Recycling Your Old Hearing Aid Batteries
By Jon Holt on February 27, 2020
A challenging aspect of adapting to your new hearing aids is the batteries that power them. Not only are they small and can be lost easily, but they also need to be replaced routinely. How long they work depends on the size of the battery, power level of your hearing aids, and if you are using wireless features.
On average, a size 10 battery will last three to five days a size 312 for seven to 10 days a size 13 will last ten to fourteen days and a size 675, the biggest battery, should run for anywhere from two weeks to seventeen days. Because you are regularly replacing your hearing aid batteries, you may be tempted to throw the used button cell or zinc-air batteries into the trash. While convenient, tossing these tiny batteries into your trash may harm the environment.
Don’t throw away old batteries – Zinc-air batteries found in most hearing aids use air as an energy source and come in a variety of sizes. Be mindful when disposing of these, as well as other hearing aid batteries, as zinc-air batteries contain zinc, which should never be tossed in with household waste.
Recycle your old batteries – A far better option is to recycle your batteries. Most municipalities have drop-off centers with recycling drop-off boxes for used batteries. The batteries will then be processed, and the toxic metals removed and sold for re-use in various industries.
Batteries And The Environment: How To Dispose Of Batteries
The average person throws away 8 batteries per year. Collectively, we dispose of over 3 billion batteries annually in the United States. According to Science Direct, the UK, with one-fifth of the US population, generates 30,000 tons of wasted general purpose batteries annually. Less than 23 percent of them are recycled. The interaction of the chemical constructs of these wasted batteries poses a threat to the environment.
The availability of the nickel metal hydride battery played a crucial role in facilitating Europes banning of the nickel-cadmium battery in the EECs Battery Directive of 2009. Nickel-cadmium batteries along with lead-acid batteries currently represent the greatest environmental threat from energy storage devices. Lithium batteries are, to the surprise of some, quickly following suit. Lithium-ion batteries may be only mildly toxic, but factors including their size, sheer number, and their improper disposal, contribute to their addition to the list of polluting battery chemistries.
To be clear, the problem is not a particular battery chemistry. The issue is its disposal.
Lets take a brief look at the recycling of different chemistries and their recycling issues. At the end of this post, we will provide some practical battery recycling takeaways.
Proper Disposal Of Batteries
To safely dispose of batteries with lithium or batteries of greater than 9 volts, put clear packing, masking or electrical tape on the batteries terminals or sandwich the batteries between two layers of tape . These batteries should be placed in a container separate from other batteries that dont require being taped.
Residents are asked to tape lithium-based batteries as well as batteries of greater than 9 volts so they dont cause a fire while being transported to a recycling center. Most commonly used batteries A, AAA, C, D, 6-volt and 9-volt dont need to be taped unless their packaging identifies them as lithium-based. Lithium-based batteries are most commonly found in cell phones, digital cameras and laptops. Also, hearing aids, watches and keyless remotes typically involve button cells, containing lithium. Similarly, cordless power tools use battery packs that are greater than 9 volts and/or lithium-based.
Batteries pose a special issue since they may contain harmful metals that can be dangerous to the environment and toxic to humans and animals.
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Storing Your Disposable Hearing Aid Batteries Safely
Now that you know, you can see why its important to keep your hearing aid batteries safe from little hands or inquisitive pets. If you have small children or animals in your house, its important to find a safe place to store your batteries. Here are some dos and donts:
- DO invest in a container with a snap-tight lid. Store it on a shelf in a closet which has a door you keep shut
- DO store your batteries at room temperature. Heat shortens battery life and, contrary to popular opinion, battery life is not extended by storing them in the refrigeration
- DONT store batteries next to metal objects, such as coins and keys. These are common items found in pant pockets and purses
- DONT store your batteries with your medications. Many pills are the same size and shape as hearing aid batteries. Many cases of accidental battery poisoning have occurred from people who mistakenly ingested a hearing aid battery while taking their daily medications
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.
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How Often Should You Replace Hearing Aid Batteries
How often you replace your hearing aid batteries will depend on a number of things like how long you use your hearing aids each day, the type of hearing aids you have, and the type of batteries you use. Have a look at the table below to get an idea of the typical lifespan of hearing aid batteries, as well as some handy tips about how to preserve battery life.
Hearing aid battery prices
Specsavers hearing aid batteries are available in four sizes 10, 312, 13, and 675. Each size comes in a pack of 60, for only £11.99. So far so good. Even better, you can get your batteries delivered right to your door. Just choose your size and well do the rest.
When you buy your hearing aids at Specsavers, youll get four years worth of hearing aid batteries included, as well as other great benefits as part of our hearing aid package.
