Hearing aid batteries play an important role in helping your child hear and communicate effectively. Whether your child’s hearing aids use disposable button batteries or rechargeable technology, understanding how to safely manage and care for them can help keep your child safe and ensure their hearing aids work at their best.
Most traditional hearing aids use small zinc-air button batteries. These batteries are activated when the protective sticker is removed and typically last several days to a few weeks, depending on the hearing aid and how often it is used.
Hearing aid button batteries come in four standard disposable sizes:
Size 10 – Yellow
Size 13 – Orange
Size 312 – Brown
Size 675 – Blue
Many newer hearing aids contain built-in rechargeable batteries. The batteries are lithium-ion and last up to 5 years. These hearing aids are charged overnight using a charging station rather than requiring battery changes.
Your child’s audiologist can advise which option is most suitable for your child. At Hearing Australia, families with children under 5 years may be able to choose rechargeable hearing aids, where they are suitable for their child’s hearing needs, at no additional cost. Some families prefer hearing aids with disposable batteries because they are slightly smaller. Families with older children can also choose rechargeable hearing aids, with the main additional cost being the charger, which may be covered through NDIS funding if eligible.
Button batteries can be extremely dangerous if swallowed or inserted into the nose or ears. Serious injuries can occur within hours and require immediate medical attention.
When hearing aids are not being worn:
As children get older, teach them that batteries are not toys and should never be placed in their mouth, nose or ears.
Adults are responsible for storing and disposing of button batteries safely. As children grow, they can also learn an important safety rule: if they ever find a button battery, they should never touch it or put it in their mouth. They should tell a trusted adult straight away who can safely dispose of the battery.
If you suspect a child has swallowed or inserted a button battery:
Poisons Information Centre
13 11 26
24 hours a day, 7 days a week – Australia wide
Batteries come in packets with a removable tab. Once the tab is removed the battery becomes active, therefore avoid removing the tab unless intending to use the battery. When you do remove the sticker from a zinc-air battery, allow it to sit for about one minute before placing it in the hearing aid. This allows air to activate the battery and can improve battery performance.
Opening the battery door when the hearing aid is not being used can help reduce moisture build-up and preserve battery life.
Store batteries in a cool, dry place. Avoid refrigerators, hot cars and direct sunlight.
Use older batteries first and regularly check expiry dates when purchasing or storing spare batteries.
Your child may notice:
Many modern hearing aids emit a low battery warning tone before the battery is fully depleted. Take this tone as a cue to change the battery. If two hearing aids are worn simultaneously, it is advised to change both when warning tone is heard.
If the hearing aid is not working:
Even used batteries can remain dangerous.
Rechargeable hearing aids eliminate the need for regular battery changes and may be a good option for some families.
To keep rechargeable hearing aids working well:
NOTE: Talk to your child’s audiologist if you have questions about batteries, battery safety or hearing aid maintenance.
Hearing aid battery trick – video in ASL with captions showing easy way to test batteries.
