Yep…and possibly more. Not only can button batteries—the kind commonly used in hearing aids—be a danger to your pets and small children, they can also be a drag on your wallet, your time and your everyday performance. If you don’t already own a rechargeable hearing aid, it may be a good time to demo a pair at a hearing clinic near you. It’s National Battery Day so why not celebrate by saying goodbye to all those button batteries lying around in your drawer?
Here’s a little on the benefits of rechargeable hearing aids:
Save money — A rechargeable device can be used thousands of times so it pays for itself over time. Who wouldn’t want to save a couple of hundred bucks a year with a rechargeable hearing aid?
They’re good for our planet — The heavy metals and corrosive materials in batteries along with improper disposal puts a strain on the environment by possibly contributing to global warming, air pollution, air acidification and even water pollution. However, rechargeable batteries consume up to 23 times less non-renewable natural resources than disposable batteries and are much better for the environment.
They can improve engagement —No one wants to have their hearing aids go out in the middle of something important like a work function or a gathering with friends. Having rechargeable hearing aids mean they last longer, and may improve sound quality and overall experience…not to mention saving yourself from embarrassing moments.
Ready to demo a pair of rechargeable hearing aids? Take a closer look at some on the market today:
Oticon OPN™
If you own one of Oticon’s Opn miniRITE your hearing professional can turn your hearing aid into a rechargeable device by simply exchanging the battery door! It’s that simple. One pair of ZPower rechargeable batteries can save around 150-200 disposable batteries a year! And not to worry, if you forget to charge your batteries overnight, you can exchange the rechargeables with disposables.
Bonus—the technology in the Opn allows more information to pass into the ears without overwhelming the listener. And the TwinLink system allows hearing aids in both ears to communicate with each other, and also allows you to connect to the Internet through the IFTTT network.
Phonak Audeo BR
This rechargeable hearing aid allows 24 hours of use on one charge. And it takes only three hours of charging to get you that 24 hours, but if you're in a rush you can charge these hearing aids for just 30 minutes to get six hours of use.
According to the manufacturer, these hearing aids have 40% more power that other rechargeable hearing aids and sport a lithium ion battery dynamic enough to fully support Phonak's advanced AutoSense OS allowing features and technology that seamlessly adapts to listening environments.
Signia’s Cellion™
Another rechargeable hearing aid, and this one comes with an easy to use charging station. Not only can you just lay it upon the recharging station, with barely a glance toward it, but once down your hearing aid shuts off. And unlike other rechargeable batteries, this battery lasts a really, really long time. According to the manufacturer, these battery lasts for up to two days after a four-hour charge and for at least seven hours after just 30 minutes express charging. In addition, Signia’s myHearing™ App provides connectivity and independence for the user.