What Are the Best Rechargeable Hearing Aids?

Hearing aid batteries always seem to run low at the most inconvenient times. If you’re used to having a stash of spare hearing aid batteries at home, work and in the car, you’ll be pleased to learn more about new rechargeable hearing aids. 

Advances in hearing technology mean hearing aid wearers no longer must use disposable batteries in their devices. With rechargeable hearing aids, you can simply charge your hearing devices when you need to and look forward to a hassle-free experience. 

To find the best rechargeable hearing aids for you, look at the features you need to take into consideration the next time you’re choosing a hearing aid.

Type of battery

Not all rechargeable batteries are the same. Rechargeable hearing devices commonly use either a silver-zinc battery or a lithium-ion battery. Silver-zinc batteries were the first on the market, so if you were an early wearer of rechargeable hearing aids, this is probably what you were using. However, silver-zinc batteries can degrade over time, which could affect the lifespan of your hearing aid.

Lithium-ion batteries are newer and used in a range of tech, including smartphones and laptops. Although they were typically bigger than silver-zinc alternatives, lithium-ions are far smaller, which means they’re ideal for hearing devices. 

Both types of batteries are certainly suitable to be used in rechargeable hearing aids, but you might find hearing devices fitted with lithium-ion batteries last a little longer. 

Usage Time

One of the most important features to assess when comparing rechargeable hearing aids is how long usage you get out of them from a single charge. Some devices claim to offer a full day’s usage based on one charge, but this will depend on how many hours you wear your hearing aids for so you cannot necessarily rely on it. 

The usage time may also depend on the features you use while you’re wearing your hearing aids. If you’re simply using them amplify sounds, the charge may last for longer than if you’re using Bluetooth connectivity. By discussing your usage with your audiologist, you can determine what level of usage time devices can offer and decide which hearings aids are right for you. 

Charging Time

The amount of time it takes to charge your hearing aids is also a critical factor in finding the right model for you. Some devices offer super-fast charging, which means your hearing aids will be ready to use at full power more quickly. 

It’s also important to note how much usage you’ll get out of half battery life and even a quarter of battery life. Some batteries deplete more quickly when they’re not fully charged, so be sure to double-check when choosing new hearing devices. 

Charger Options

When you order rechargeable hearing aids, your devices will usually come with a charger. However, some brands have a range of chargers to choose from. Super-fast chargers may be available, but you’ll usually need to purchase these separately. Similarly, some devices are compatible with mobile charging options, while others need a fixed power source. 

Depending on your needs and lifestyle, you may want to select rechargeable hearing aids that offer a range of charging solutions. 

Additional features

Hearing aids that are rechargeable make wearing hearing devices even more convenient but there are other features to consider as well. When choosing your next hearing devices, be sure to look at the device as a whole and assess whether it’s got all the features you’re looking for. 

You may be willing to forego some features in order to use a rechargeable device but other features may be more important to you than the type of batteries you use. Fortunately, advancing technology means an increasing number of hearing aid models are combining rechargeable batteries with a wide range of features, such as Bluetooth connectivity and automatic smartphone pairing. This means wearers can access a wide array of features when wearing rechargeable hearing aids. 

Finding the best rechargeable hearing aids for you

When choosing any type of hearing device, it’s always advisable to seek professional advice. By consulting with your audiologist, you can ensure you’re wearing hearing aids that are suited to your needs. Not all hearing aids are appropriate for all types of hearing loss, for example, so it’s important to work with your audiologist to find the best solution. 

To learn more about rechargeable hearing aids and what they mean for wearers, contact The Hearing Clinic at Woodlake now at (612) 246-4868.