Battery Care & Recharging | UCSF EARS
DEVICE CARE

Battery Care & Recharging

A practical guide to hearing aid power: how disposable zinc-air batteries work, how to build a reliable charging routine for rechargeable devices, and what to do about common problems—without overpromising performance.

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12 min read Updated December 2025

2-minute version (most people only need this)

  • Heat + moisture shorten device life and can cause “it cuts out” power problems.1
  • Zinc-air batteries: remove the tab and wait about 1 minute before closing the door.2
  • Rechargeable batteries: dock nightly; confirm charging started; keep chargers dry and away from heat.
  • Don’t guess with damage: swelling, cracking, burning smell, or repeated charging failures = stop and contact your clinic.6
  • Swallowing risk is an emergency: burns can occur in as little as 2 hours.3

On this page

Hearing aids can’t help if they can’t power on. The goal of battery care isn’t perfection—it’s reliability: fewer mid-day dropouts, fewer “is it the battery or the device?” moments, and fewer last-minute scrambles.

Safety first: swallowed batteries (or batteries in the nose/ear)

Treat this as an emergency

Button and coin batteries can cause severe internal burns in as little as two hours. Smaller batteries can still cause serious injury, especially in children.3

  • If trouble breathing, choking, severe drooling, or cannot swallow: call 911 now.
  • Go to the emergency room right away if a battery might have been swallowed, or placed in the nose or ear.
  • Call for guidance immediately: National Battery Ingestion Hotline 800-498-8666 or Poison Help 800-222-1222.34
  • Do not induce vomiting.3

Honey guidance (for children) — only in specific situations

The National Capital Poison Center recommends giving honey on the way to the ER for some children to reduce injury during the time before the battery can be removed. This is not a substitute for emergency care and should not delay going to the ER.34

  • Give honey only if: (1) the child is 12+ months, (2) the battery was swallowed within the past 12 hours, and (3) a lithium coin cell may have been ingested (if you don’t know the type, assume lithium coin cell unless you’re sure it is a hearing aid battery).3
  • Dose: 10 mL (2 teaspoons) every 10 minutes, up to 6 doses, while going to the ER.34
  • Do not give honey to children under 12 months (botulism risk).3

Prevention matters: keep spare batteries in their original packaging or a closed case, store them up high and out of reach, and check that battery compartments close fully after you change a battery.1

Step 1: Identify your battery system

Most hearing aids use either disposable zinc-air button batteries or built-in rechargeable batteries. Your device is designed for one system—most are not convertible between the two without changing the device itself.

Disposable zinc-air batteries (with a peel tab)

Zinc-air hearing aid batteries use oxygen as part of the chemical reaction. The peel tab seals air holes. Once the tab is removed, the battery is “activated,” and putting the tab back on won’t preserve it for later.2

Common battery sizes (color-coded)

The most common disposable hearing aid battery sizes are color-coded: 10 (yellow), 312 (brown), 13 (orange), and 675 (blue).2

Rechargeable hearing aids

Rechargeable devices reduce day-to-day battery handling. Real-world run time varies by model and by how you use your hearing aids. Power-hungry use (for example, frequent wireless streaming or long daily wear time) usually leaves less margin than light use. When you need a precise expectation for your model, use the manufacturer’s manual or your clinic’s guidance.

Step 2: Zinc-air basics (disposable)

Wait about 1 minute after removing the tab

After removing the tab, wait about 1 minute before closing the battery door. This allows the battery to stabilize after activation.2

Store smart (stable temperature + dry)

  • Room temperature is ideal: zinc-air batteries are specified for typical indoor conditions. Avoid extremes (very hot cars, direct sun, or freezing temperatures).2
  • Keep tabs on until use: don’t remove the tab until you’re ready to use the battery.2
  • Keep spares protected: don’t carry loose batteries in pockets or bags. Store spares in original packaging or a dedicated case to reduce short-circuit risk.5

When you’re not using your hearing aids

Turning hearing aids off when they are not in use is a common care recommendation.1 For disposable systems, some devices also allow you to open the battery door slightly to reduce drain and let moisture escape. Follow your device instructions so you don’t stress hinges or doors.

Moisture + ear drainage: a common “mystery problem”

Moisture and ear drainage can damage hearing aids and contribute to intermittent problems (including power issues). If you have drainage, new pain, or skin breakdown, contact your clinic for advice rather than pushing through it.1

Step 3: Rechargeable routines that actually work

Nightly docking as the default

A simple routine is: dock nightly and confirm the charger indicates charging has started (usually a light or icon). If you travel, pack your charger like you’d pack your phone charger.

Dry before you charge (and avoid heat)

Heat and moisture can shorten device life and create intermittent power problems. Keep hearing aids away from heat and moisture whenever possible (including avoiding hot cars and high-humidity storage).1 If you sweat heavily or live in a humid area, gently wipe devices dry before placing them in the charger.

Stop and contact your clinic if the battery looks damaged

Do not keep charging or using a rechargeable device if you see swelling, cracking, overheating, burning smell, or repeated charging failures. Store it safely and contact your hearing care team for next steps.6

Battery aging is normal (and fixable)

Rechargeable batteries lose capacity over time—similar to a phone battery. If you used to get through the day and now you can’t (even with the same daily routine), your clinic can help you check settings, assess charger function, and discuss battery service or replacement options.

