The basic steps for changing a hearing aid battery
Most hearing aid batteries take less than a minute to swap out. Open the battery door on the back or side of the device, remove the old battery, and insert the new one with the flat side facing up. Close the door and wait a few seconds — many hearing aids beep or show a light to confirm power is on. The entire process requires only your fingers; no tools are needed.
Battery size varies by hearing aid model. Check your device manual or the battery compartment itself — the size is usually printed there as a number like 10, 13, 312, or 675. Buy the correct size before you need it, because an undersized battery will fall out and an oversized one will not fit.
If your hearing aid does not turn on after you close the battery door, the battery may be inserted backwards. Open the door again and flip it so the flat, printed side faces up. Some batteries also have a plastic tab you must remove before use — pull it out if you see one sticking from the battery compartment.
Key Takeaways
- Open the battery door, remove the old battery, insert the new one with the flat side up, and close the door — the whole process takes under a minute.
- Battery size is printed in your manual and usually on the compartment itself; buying the wrong size wastes money and leaves you without hearing.
- If the hearing aid does not power on, flip the battery so the flat side faces up, or remove a plastic tab if one is present.
- Hearing aid batteries last between three and ten days depending on size and how many hours you wear the device each day.
- Store unused batteries at room temperature in a dry place, and do not refrigerate them, because moisture damages the battery chemistry.
How long hearing aid batteries last
Battery life depends on the size of the battery and how many hours per day you wear your hearing aid. A size 10 battery (the smallest) typically lasts three to five days. A size 13 lasts five to seven days. A size 312 lasts seven to ten days. A size 675 (the largest) lasts ten to fourteen days. These are rough ranges — your actual battery life may be shorter if you use wireless features like Bluetooth streaming or if you wear your hearing aid sixteen hours a day instead of eight.
Mark your calendar or set a phone reminder for when you expect the battery to die. Most hearing aids give a warning beep or voice alert when the battery is low, usually a few hours before it stops working completely. This warning gives you time to change the battery before you are left without hearing in the middle of your day.
Storing batteries correctly so they last longer
Keep unused batteries in a cool, dry place at room temperature — a kitchen drawer or bathroom cabinet works fine. Do not store them in the refrigerator or freezer, because moisture and temperature swings damage the battery chemistry and shorten the lifespan of both used and unused batteries.
Keep batteries away from metal objects like coins or keys, because contact with metal can trigger the battery to drain even while it sits on the shelf. Store them in their original packaging or in a small plastic container with a lid. If you carry spare batteries in your purse or pocket, use a small case designed for battery storage rather than loose batteries that might touch other metal items.
Do not leave old batteries in your hearing aid for more than a few days after they die. A dead battery can leak and damage the battery compartment. Remove it as soon as you notice the hearing aid has stopped working, and dispose of it according to your local rules — many pharmacies and electronics stores take used hearing aid batteries for recycling.
What to do if the battery door is stuck or hard to open
If the door is stuck, do not force it — you can crack the plastic hinge. Gently wiggle the door back and forth while pulling, or try opening it at a slightly different angle. If it still will not budge, soak a cotton swab in warm water and run it along the seam where the door meets the body of the hearing aid. Let it sit for a minute, then try again.
For a door that is hard to open but not stuck, try using a small piece of cloth or a rubber grip pad to get better traction on the door. Some people find it easier to rest the hearing aid on a table and use both hands rather than holding it in one hand while pulling with the other. If the door remains difficult to open after several months of use, ask your hearing aid provider about having it serviced — the hinge may need adjustment or replacement.
Choosing between disposable and rechargeable hearing aids
Disposable batteries are the standard for most hearing aids. You buy them in packs of four, eight, or sixteen and change them yourself every few days. They cost between two and five dollars per battery depending on size and brand. The advantage is that you always have a spare on hand, and you never have to worry about forgetting to charge overnight.
Rechargeable hearing aids use a built-in battery that you charge in a case overnight, similar to charging a phone. You never buy replacement batteries, and the device is ready to wear each morning. Rechargeable models cost more upfront but save money over time if you wear hearing aids for many years. They are also easier for people with arthritis or limited hand strength, because there is no small battery door to open.
Some hearing aid models offer both options — you can use disposable batteries if you are traveling or forgot to charge, or switch to rechargeable mode at home. Ask your hearing aid provider which option is available for your specific model and whether switching between the two is possible.
Troubleshooting when a new battery does not work
If you insert a new battery and the hearing aid still does not turn on, first check that you removed the plastic tab from the battery. Some batteries have a small plastic pull-tab on the side that must be removed before the battery is active. If there is no tab, flip the battery and make sure the flat, printed side is facing up.
If the hearing aid still does not power on, the battery compartment may be dirty. Use a dry cotton swab to gently clean the metal contacts inside the compartment where the battery sits. Sometimes earwax or dust buildup prevents good contact between the battery and the device. Let the compartment dry completely before inserting a fresh battery.
If none of these steps work, the hearing aid itself may have a problem rather than the battery. Try a battery you know is good — borrow one from a friend's hearing aid if possible — to rule out a faulty battery. If the hearing aid still does not work with a known good battery, contact your hearing aid provider for service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any brand of hearing aid battery, or do I need the same brand as my hearing aid?
Any brand of the correct size works in any hearing aid. Hearing aid batteries are standardized, so a size 312 from one brand is chemically identical to a size 312 from another brand. Buy whatever brand is cheapest or most available in your area. Some people find certain brands last slightly longer, so you can experiment to find your preference.
What should I do with old hearing aid batteries?
Do not throw them in the trash. Hearing aid batteries contain mercury and are classified as hazardous waste in most places. Take them to a pharmacy, electronics store, or recycling center that accepts batteries. Many hearing aid providers also take old batteries back for recycling. Call ahead to confirm they accept hearing aid batteries before you visit.
Why does my battery die faster than the package says it should?
Battery life estimates assume average use — usually eight hours per day. If you wear your hearing aid more hours per day, use Bluetooth streaming, or have a more powerful hearing aid, the battery will drain faster. Cold weather also reduces battery life. If your battery is dying much faster than expected, ask your hearing aid provider to check whether the device is working correctly.
Is it okay to leave a dead battery in my hearing aid overnight?
No. A dead battery can leak and damage the battery compartment or the circuitry inside the hearing aid. Remove the dead battery as soon as you notice the hearing aid has stopped working, even if you do not have a replacement battery ready. Store the dead battery separately until you can recycle it.
Do hearing aid batteries expire if I do not use them?
Yes, but slowly. Hearing aid batteries have a shelf life of about three to four years if stored in a cool, dry place. Check the expiration date on the package before you buy, and use older batteries first. Batteries stored in warm or humid conditions expire faster, so keep them in a dry cabinet rather than a bathroom medicine cabinet.