Hearing Aid Batteries: History Lifespan Storage Disposal
With our winter hearing aid battery sale coming to an end soon , we thought a post about hearing aid batteries would be quite timely. Although small in size, there is plenty to be discussed in regards to hearing aids batteries, so for this post we are keeping it to a short history, lifespan, storage, and disposal.
In the 1930s and 1940s hearing aids needed two batteries that were worn on the body of the user. The batteries used at that time could weigh more than two pounds and were inefficient. The 1950s brought the introduction of transistors, which allowed for a much smaller battery to be used in hearing aids. The silver-oxide battery and mercury battery became the choice for hearing aids. In the 1970s, the hearing aid industry saw the development of the zinc-air button battery. A zinc-air battery offered twice the battery life of its button battery predecessors. Currently, zinc-air batteries are the primary power source for hearing aids. Zinc-air batteries require a constant source of oxygen to stay fully functional once activated by removing a sticker seal.
Hearing aid batteries typically have a long shelf life if stored properly. They come in the package with a sticker seal on them, which protects the zinc from oxygen. Once the sticker is removed, the battery becomes active. Waiting 2-5 minutes after pulling off the sticker before placing it in a hearing aid will allow the voltage to increase, providing a longer battery life.
Hearing Aid Battery Lifespan
Storage
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How To Get Rid Of Hearing Aid Batteries The Right Way
The sad fact is that even if you do everything right, your hearing aid batteries will not last forever. But when its time to replace your batteries, you shouldnt immediately throw them in the garbage. Hearing aid batteries are made from metals that can be toxic to the environment and should be disposed of carefully. Your best bet is to call your hearing specialist and find out if they have any battery recycling programs in place. If they dont you can call up your local township offices or even an electronics store to find out the best way to dispose of your hearing aid batteries. Whatever the case is, its important that you give some thought to your batteries before you throw them away.
Also consider getting a rechargeable hearing aid, which only requires a new battery about once a year.
Recycling For A Better World
At Hear for Less, we are committed to ensuring that we provide the most up to date information on recycling as possible.
No matter where you purchase your Hearing Aid Batteries from, at Hear for Less we urge you to do the right thing and recycle.
Recycling your Hearing Aid Batteries performs two key aspects.
1. Removing the batteries from your home means they are out of reach from both children and loved pets.
2. Recycling your batteries is a great way to show others that you care about the environment and our beautiful planet
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Calrecycle Public Service Announcements
Batteries: It’s so easy to recycle your batteries! Batteries are considered hazardous because of the metals and/or other toxic or corrosive materials they contain. Batteries are potentially a valuable source of recyclable metal. All batteries in California must be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste disposal facility, a universal waste handler, or an authorized recycling facility.
- Recycling is Easy:, 00:24
- Recycling 101:, 00:23)
Other Ways You Can Help
- Buy Rechargeable Batteries and a Battery Charger. Devices powered by ordinary AAA, AA, C, D, and 9-volt batteries can be powered by rechargeable batteries of those sizes.
- Look for Portable Electronic Devices that Do Not Use Batteries. Some devices instead use a capacitor that is recharged, typically by shaking the device or by normal use rather than batteries. See Alternative Power Products for details.
- Reduce. Use single-use batteries wisely to avoid unnecessary replacement and disposal.
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Talk To Local Electronics Retailers
Electronics retailers deal with a wide variety of used items, including batteries. Approach one of your local electronics retailers about recycling your hearing aid batteries. Since you are looking to discard them, you could hand them over at no cost. These retailers find legal ways to recycle batteries without causing harm to the environment. You could ask them to take you through their disposal or recycling methods.
Nickel Metal Hydride Battery Recycling
The rise of Ni-MH batteries to replace Ni-CD in Europe by mandate, and to supplant Ni-CD use in the US was propelled by its environmental friendliness. Although they are toxic, the milder toxicity of nickel metal hydride battery substances pales in comparison to that of nickel-cadmium batteries. This should not be construed to mean they should not be recycled. Any nickel-based battery should be taken to the designated recycling area or bin for recycling, or housed in a secure wall landfill according to the municipal ordinances established in your area however, in the absence or unavailability of disposal services, it is currently believed that less than ten individual batteries discarded along with household waste is currently environmentally tolerable.
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Where To Recycle Hearing Aid Batteries
The most challenging part of adapting is the batteries that power up your hearing aid. These hearing aid batteries are very small thats why they lost easily and also these batteries need to be changed regularly. Working time of batteries will depend upon the size, power level of hearing devices and also if you are using wireless features.
Now, the matter is what to do with the old batteries? Are you thinking to buy a new one or recycle it for further use? Well, its a very important fact that it highly depends on the material that is contained in the battery. Lets discuss how and when to recycle your hearing aid batteries.
You can purchase the latest hearing aids at a fair price through HearingSol, If you need more information or you have a query about Hearing Aid Batteries, just give us a call on +91-9899437202. We are always here to help you.
