What To Do With Old Hearing Aid Batteries

Dont Remove The Tab Until Youre Ready To Use The Batteries

How to charge your battery free hearing aid || signia hearing aids

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.

How To Dispose Of Old Batteries The Right Way

By Meghan Paynter, February 27, 2018, original content posted here.

When a battery in your home dies, do you know the right way to get rid of it? Or even what the most sustainable option is?

With so many wireless electronics in your home, its important to know what to do with your dead batteries. This can vary based on what theyre used for. For instance, you should treat the batteries in your TV remote differently from the rechargeable ones in your laptop or digital camera since they could be both hazardous and illegal to throw away, depending on where you live. Keep reading for more details about the different types of household batteries and how to dispose of them.

Why Should You Donate Hearing Aids

According to the World Health Organization, roughly 466 million people have some degree of hearing loss. However, only 17% of the individuals that would benefit from hearing aids are using them. In addition, various reports state that hearing aid manufacturers are not creating enough hearing aids to satisfy the current needs.

Of the 466 million people in the world suffering from hearing loss, 83% are going untreated. This affects their daily lives regarding work, family life, social life, and much more.

When you want to donate your hearing aids, many organizations will use them to help individuals in need. For example, hearing aid donation, like lions club, uses their recycled hearing aids in an impactful manner.

The group partners with hearing professionals help provide refurbished hearing aids to those in need. In addition, it works with volunteers and teams of professionals to offer recycled hearing aids to large groups of people in need in developing nations.

The group also provides used and recycled hearing aids to various manufactures who sell them at a discounted price to those unable to meet the current price standards of new hearing aids.

Where Can I Recycle Hearing Aid Batteries

Hearing loss can exert a significantly adverse impact over your personal, professional and social well-being. Fortunately, can help those stricken with hearing loss overcome the problem or experience improved auditory skills. That said, most hearing devices operate on batteries. When the batteries run low or die, they need to be replaced with new ones and the old must be discarded.

Most hearing aid batteries, however, are comprised of specific elements and chemicals that necessitate adherence to appropriate discarding processes. One method of hearing aid battery disposal is recycling.

What To Do With Old Hearing Aids

While many people may consider selling their used hearing aids an option, it may be too difficult. If your hearing aids are prescription-based, theyre custom-made for you. That means they fit your ears, and theyre programmed for your specific condition.

Instead of letting them sit in your home unused, donating can be much more effective for someone who needs them. Typically, when you donate old hearing aids, they are refurbished, repaired if need be, and distributed to sellers, nonprofits, or those in need.

Disposing Of Your Hearing Aid Batteries

Some hearing aid batteries contain mercury while others dont. Mercury-free batteries will state on the packaging that they dont contain mercury. Batteries that state mercury-free on the label are safe to throw away with the rest of your household garbage. However, when it comes time to dispose of your batteries that contain mercury, you should seek out a recycling center that accepts mercury batteries and they will safely recycle them. If there isnt a recycling center near your home, many retailers that sell hearing aids will accept mercury batteries as well.

Preparing Your Batteries For Recycling

Once you find a way to recycle your old batteries, take a few minutes to prep your batteries for safe and convenient recycling.

Prepping single-use batteries for recycling:

Place a piece of non-conductive clear tape over the ends to prevent any current transfer. You can also bag each battery individually instead of taping the ends.
Store the batteries in a plastic or cardboard container that doesnt conduct electricity in case there is a spark.

Prepping rechargeable batteries for recycling:

Remove batteries from their electronics. Dead laptops must be recycled separately from dead laptop batteries. This is not required for small electronics like cellphones or iPods, which can be accepted by most battery recyclers.
Cover the terminals with non-conductive tape clear tape.

If you are mailing your batteries to a recycling facility, check for any additional safety steps required for shipping.

Batteries and any other types of waste that could potentially contribute chemicals to the environment should be handled with care, especially when it comes to disposal. If you have other items to get rid of, take a look at the Reuse and Recycle section of our blog for disposal options before tossing them in your dumpster.

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Various Reasons For Expanding And Leaking Hearing Aid Batteries

Some environmental influences such as humidity and temperature.
The hearing loss person change their personal hearing habits such as a longer period of use per day, higher noise level and new features of the hearing aid use more energy and reduce battery life.
Some people use hearing aid longer than a usual or specified period.
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 also reduces the running time of the hearing aid battery.
If the battery is stored in a warm environment.
The battery loses capacity due to a short circuit when a device is mishandled.
The hearing aid is not switched off overnight or after a long period of use.

