+ We offer Mercury Free Zinc Air Hearing Aid Batteries

It’s green! As battery technology advances, the focus is on mercury free batteries. More and more countries are now legally required to use mercury free batteries, and the number is growing yearly. Mercury Free technology is State of the Art and the only battery fulfilling the new IEC Standard defined for streaming Hearing Instruments. A key parameter in the IEC Standard is 15 minute non-stop Streaming. During this 15 minutes, a very high current is drawn from the battery, if the battery is not specifically made for this purpose there is a high risk that the Hearing Instrument stops or is partially interrupted. Frequently Asked Questions

+ How are Mercury Free batteries different from standard batteries? How do they compare in performance?

The running time for Mercury Free and Standard batteries is equal when used within the same category of hearing instruments. Mercury Free cells are also more environmentally friendly because there is no mercury added to the cell.

The Mercury Free cells are developed for new requirements of hearing aids with wireless functionality.

Note: Be aware that for hearing instruments with wireless functions, battery life in general is shorter than it would be with a non-wireless hearing instrument. This is independent of battery composition (Mercury Free or Standard Zinc Air).

+ Can Mercury Free batteries be used in any hearing aid?

Yes.

+ Why do Zinc Air hearing aid batteries have a tab?

Zinc Air hearing aid batteries use air as an energy source, and the tab seals the air holes on the battery. Once the tab is removed, it takes approximately one minute before the hearing aid battery is fully activated/charged. At that point, the battery can be inserted into the hearing aid and the battery compartment can be closed. If not activated correctly, the battery can be damaged and will generate the Voltage level needed.

Please remember not to remove the tab before the hearing aid battery is to be used. Reattaching the tab will not prolong the running time of the battery.

+ How long is the Zinc Air battery's shelf life?

Our batteries have a minimum “shelf-life” of two years. However, this estimate cannot be guaranteed if the batteries were previously stored incorrectly.

+ How should hearing aid batteries be stored?

Optimal room storage temperature for storing hearing aid batteries is between 10 and 25°C. Heat may shorten the running time and a humid environment is not suitable for storage. Finally, avoid storing hearing aid batteries in the refrigerator.

Contact with metal objects such as keys or coins can cause a hearing aid battery to short-circuit; therefore, it is recommended to never carry individual batteries loose in a purse, wallet or handbag. Keep them in the original packaging.

+ What do I do if a battery is swallowed?

Hearing aid batteries, whether they are used or new, must be stored out of the reach of small children and pets to prevent them from swallowing a battery. If batteries are ingested, seek medical help immediately.

+ What are the various sizes of hearing aid batteries?

The standard sizes of the hearing aid batteries are 10, 13, 312 and 675. They are color-coded for easy identification:

size 10 “ Yellow size 312 “ Brown size 13 “ Orange size 675 “ Blue

+ How does a hearing aid battery deliver its best performance?

Protect the hearing aid battery air holes from moisture. If the battery gets wet due to sweating or other, dry it as soon as possible. Turn off your hearing aid when not in use to prolong the life of the battery.

+ How long does a hearing aid battery last?

The running time of the hearing aid battery depends on the hours of use per day, the amplification and the type/features of the hearing aid being used. Streaming has a direct influence on the life of a battery due to the high currents the Hearing Instrument draws in this mode. As the streaming mode is activated, running times of batteries vary depending on how often and how long streaming is active over the day.

+ How do I dispose of a used hearing aid battery?

Zinc Air button cell batteries are classified as non-hazardous waste. However it is recommended to bring the batteries to the common local collecting points for batteries to make sure they can be recycled.

+ When might a hearing aid battery expand or leak?

If the discharged battery is left in the hearing aid after end of life, humidity can influence the battery chemistry and lead to swelling, especially in extreme weather conditions such as a tropical environment. Once a battery is at the end of its life, it should be removed from the hearing aid.

+ Why does my hearing aid battery suddenly last a shorter time?

Short battery life is often due to:

• Environmental influences (e.g. humidity, temperature).
• Personal hearing habits have changed (longer period of use per day, higher noise level, new features of the hearing aid are being used).
• The hearing aid was in use longer than usual (e.g. night at the theater).
• The hearing aid is new, or the type or brand of the hearing aid has changed.
• The new hearing aid has additional features that require more energy, for example streaming.
• Improper handling can also reduce the life of the hearing aid battery, e.g.:
• The battery tab is removed and activation period was too short. It has to be 1 full minute or more before it is inserted into the hearing aid.
• The hearing aid is not turned off over night or after a long period of non-use.
• The battery loses capacity due to a short circuit when mishandled (e.g. through contact with metal objects).
• The battery is stored in a warm environment (e.g. in a parked car in the sun).

+ Why is my hearing aid not working despite having a new battery?

There could be several reasons for this. Here are some things to check:

• Not enough time for battery to be activated/charged after removal of the tab.
• Dented battery surface causes poor contact with battery terminal of the hearing aid.
• Battery is dead (even if it is brand new). This is very rare and can happen when not activated correctly.
• Dirt build-up on the battery terminal of the hearing aid causes poor contact.

If your hearing aid will not work properly after replacing the battery and changing the wax guard, contact our office for an appointment. We are here to help you.