September 2015

Greetings from Pasadena Hearing Care!! We hope you had a great summer. We have been busy this summer and are looking forward to our northern friends to return for the Florida “winter.” The focus of this quarterly newsletter is hearing aid batteries. Several times a week we get questions from patients regarding hearing aid batteries. Here are the most common:

How long do hearing aid batteries typically last? A standard battery will last between 4-14 days. Battery life depends on hearing aid type, battery capacity, and how much the hearing aid is used. There are numerous factors that affect how long a battery will last and each person has a different combination of these factors. Essentially each person has a unique hearing loss “fingerprint.” No one fingerprint will be exactly alike; therefore, no one person will have the exact same battery life as another.

Factors That Affect Hearing Aid Battery Life

1. Hearing Loss: The more severe the loss, the more amplification required. This causes an increase in the current, which reduces battery life. Thus, the more severe the hearing loss, the shorter the battery life.

2. Hearing Aid Usage: Most people refer to days when talking about battery life, but what is the definition of “a day” to each person? Some people only wear their aids 4 hours a day, while others wear them 16 hours a day. Number of hours is a more accurate way to compare battery life.

3. Hearing Aid Technology: The more advanced the aid, the more power required. This concept is similar to a cell phone. The more features you use on your phone (internet, apps, games, etc.), the faster the battery dies.

4. Low Humidity: As humidity is reduced, batteries may dry out, thus reducing battery life. This can be an issue if you are indoors during winter months, sitting in a heated home, and keeping batteries in dry aid kits in an already dry environment.

5. High Humidity: As humidity increases batteries may take on moisture, resulting in swelling, leakage and reduction of battery life. This can be an issue if you work outdoors for extended periods in high temperature and high humidity areas.

6. Temperature: As temperature is reduced, hearing aid battery voltage is lowered, thus reducing battery life. Heat may also shorten the running time and a humid environment is not suitable for storage.

7. Altitude: As altitude increases, the percentage of oxygen in the air is reduced, lowering the hearing aid battery voltage and reducing battery life.

Why don’t hearing aid batteries last as long as watch batteries? Hearing aids perform complex functions to amplify the sound correctly to meet your needs and the varying listening environments you are in throughout the day. Watch batteries, on the other hand, may last years but require little power to keep ticking.

Why do batteries have a tab? Zinc air batteries use air as an energy source, and the tab seals air holes on the battery. Once the tab is removed, it takes about two minutes before the hearing aid battery is activated. At that point, the battery compartment can be closed. One study found that if

users wait 5 minutes after pulling off the sticker, the battery will last 2-3 days longer. I have had several patients try out this theory, most with positive findings.

Are there other ways to minimize battery drain?

· Turn off or open the battery door when not wearing your hearing aid.

· If you will not be using your device for an extended period of time, completely remove the battery.

· Store batteries at room temperature.

· Batteries should not be carried loose in your pocket or purse. If they come into contact with metal objects such as coins, keys, or other batteries, they may short out or leak. Store in a battery case instead

· Always check the expiration date on the package before purchasing batteries!!

Why is my hearing aid not working despite having a new battery? There could be several reasons for this. Here are things to check:

· Not enough time for battery to be activated after removal of the tab

· Dented battery surface causes poor contact with battery terminal of hearing aid

· Battery is dead (even though it is brand new).

· Built up dirt on the battery terminal of the hearing aid causes poor contact

There are two “nevers” with hearing aid batteries. Never keep batteries with your medications, as you might accidentally ingest one and never allow young children to handle batteries. All hearing aid batteries are toxic if swallowed. Keep them in a safe place and be sure to dispose of batteries properly.

For maximum hearing aid performance, the major hearing aid manufacturers suggest using either Rayovac or Power One batteries, and to avoid Duracell and Energizer. For your convenience, Pasadena Hearing Care offers the following:

· Box of 40 batteries, any size

$30.00

· Package of 4 batteries, any size$3.00

· Battery tester

$10.00

· Battery storage cases

$5.00

Stop by any time for a complimentary cleaning and pick up some supplies. If you can’t make it in to see us, give Kim a call and she can mail supplies to you! Battery Word Search

Can you find all 15 words?

Bring your completed puzzle to the office for a free pack of hearing aid batteries!

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BATTERY VOLTAGE HUMIDITY CONTACT

TEMPERATURE ALTITUDE ZINC AIR

MOISTURE TOXIC FINGERPRINT TAB ACTIVATE EXPIRATION CURRENT DOOR

We are in the process of updating our email contacts. If you use email, please forward your address to us at pasadenahearing@gmail.com. Rest assured, we will only use your email to send newsletters or updates regarding your hearing aids.

Our mission at Pasadena Hearing Care is to improve the quality of life for all of our patients. We believe in helping our patients and their families reach their highest communication potential. Our commitment to you is excellent customer service, exceptional professional care in a warm and trusting environment, and to always treat you with dignity and respect.

www.pasadenahearing.com

Anne S. Carter, Ph.D.

Licensed Audiologist

Bonnie Gulan

Audiology Assistant

Kimberly Bass

Office Manager

Pasadena

Hearing

Care

1609 Pasadena Ave. S, Suite 2J

St. Petersburg, Florida 33707

Phone: (727) 329-8852