Hearing Aids With Rechargeable Batteries

How To Change Your Hearing Aid Battery | Specsavers

Rechargeable hearing aid batteries means that you dont have to buy new batteries or throw away used batteries. Its beneficial for both your wallet and the environment.

No need to replace batteries weekly
Simply recharge your hearing aids at night
Achieve a full charge with just 3-4 hours of charging time
Save money over time

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Proper Disposal Of Hearing Aid Batteries

The disposal of hearing aid batteries depends on the type of battery and if it contains mercury. Mercury-free battery options can be disposed of in household waste to determine if your hearing aid batteries are mercury-free, refer to the packaging. If the battery package does not specify the battery is mercury-free, assume it is not safe to toss. These batteries should be recycled responsibility at a recycling center that accepts mercury-containing batteries.

One example of a brand that uses mercury in some of their products is PowerOne. PowerOne sells both mercury-free and mercury-containing batteries. Although they are a German company, they do sell their batteries to US vendors . Should you need a mercury-containing battery, ask your audiologist to obtain it for you.

Hearing aids that are more likely to need mercury-containing batteries include high-power hearing aids, hearing aids that take size 10 batteries, and older digital models.

Pro tips for getting longer battery life:

Dont snuff out your batteries! Allow batteries to air out when you peel the sticky tab. This means that you should wait for one to two minutes after peeling the sticker before placing batteries inside the hearing aids. Hearing aids are relatively airtight and fresh batteries need more oxygen in the first minute to fully activate.

Ask your audiologist where to drop off your batteries.

Keeping Your Old Hearing Aids

It might be a wise decision to hang on to those old hearing aids if you purchase new ones. They function well as a backup set of hearing aids. Hearing aids can be unreliable or even suddenly quit, so it makes sense to have a set to use if your new ones have problems. Please remember to store the old hearing aids in a safe and dry place.

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Recycling Hearing Aid Batteries

If youre one of the estimated 37.5 million Americans with difficulty hearing, you may wear hearing aids. Treating hearing loss with hearing aids can help restore your quality of life. You likely worked closely with your hearing healthcare professional to find the aids that are right for you.

Like many electronic devices, hearing aids run on batteries. There are many different styles of hearing aid batteries. They can be rechargeable or disposable.

If your hearing aid uses disposable batteries, youre going to end up with used-up batteries. You may be tempted to just throw these in the garbage. We advise against doing this.

Instead, why not consider recycling your hearing aid batteries?

How To Extend Lithium

Even though lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable, they will certainly not last forever. If you want your batteries to last a long time, then you must use them properly.

Otherwise, you might end up damaging them or they might not last too long. If you take extra care of them, you can save yourself from the added expense of buying additional batteries. You will also benefit your environment.

The first step is to use a dehumidifier. You must put your hearing aid batteries in a dehumidifier at night. This will certainly increase their life and ensure their efficacy. If you dont use a dehumidifier, the batteries will degrade over time.

If you need to store your lithium-ion batteries for a long time, then dont do so in their active chargers. Always unplug the charger and place the hearing aid somewhere safe. Overcharging the battery will harm it in the long run.

Additionally, if you go months without using a battery, dont let it become flat-dead. Every few months of disuse, make sure to charge and discharge the battery. If possible, always plug the battery in before it runs out of power completely.

The simple act of topping off your lithium-ion battery is much better than letting it drain completely and recharging it. This act will help extend its life.

Even if you dont use your hearing aids regularly, activate and use the lithium-ion batteries periodically. This will ensure that the batteries remain operational and dont degrade while in storage.

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Inquire From Your Audiologist

Your audiologist has been working and recommending hearing aids and their batteries for some time. Chances are that they have an idea on how to recycle hearing aid batteries responsibly. Apart from solving your complications, audiologists are an excellent source of information. Consider inquiring about drop-off points for your used batteries. Audiologists have networks that can be instrumental in finding information instantly.

Why Is Recycling Small Household And Hearing Aid Batteries So Confusing

Some recycling programs may tell you that alkaline batteries are okay for your trash bin because theyre no longer made with mercury in them. But waste management providers, like Republic Services, say to never put batteries in your trash or curbside recycling.

Batteries be a fire hazard in the trash since their residual energy can cause sparks. And in some states, its illegal to put batteries in the trash. Some have laws requiring battery manufacturers to support recycling programs. This map by Call2Recycle shows which states regulate battery recycling and their rules.

No wonder the proper disposal of household batteries is so confusing.

