battery replacement steps remain the same.

1. To replace the battery, open the battery door, discard the used battery safely, and insert the new battery. 
2. Close the door firmly and listen for any whistling sounds by holding it in your partly closed hand. Now your hearing aids are now ready for use. 

How to open a hearing aid battery door / drawer

Opening a hearing aid battery door can sometimes be a little tricky. Most hearing aid battery doors / drawers have a small ledge or groove that can be pried open using your fingernail.
Opening your hearing aid battery door / drawer when your hearing aid is not in use is advised to preserve battery life². 

Knowing when your hearing aid battery is running low

Different hearing aids will have different indicator noises when the batteries need to be changed. Here are some basic signs that your hearing aid batteries might be losing power and will soon be completely flat.

1. Your hearing aid may give you a voice command when the battery is starting to run low. Change your battery when you hear the ‘low battery’ warning sound that is unique to your hearing aid.
2. Your hearing aid may ‘beep’ when the battery is starting to run low. Change your battery when you hear the ‘low battery’ warning sound that is unique to your hearing aid.

How long do hearing aid batteries last?

This depends on the type of hearing aid you have, whether you stream sound from other devices – like television or a smartphone – or use other hearing aid accessories. Typically, your hearing aid batteries will last between 3-10 days. You can extend the life of your hearing aid battery by switching off your hearing aid when it is not in use, and by partially opening the battery door / drawer at night to prevent battery drain².

It’s a good idea to have spare batteries on hand in case your hearing aid batteries run out. If you need to order more batteries for your hearing aids you can order hearing aid batteries here.

For assistance changing your hearing aid batteries

If you are having difficulty changing your hearing aid batteries, and you there’s no one who can currently assist you, please contact your local Audika Hearing Clinic for further assistance. 

WARNING New and used button/coin batteries are hazardous and should be kept away from children. Button/coin batteries can cause serious injuries if swallowed or placed inside any part of the body. Seek medical attention immediately if this is suspected.  The Australian Poisons Information Centre can be contacted 24/7 on 13 26 11 for fast, expert advice.

 


¹Consult your clinician or the instructions for use for your device for specific information and instructions on changing the battery in your hearing aids, as this may differ between manufacturers.  
²Oticon. ‘How to insert the battery in behind-the-ear hearing aids.’