Troubleshooting: “Is it the battery or the device?”

Start with the simplest checks

  • Is it really power? A clogged wax filter or blocked dome can make the aid seem “dead.” If sound is weak but the device is on, check cleaning steps from your device instructions.1
  • If problems repeat: looping your clinic in early is safer (and usually faster) than guessing.

If you use disposable batteries

  • Confirm orientation: check the “+” marking and make sure the battery door closes fully.
  • Use a fresh battery: try a new battery (tab removed, wait ~1 minute before closing the door).2
  • Look for corrosion: if you see white/green residue or crusting, don’t scrape aggressively—contact your clinic.
  • If it dies unusually fast: confirm you’re not storing batteries in high humidity or heat. If it continues, your clinic can check for device drain or contact problems.

If you use rechargeable devices

  • Reseat the device: make sure it’s fully seated in the dock.
  • Check the power source: try a different outlet (or a different cable if your system allows it).
  • Clean dry contacts: gently wipe charger and device contacts with a soft, dry cloth.
  • Try a full reset cycle: if your manufacturer recommends it (check the manual). If you’re not sure, ask your clinic.

When to stop home troubleshooting

  • Repeated charging failures (especially if new), overheating, burning smell, swelling, or cracking.6
  • Corrosion you can see, or moisture exposure you’re worried about.
  • Any new ear pain, drainage, skin breakdown, or sudden change in hearing. For urgent red flags, use the Safety Guide.

Disposal & recycling

Disposal rules vary by location. As a general safety and environmental baseline: avoid putting batteries in curbside recycling bins, and prefer designated drop-off programs when available.5

Rechargeable (lithium-ion) batteries

Lithium-ion batteries and devices containing these batteries should not go in household garbage or recycling bins. They can become damaged or crushed during collection and processing and create a fire hazard.6 Use a battery/e-waste drop-off program when available.6

  • Fire-prevention tip: tape terminals and/or place batteries in separate plastic bags for transport.6
  • If a battery appears damaged, follow local guidance and manufacturer instructions; handle with care.6

Disposable hearing aid batteries (zinc-air)

For disposable button batteries, look for local battery drop-off or household hazardous waste options. The EPA recommends not putting button-cell or coin batteries (including lithium types) in the trash or municipal recycling bins and offers guidance on safe handling.5 When in doubt, your city/county waste program can tell you the safest local option.

The bottom line

Reliability comes from simple habits: keep devices away from heat and moisture, turn them off when not in use, use safe storage for spare batteries, and treat swallowing risk as an emergency.13

If power problems are persistent—or you see corrosion, swelling, overheating, or repeated charging failures—loop your clinic in early. It’s often fixable, and it’s safer than guessing.

Quick FAQ

Should I turn my hearing aids off when I’m not using them?
Often, yes—turning hearing aids off when they are not in use is a common care recommendation.1 For disposable systems, some devices also allow the battery door to be opened slightly to reduce drain and let moisture escape; follow your device instructions.
Is it safe to leave rechargeable hearing aids in the charger overnight?
Many systems are designed for overnight docking. If your charger or devices get unusually hot, fail repeatedly, or show signs of damage, stop using them and contact your clinic.6
What should I do if a battery might have been swallowed?
Treat this as urgent. Go to the ER and call the National Battery Ingestion Hotline: 800-498-8666 (or Poison Help: 800-222-1222). Burns can occur in as little as two hours.34

Next Steps

Looking for related device care help? These pages can help you prevent common issues and plan for real-world listening.

Daily Hearing Aid Care Getting Started Safety Guide
Reference list (evidence & safety)

References are provided for clinically important statements (device care basics, zinc-air activation and labeling standards, ingestion safety guidance, and battery disposal/recycling). This page is educational and does not replace individualized medical advice.

  1. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD/NIH). Hearing Aids — How can I care for my hearing aid? (heat/moisture avoidance; turning off aids; ear drainage risk; keeping batteries away from children and pets). https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing-aids
  2. European Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association (EHIMA). Recommendations for Zinc-Air Hearing Aid Batteries, Version 2.0 (Aug 30, 2012). (activation timing guidance; storage conditions; standard size labeling and color code table). https://ehima.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/EHIMA-Battery-Recommendations_V2.0.pdf
  3. National Capital Poison Center (Poison Control). Button Battery Ingestion Triage and Treatment Guideline. (emergency urgency; “do not induce vomiting”; honey criteria and dosing; hotline number; injury timing). https://www.poison.org/battery/guideline
  4. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Button Cell and Coin Battery Information Center. (urgent evaluation; honey recommendation summary; hotline numbers). https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Button-Cell-Coin-Battery-Information-Center
  5. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Used Household Batteries. (safe handling; avoiding trash/municipal recycling; taping/bagging guidance). https://www.epa.gov/recycle/used-household-batteries
  6. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Used Lithium-Ion Batteries. (fire risk in trash/recycling; tape terminals / bag separately; disposal guidance). https://www.epa.gov/recycle/used-lithium-ion-batteries