There are many different types of household batteries and they contain varying amounts of chemicals and heavy metals. Some have precious metals in them that can be recovered and reused, reducing the emissions and environmental impact of mining more. All batteries contain chemicals that can be damaging, some more than others. None of these are good for the environment.

Bottom line: We should always properly dispose of batteries. Follow the recyclers instructions on how they want to receive the batteries, including putting tape on the terminals of certain battery types.

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How To Dispose Of Rechargeable Batteries

Rechargeable batteries are also common in the home. Youll find them in cellphones, digital cameras, power tools, laptops and other more powerful electronics in your home.

There are many different kinds of rechargeable batteries:

Nickel metal hydride and nickel cadmium batteries are found in electronics such as cordless power tools, digital cameras, two-way radios and cordless phones.
Lithium-ion batteries are found in most portable devices such as cellphones and laptops.
Small sealed lead acid batteries are less common in homes and are found in emergency devices, emergency exit signs, security systems, mobility scooters and other special-use items.

Can rechargeable batteries be thrown in the trash?

No, rechargeable batteries of any kind should not be placed in your trash can . It is illegal in some states to do so because rechargeable batteries contain heavy metals that can be hazardous to the environment.

Can rechargeable batteries be recycled?

Yes, rechargeable batteries can, and should be, recycled, usually at no cost to you.

Where to recycle rechargeable batteries:

Home improvement or office supply stores often accept these products for recycling by hosting a drop box from an organization like Call2Recycle. Find a drop box to recycle batteries near you.
Find other recycling facilities using Earth911s Recycling Search or calling your local solid waste district or city hall.

Why Recycle Batteries?

How To Recycle Your Hearing Aid Batteries

Best Hearing Aid Batteries On The Market? | NEW Rayovac ProLine Advanced!

If you dont have a rechargeable battery for your hearing aid, how do you dispose of your old ones? Did you know there is a recycling program that is a free an easy way to get rid of your old batteries?

Call2Recycle has over 20 years of experience collecting old batteries and keeping them out of landfills. All you have to do is drop off your old batteries at one of their 9,000+ locations across Canada.5 tips for recycling with Call2Recycle:

Prep your batteries with a bag or tape. Bag each battery in a clear plastic bag before placing it in a storage container. Or, tape the terminals with clear packing, non-conductive electrical or duct tape, keeping the label visible.

Store the batteries in a cool, dry place.

If you see a swollen or bulging battery, immediately put it in a non-flammable material like sand or kittle litter and store it in a cool, dry place. Dont throw it away!

Recycle within six months, ensuring the batteries are bagged or taped.

Spread the word about battery recycling!The best way to ensure batteries dont fill our landfills is to not put them there in the first place. Lets do our part to ensure that our batteries are disposed of properly.

Locate a drop off location near you today!

Contact Your Hearing Aid Provider

Some hearing aid manufacturers go out of their way to protect the environment by accepting back used batteries. Since poor disposal of hearing aids is a persistent problem, many environmentalists team up with these companies to set up drop-off points. The collected batteries are then donated to industries or refurbished to create new ones.

An Alternative: Rechargeable Hearing Aids

Rechargeable hearing aid options are an increasingly popular alternative to devices that require single-use zinc-air hearing aid batteries. Using lithium-ion technology, these hearing aids can be recharged over and over again, making them a reliable and environmentally-friendly option.

Rechargeable hearing aids are a good financial investment as well, eliminating the need to repurchase new batteries on a regular basis. Consider the average yearly costs of the four sizes of single-use batteries: size 10 may cost around $150 for a pair size 312 around $80 size 13 around $50 and size 675 around $30 per year.

Next time you catch yourself tossing old hearing aid batteries into the trash at home, make a plan to recycle them locally instead. Better yet, talk to an expert about the advantages of rechargeable hearing aids and save yourself the trouble of ever having to buy batteries again.

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Keep Out Of Reach Of Children

When storing your hearing aid batteries it is important to consider two factors most importantly, protecting your loved ones from harm and secondly, avoiding damaging your hearing aid batteries.

In the United States alone, over 3,500 people swallow button batteries each year. Therefore, it is important to take precautions to ensure both you and your loved ones dont fall victim to hearing aid battery ingestion.

Remember to keep your hearing aid batteries out of sight and out of reach of children and pets to prevent them being swallowed. This could be in a raised cabinet, or a cupboard locked with a key or child-locking mechanism. If you drop a battery then pick it up straight away.

Its important to consider that curious pets such as dogs have also been known to swallow hearing aid batteries.

If your child has swallowed a hearing aid battery, seek immediate medical. If your pet has swallowed a hearing aid battery its advised that you seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.

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