Button battery safety

June 27, 2026

Hearing aids use small button batteries, and these batteries can be extremely dangerous if swallowed or placed inside the body. Serious injuries can occur within hours, so it’s important to make button battery safety part of your family’s routine. The responsibility for safely storing and disposing of button batteries rests with adults.

Here are some tips for keeping your child or pet safe:

Store batteries securely. Keep new and spare batteries in their original packaging or a secure container, out of sight and reach of children and pets. Avoid leaving loose batteries in bags, drawers, pockets or on bench tops as these are accessible.
Change batteries carefully. Replace hearing aid batteries away from young children and immediately put used batteries somewhere safe for disposal.
Check the battery compartment. Make sure it closes securely. If it’s loose or damaged, arrange a replacement through your local Hearing Australia centre.
Teach older children about battery safety. Explain that button batteries are not toys and should never be put in their mouth, nose, or ears.
Store hearing aids safely. If hearing aids are removed, place them in a safe storage case out of reach of younger children and pets. Both hearing aids with button batteries and rechargeable hearing aids can be dangerous if swallowed.
Make safety checks part of your routine. When cleaning hearing aids or getting ready for school, check that batteries are secure and stored safely.
Dispose of batteries safely. Immediately cover used button batteries with sticky tape and place them out of reach of children and pets until they can be recycled or disposed of safely.
Know what to do in an emergency. If you think a child has swallowed or inserted a button battery, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

For 24/7 fast, expert advice, contact the Poisons Information Centre immediately on 131 126

Download the Real Life Tips infographic.

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