If you are in the process of purchasing hearing aids for the first time, one of the first questions you should ask to gauge the best hearing device is whether you are going for a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery-operated hearing aid. A lot of this depends on several factors, including convenience, lifestyle, and dexterity.
This article will explore the various options you have and the pros and cons of devices with regard to rechargeability or battery power. If you are based in Birmingham, Solihull, or Sutton Coldfield, this short guide will help you to choose the correct product and give you a little more information on the variation of hearing aids available in today’s market.
The Basics
What Are Rechargeable Hearing Aids?
Rechargeability in hearing aids has been around for almost ten years. It allows a lithium-ion battery to recharge your hearing aid using a docking charger, allowing for up to 48 hours of use with some manufacturers. With advancements in lithium-ion battery technology, the retention of this charge extends beyond previous models.
What Are Battery-Powered Hearing Aids?
Battery-powered hearing aids are devices that are usually powered by zinc batteries. In some cases, batteries can last up to two weeks without being changed or charged.
Pros and Cons of Rechargeable Hearing Aids
Pros
- They are cost-effective. The cost of batteries over a five-year service package will cost you about £500 in battery purchases
- Safe around kids or pets, as batteries don’t get lost and can’t accidentally end up in ears, noses, or throats. We have had to fish out a few of these over the years in very young toddlers
- There is no need to dispose of batteries, making it a more environmentally friendly solution.
Cons
- Rechargeable batteries degrade over time and require replacement over a period of 4–5 years
- A charging unit is not always easy to carry around, especially if you are travelling a lot
- Rechargeable hearing aids often tend to be slightly larger in size to accommodate a lithium-ion battery
Pros and Cons of Battery-Powered Hearing Aids
Pros
- A rechargeable option is sometimes more expensive than a battery-powered hearing aid
- There is a greatly reduced chance of batteries dying, leaving you with a non-functioning hearing aid
- Batteries last longer, with no need to change them for at least 5–7 days
- Battery-powered hearing aids are often a little smaller
Cons
- Battery insertion can sometimes be a real issue, especially with dexterity issues
- It is a less eco-friendly option
- It can be more expensive in the long run with the cost associated with batteries.
What Should You Choose?
- A lot depends on lifestyle. If you are living a busy social life, a one-time charge will get you through a whole 24 -hour minimum.
- If you are a hiker or a camper, a battery-powered option might be better, as it is not as simple to find charging ports.
- If you want the smallest possible device cosmetically, then a battery-powered option may be the way to move forward.
What We Provide
At Earwax Specialist, we work with some of the world’s leading hearing aid manufacturers, offering both rechargeable and battery-powered models from:
- Phonak
- Oticon
- Widex
- ReSound
- Signia
- Starkey
- Unitron
Our audiology team will help you choose the correct product with a free one-week trial.
Local Independent Hearing Care in Birmingham
If you are located in Birmingham, Solihull, Sutton Coldfield, or the surrounding areas, Earwax Specialist offers the following services:
- Free hearing assessments
- Earwax removal
- Hearing aid options
We also provide home visits for hearing care for those who need support from the comfort of their own homes. We also offer a free hearing test for those based in Birmingham, Solihull, and Sutton Coldfield
Final Thoughts
The best choice of hearing aid is the one that fits your lifestyle the most. Within this, there are many considerations. Although the majority of our patients opt for a rechargeable hearing aid option, there are some patients who want the most discreet option available in the market, in which case a small zinc battery-powered hearing aid is the go-to option.
At our independent practice, there is the option to choose a style from every manufacturer, which brings its own variation in size and shape. Some manufacturers have mastered creating the most discreet hearing aids with rechargeability. A great example of this is the Starkey Edge AI receiver-in-canal hearing aids from Starkey. The hearing aids from GN ReSound are also very discreet, providing the all-important discretion our patients require.
If you’re considering your options, knowing the hearing aid price range can help you make an informed choice. If you are interested in hearing aids and live in Birmingham, Solihull, Sutton Coldfield, Stourbridge, or Coventry, then please get in touch with us. We will be more than pleased to talk you through your options with a free hearing assessment. We offer a range of the best hearing aids from top global brands tailored to your lifestyle.
