Pros and cons of rechargeable hearing aids

Hearing aids today are powered by one of two types of batteries: disposable, removable “button” batteries or built-in rechargeable batteries.

Rechargeable hearing aids have quickly become the preferred option for many people because of their convenience. However, disposable batteries may still be the better fit for some, depending on individual needs and circumstances.

Let's look at the pros and cons of rechargeable hearing aids, the types of devices that typically use them, and whether they might be the right choice for you.

What is a rechargeable hearing aid battery?

Rechargeable hearing aids have built-in batteries that do not require regular removal. Instead of removing the batteries themselves, you dock your hearing aids each night on a charging unit, similar to how smartphones recharge.

These batteries often last five years before needing to be replaced, but the timeframe can vary depending on usage. In contrast, disposable batteries need to be replaced every few days to weeks, depending on the hearing aid model.

What are the advantages of rechargeable hearing aids? 

Notable advantages of rechargeable hearing aids include:

• Convenience. Many users like the idea of being able to simply plug in their device at night and have a full day of charge, with devices offering between 16-30 hours of continuous use. Additionally, newer models allow for partial charges, where even 30 minutes of charging can get you 4-8 hours of use.
• Safer for kids and pets. Disposable button batteries are extremely dangerous if accidentally swallowed by pets or kids, yet it happens fairly often. Rechargeable hearing aids don't pose this risk, unless the entire hearing aid is swallowed (which does happen!).
• Environmentally friendly. Because you're recharging batteries instead of buying new ones, you're creating less waste. However, all batteries are environmentally hazardous when not disposed of correctly.
• Easier to handle. People who have dexterity issues or those who don’t want to worry about constantly buying and changing batteries might benefit from wearing rechargeable hearing instruments. That's because disposable batteries tend to be tiny, and the packaging can be difficult to manipulate.

“If peeling the tab off a battery and not dropping it, or being able to get it to fit into the compartment, is difficult for somebody, then rechargeable would be a huge advantage,” said Tim Cross, a hearing instrument specialist and owner of Earzlink Hearing Care in Hillsboro, Ohio.

For example, a 90-year-old patient of Cross's found them to be invaluable. “Quite frankly, you could drive down the street and hear her television or pound on the door and she would not hear you,” he said. “She had limited dexterity and sight — and wouldn’t wear hearing aids because she couldn’t change the battery.”

He fit her with rechargeable hearing aids and kept an extra charger in his office so she wouldn’t have to live without her hearing aids if a problem occurred.

“It totally changed her life,” he said, “and gave her family peace of mind.”

What are the disadvantages of rechargeable batteries?

While the benefits are clear, not everyone is well suited to wear rechargeable hearing technology.

“For the most part, it’s very simple and basic,” Cross said, “but some people might not think beyond the normal routine and process (such as power outages or if the grandkids accidentally unplug the charging unit). “In these situations, it’s much easier to just pop in a new set of batteries.”

Other disadvantages include:

• Lack of user control. “In many rechargeable hearing aids, the battery is encased in the instrument and the user cannot remove it themselves,” he said. “If it happens the battery has to be replaced, you usually have a down time where you don’t have your hearing aids. That can be inconvenient because even a loaner (hearing aid) doesn’t have your particular settings.”
• Dependency on a charging unit. It takes about three hours for most hearing aid models to recharge. “The battery does have to be recharged every single day,” Cross said. However, in addition to partial charges, some hearing aid manufacturers now offer smart chargers that use power banks. So, if you lose power or forgot to charge at home, you could still recharge your device on the go, without needing to plug anything in.
• Additional upfront cost. Contrary to popular belief, rechargeable hearing aids aren’t any less expensive than their traditional counterparts. Cross said that, although every hearing center sets its own policies, the cost of the charging unit ($250-$300) as well as the cost for replacement batteries ($25-$35) aren’t typically included in the price of the hearing instruments. Over the lifetime of your hearing aids, though, you may spend less since you don't have to keep buying new batteries.
• Fewer hearing aid styles to choose from. Historically, most rechargeable hearing aids are worn behind-the-ear, connected to a small speaker that's worn inside the ear. That means that users who prefer more discreet, in-the-ear (ITE) styles have less options. However, certain hearing aids, such as Oticon™ Zeal, are rechargeable while also being worn in the ear. 

How to find the right hearing aids for you

Of course, there are many factors to consider when choosing a hearing aid, from your degree of hearing loss and lifestyle needs to comfort, features and ease of use. That’s why it’s important to have an in-depth conversation with your hearing care professional.

They can help you weigh your options and determine the best hearing aid for you—which may or may not come with rechargeable batteries. Visit our online directory of hearing clinics to find a trusted provider near you.