Rechargeable Hearing Aids vs. Disposable: Which Type Is Right for You?
Hearing aids help reconnect you with the world around you and the people you love. However, because they rely on a power source, maintaining that connection throughout the day can be challenging. In this blog, we will compare rechargeable hearing aids with traditional devices to help you find the best solution for your lifestyle.
What are rechargeable hearing aids?
Rechargeable hearing aids do not rely on traditional disposable batteries. Although they are not “battery-free” hearing aids, their rechargeable batteries can be charged using a charging station while you sleep.
A disposable battery requires frequent replacement, often within as little as three days, whereas a typical rechargeable battery can last up to three years or more. Once recharged, the hearing device lasts from 14 to 18 hours, providing day-to-night reliability without the need for constant battery replacements.
What are the benefits of rechargeable hearing aids?
Rechargeable hearing aids offer many benefits over disposable battery designs, including the following:
Ease of Use
Traditional hearing aids that rely on disposable batteries present a significant challenge in terms of battery replacement. To help keep hearing aids effective and more discreet, the components, including the battery, must be tiny. As a result, even users with excellent dexterity can find handling the small battery frustrating.
With rechargeable hearing aids, you simply place them on the charging station overnight, and they are ready to use in the morning.
Cost
Although rechargeable hearing aids cost more up front, they end up saving money over the life you own them. Hearing aid-compatible disposable batteries last 2 to 22 days, depending on how often you wear your hearing aid, the battery size, and the type of hearing aid features.
That can add up if you’re a frequent user and rely on features like streaming more often. If you wear two hearing aids, you can go through an average of 100 disposable batteries a year, while rechargeable batteries would possibly require three replacements at most.
Eco-Friendly
Rechargeable hearing aids are more eco-friendly than models that require disposable button batteries. When not disposed of properly, hazardous substances in button batteries can leach into the soil and groundwater, including lead, cadmium, and mercury. Additionally, button batteries must be disposed of in accordance with local collection instructions to ensure they are sent to the proper facilities.
Lifestyle
If you are still active in your career, highly social, or always out and about, then you require a more robust, reliable hearing aid. You don’t want your hearing aid to run out of power in the middle of a meeting or when socializing! Rechargeable hearing aids keep up with you well into the evening.
Technological Advancements
Hearing aids have reached exciting heights, offering technology compatibility for next-level user experiences. Rechargeable hearing aids are leading the way with their convenience and compatibility with busy lifestyles.
They are also integrated with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to stream sound to your devices whether you are watching TV, listening to music, or talking on your phone. This creates an immersive listening experience that allows you to remain completely engaged.
Debunking Rechargeable Hearing Aid Myths
There are a few rechargeable hearing aid myths that can keep people from experiencing their advantages. Here are some common myths debunked:
Rechargeable Batteries Don’t Last Long Enough
This is incorrect. Today, the average rechargeable hearing aid battery life will provide a full day’s worth of power, from 14 to 18 hours, with many advanced models lasting up to 24 hours.
Rechargeable Hearing Aids Fail
This is false. Rechargeable hearing aids are highly advanced and designed to last. They serve an important purpose for people with busy lifestyles who need a reliable hearing aid that won’t drain unexpectedly. Rechargeable batteries are much more predictable, so users know how long the device will last and can face their day with complete confidence.
Rechargeable Hearing Aids Are Complex to Use
Not at all. Rechargeable hearing aids are highly intuitive, enabling users to enjoy technological advances worry-free. Whether it is Bluetooth live-streaming, integrations with apps, or not having to figure out how to replace the battery, rechargeable hearing aids are very user-friendly.
The Disadvantages of Rechargeable Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are highly personal. As a result, it is important to understand possible disadvantages to choosing a rechargeable hearing aid, including the following:
- Pets and kids might accidentally unplug the charger, or power outages might occur, resulting in failure to charge completely.
- When travelling, you might forget the charger, leaving you without your hearing device.
- Many rechargeable devices require battery replacement by a service provider, which in some cases can leave you without your hearing aid or with a less effective loaner. (Hearing Solutions offers battery replacement for our patients on the spot.)
- Although you will likely save money over the life of owning your rechargeable hearing aid, the upfront costs can be difficult to manage for some. (Hearing Solutions offers financing options.)
- There are fewer hearing aid styles available in rechargeable hearing aids, which means they might not be suitable for all levels of hearing loss.
Who should get rechargeable hearing aids vs. disposable ones?
When considering the right hearing aid for you, live demonstrations are the best way to confirm the fit and suitability for your lifestyle. A hearing clinic like Hearing Solutions can provide a hearing test and demonstrate how each hearing aid works to help you narrow down your choices.
We can also explain how innovative designs are helping to reduce the disadvantages of rechargeable batteries, with brands like Starkey offering a wider selection of rechargeable styles. Our hearing aid aftercare services, such as on-the-spot battery replacements, make disposable batteries easier to manage.
Overall, rechargeable hearing aids are best suited for those who:
- Have limited dexterity/difficulty replacing batteries.
- Need the reliability of rechargeable hearing aids, such as those that are still working or are highly active.
- Prioritize eco-friendly products.
- Aren’t overly concerned about complete invisibility in their hearing aid.
- Tend to drain their disposable battery quickly due to constant Bluetooth live-streaming.
Contact the Professionals at Hearing Solutions
If you are curious to learn how the right hearing aid can change your life, the experts at Hearing Solutions offer free hearing tests and live demonstrations. Click here to learn more. You can also call us at 1-888-335-0771 or contact us here.
Sources:
4. https://www.oshawahearing.ca/blog/should-get-rechargeable-hearing-aids/.