What To Do With Dead Hearing Aid Batteries
I have a question: what do you do with the sticky tabs youve removed from your fresh hearing aid batteries?
This question was on Facebook the other day but I didnt pause to read the responses. Now Im curious what do people do with them?
Someone told me that whenever she changes her battery, she puts the sticker on the calendar to give her an idea when the battery might gasp its last. But I dont use a paper calendar anymore and I cant think of another way to repurpose them. Once off the battery, theyre just colorful bits of uselessness.
And its not always easy getting rid of them they dont like to leave your fingers if you try to drop them in the garbage. I often just put them on the nearest stickable surface a piece of paper, the battery package, anything really with the intent of picking them off after Ive finished the battery-change operation. But I forget, and because I use two devices and a lot of batteries, these stickies turn up everywhere. Once I found a couple of orange tabs on my toothbrush handle.
What I usually do, though, is remove the sticky tabs from the fresh batteries and put them on the dead batteries. .
But theres a more important question than the sticky tabs. While you are doing the recommended 60-second wait before inserting your freshies into your hearing aids , thats a good time to dispose of the dead batteries. But how/where do you do this? One thing for sure:
Not. In. The. Garbage. Can.
Thank you.
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Look For Battery Recycling Programs
In your local area, you could find active battery recycling programs. These initiatives have drop-offs for people to get rid of their used batteries. These programs are from waste management officials. They see the need to separate these small batteries from the rest of the trash. Ask around your area for organized drop points for used hearing aid batteries. If you need further help, a member of our team can help you find a place to take your used batteries.
Dont Remove The Tab Until Youre Ready To Use The Batteries
Hearing aids take a unique type of battery known as a zinc-air battery. Each one has a plastic tab covering tiny holes on the top of the battery. Immediately after the tab is removed, air enters the holes and stimulates the zinc.
Once this takes place, the battery is active and the power will begin draining . Thats why you should pull the tab only if you plan on using the battery immediately.
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Which Are The Main Advantages Of The Power One Accu Plus Cells With Nimh Technology
These fast chargeable batteries are ecologically sound. By using our rechargeable button cells, you help to protect the environment. The rechargeable batteries do not contain any heavy metals like mercury, cadmium or lead. These high-performance NiHM batteries are characterized by their excellent reliability and quality without any memory effect. All power one batteries are made in Ellwangen/Germany and are subjected to strict safety and quality checks.
How To Get More Life Out Of Your Hearing Aid Batteries
A hearing aid battery can last anywhere from 3 days to 3 weeks, depending on the type of batteries and hearing aid youre using. That being said, there are a number of ways to get more life out of your hearing aid batteries.
Temperature and dryness are two of the biggest factors that impact the lifespan of hearing aid batteries. You should always aim to keep your hearing aid batteries at room temperature to get extra life out of them. When not in use, you should also leave the battery doors open on your hearing aids to keep the batteries dry and free from corrosion. A hearing aid dehumidifier is a safe place to keep your hearing aids while also getting rid of excess moisture, which will cause a lot of problems if allowed to go unchecked. If you dont plan on wearing your hearing aids for some time, you should remove the batteries from the hearing aid and keep them in a safe, dry space.
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Fees Warranties And Batteries
The fees charged by audioprothetists and recognized aid facilities are covered by the program when you purchase or replace a hearing aid or when you have it repaired. You have nothing to pay for these services when you are registered for the program. Nevertheless, you are responsible for the maintenance costs of your hearing aid, for instance, to have it cleaned and checked.
The warranty is valid for at least 1 year for a hearing aid. Audioprosthetists and recognized aid facilities can provide you with further information in this regard.
Batteries are covered when you purchase or replace a hearing aid. However, thereafter, you are responsible for the cost of replacement batteries.
What About The Batteries
Always allow your new batteries a few minutes in the air after removal of the sticker. Oxygen allows the new battery to activate, so dont rush things! Avoid storing your batteries in humid places and always keep your hearing aid and batteries dry. If you must get rid of your batteries, it is essential to know if the batteries contain mercury. If the label on your hearing aid packaging states that the batteries are mercury-free, you may dispose of your batteries along with the household waste. If mercury is present, a recycling center must dispose of the batteries. A hearing Healthcare professional will usually have both mercury and mercury-free batteries as some hearing aids do not work well with mercury-free batteries. Recycling your hearing aid batteries is an effective alternative. Most cities have drop-off boxes for used batteries. The Miracle-Ear Foundation accepts donations for its recycling program.When the time comes to dispose of used hearing aids, there are options available. You may choose to keep the used hearing aids and use them as a backup set for your new aids, donate them to a charitable program, or drop them off at a recycling center. Any of these choices beats throwing the hearing aids in the trash can.
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