The standard pull-tab method works for most hearing aid battery packs
Most hearing aid batteries come in a blister pack with a colored pull-tab on one side. To open the package, locate the tab — it is usually a small rectangular flap of foil or plastic that sticks out from the edge of the card. Grip the tab firmly between your thumb and forefinger and pull it straight away from the pack in one smooth motion. The tab should separate the foil backing from the plastic front, exposing the battery compartment.
Pull the tab slowly if you have limited hand strength or dexterity. A slow, steady pull is less likely to tear the foil unevenly or cause the battery to fall out. If the tab tears before the foil fully separates, you can peel the remaining foil away by hand, working from the torn edge.
Once the foil backing is removed, the battery sits in a plastic well. The battery has a clear plastic tab stuck to its flat side — this is the air-seal tab that keeps the battery inactive during storage. Do not remove this tab until you are ready to insert the battery into your hearing aid.
Key Takeaways
- The colored pull-tab on the edge of the battery pack opens the blister by separating the foil backing from the plastic front.
- Pull the tab slowly and steadily to avoid tearing the foil or dislodging the battery from its plastic well.
- The clear plastic tab on the battery itself should stay in place until you are ready to insert the battery into your hearing aid.
- If the pull-tab tears partway through, peel the remaining foil away by hand starting from the torn edge.
- Hearing aid batteries are small and straightforward to lose once removed from the pack, so open the package over a table or sink rather than over carpet.
What to do if the pull-tab is missing or damaged
Some battery packs arrive with a missing or torn pull-tab, especially if the package was dropped or sat in a warehouse for a long time. If the tab is gone or too damaged to grip, use your fingernail or a plastic tool to pry up the edge of the foil backing. Start at a corner of the pack and work your way around the perimeter, lifting the foil away from the plastic front.
A plastic spoon, old credit card, or plastic letter opener works well for this task. Avoid metal tools, which can puncture the foil and damage the battery inside. Once you have lifted one edge of the foil, you can usually peel the rest away by hand.
Removing the battery from the pack without dropping it
After the foil is removed, the battery sits in a recessed plastic well. The well has raised edges that help keep the battery in place. To remove the battery, tilt the pack so the battery slides toward the lower edge of the well, then use your fingertip or thumb to gently push the battery out from underneath.
Some people find it easier to invert the pack over their palm and let the battery roll into their hand. This method works well if you have steady hands but can result in the battery falling if you move too quickly. Open the pack over a table, sink, or towel so the battery does not roll away if it falls.
Handling the battery safely before insertion
Once the battery is out of the pack, the clear plastic tab on its flat side is still in place. This tab is the air-seal — it prevents oxygen from reaching the battery's chemical core, which keeps the battery inactive during storage. The moment you remove this tab, the battery begins to drain, even if it is not in your hearing aid.
Do not remove the air-seal tab until you are ready to insert the battery into your hearing aid. If you remove it by accident, the battery will still work, but it will drain faster than normal. Store the battery in a cool, dry place if you need to wait before using it.
The air-seal tab is small and thin. Grip it at the edge and pull it straight away from the battery. Some tabs are easier to remove if you use your fingernail to lift one corner first, then grip and pull.
Storing opened battery packs and leftover batteries
If you open a battery pack and do not use all the batteries right away, keep the remaining batteries in the plastic well with the foil backing still attached. The foil helps protect the batteries from moisture and air exposure. Store the pack in a cool, dry place — not in a bathroom where humidity is high, and not in direct sunlight.
Hearing aid batteries last longer in cool temperatures. A bedroom drawer, kitchen cabinet, or closet is ideal. Avoid storing batteries in the refrigerator, as condensation can damage them when they warm up to room temperature.
Troubleshooting common opening problems
If the foil tears into small pieces instead of separating cleanly, the pack may be old or the foil may have become brittle. Peel away the torn pieces carefully, working from the edges toward the center. Take your time — rushing increases the risk of tearing the plastic well or damaging the battery.
If the battery sticks to the plastic well and will not slide out, the well may be slightly warped or the battery may be sitting at an angle. Tilt the pack gently in different directions to loosen the battery, then try again. If the battery still will not move, use a plastic tool to gently pry it up from one edge.
If you cannot grip the pull-tab because your hands are weak or shaky, ask a family member or caregiver to open the pack for you. Alternatively, some pharmacies and hearing aid offices will open battery packs for customers who have difficulty with the task. Call ahead to ask whether this service is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open multiple battery packs at once and store them?
Yes, but only if you keep the air-seal tabs on the batteries. Once you remove the air-seal tabs, the batteries begin to drain. Store unopened packs in a cool, dry place, and open a new pack only when you are ready to use the batteries inside.
What if I accidentally remove the air-seal tab before inserting the battery?
The battery will still work, but it will drain faster than normal. Insert it into your hearing aid as soon as you can. If you need to wait, store the battery in a cool place and use it within a few days.
Is it normal for the foil to be hard to separate from the plastic?
Older packs or packs stored in very dry conditions sometimes have foil that sticks more tightly. Pull slowly and steadily rather than yanking. If the foil tears, peel the pieces away by hand. The battery inside is not damaged by torn foil as long as you do not puncture it.
Can I reuse the plastic battery well to store other small items?
Yes, the plastic wells are durable and can hold small objects. However, keep them separate from your hearing aid supplies so you do not accidentally confuse an empty well with a pack containing batteries.
Why does the battery pack have a colored pull-tab?
The color helps you identify the battery size at a glance. Different hearing aid sizes use different battery sizes, and each size has its own color code — for example, size 10 is yellow, size 312 is brown, size 13 is orange, and size 675 is blue. The color on the pull-tab matches the color on the battery itself.