Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ordering, Paying and DeliveryCan I order and have them posted to a different address? Can I send my credit card details via email? Oops! I made a mistake with my order. Can I change it? Is there GST on hearing aid and cochlear implant batteries? Can batteries be delivered outside Australia?
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There are four common sizes of hearing aid batteries: 10, 13, 312 and 675. The table to the right shows the ‘capacity’ for each size. Capacity is an indicator of the amount power a battery contains and is measured in ‘milli amp hours’ (or mAh). Generally the higher the capacity the longer a battery can perform. You will see from the table size 675 has the highest capacity. Conversely, size 10 has the least amount capacity. Lets assume your old hearing aid used size 675 batteries and your new hearing aid uses size 13 batteries. The smaller capacity of the size 13 battery means there is less power than the size 675 battery, therefore the battery life is likely to be shorter. Check out our range of hearing aid batteries! * Based on the specifications for the Power One battery. |
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How do I know which size battery is for my hearing aid?
Click here for information on which battery to use for your hearing aid or cochlear implant.
If you are still unsure which battery to use, you can post us a used battery or packaging and we will advise you which battery you require. If you choose to do this, please include your name and contact details.
How long will my battery last in my hearing aid?.
Unfortunately, there is no easy answer regarding the life of the battery because there are many variables which affect battery life including:
- the age and type of hearing aid;
- how many hours per day you use your hearing aid;
- the amount and type of environmental noise;
- the program and volume settings;
- the size and brand of the battery;
- the level of humidity;
- how you store the batteries .
If you are not using your hearing aid for a few weeks, we recommend removing the battery from your hearing aid.
What do the colour tabs and codes mean?
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Different hearing aids use different size batteries. The standard sizes are 5, 10, 13, 312 and 675. The colour-coded packaging and pull-off tabs on the battery identify the sizes. This makes it easier for you to choose the correct battery. Alternatively, you can locate the size number in a corner on the face of the packaging. See colour chart to the right to identify your battery size! |
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Check out our range of hearing aid batteries!
For Cochlear Implant Users …
I am about to be ‘switched on’. Do I need to buy batteries now?
At the time of being switched on, you will receive a package from your audiologist containing accessories for your implant processor. In this package, you will find one packet of ‘Power One Implant Plus’ batteries for your implant.
It is recommended to place an order for additional implant batteries before you are switched on. We suggest starting off with ten packets of Power One implant plus batteries.
If you are not sure, please drop us a line.
Check out our range of cochlear implant batteries!
How long do batteries last in the Cochlear 3G processor?
Unlike hearing aids which only use one battery at a time, the Nucleus 3G cochlear implant processor uses three size 675 batteries at a time!
Many of our cochlear implant customers report getting three to four days of constant usage from the batteries.
When replacing the batteries in the 3G processor, ALL three batteries should be replaced. Trying to save money by only replacing one or two batteries will not work.
I have just been switched on! Should I try the trial pack?
We would recommend you use the Power One Implant Plus batteries for the first six to nine months before trying out other brands of batteries.
During the first few months of using your implant, the map (or program) is tuned upwards. Each time the map is changed, the battery consumption changes therefore making it difficult to compare battery performance.
Once the mapping sessions become less frequent, you may wish to try the Cochlear Implant Trial Pack.
How do I know when the batteries goes flat?
When the batteries have run flat, the processor will simply turn itself off.
However, there is a built in warning which can be activated by your audiologist at the time of mapping (or programming) your processor. Just before the batteries run flat, you will hear a series of warning beeps.
Where can I meet other cochlear implantees?
CICADA (Cochlear Implant Club and Advisory Association) is a support organisation established in 1984 to provide support through fellowship for implant recipients, their families and friends.
Throughout the year CICADA hosts a number of barbeques, functions and special meetings for members, friends, and families. This is an opportunity for implantees (or prospective implantees) to meet others and share experiences. A newsletter is distributed to all members.
CICADA membership is available for a only fee of $5.00. A CICADA brochure will be enclosed with your first order for cochlear implant batteries from Hearing Aid Batteries Express or upon request.
About Batteries ...
Why is there a tab on zinc-air batteries?
Zinc-air batteries use the air outside the battery as a source of power. Manufacturers apply tabs over the air holes to seal out the air and ensure freshness until you are ready to use the battery.
Do not remove the tab until you are ready to use the battery. To activate the battery simply remove the tab before inserting into the battery compartment of your hearing aid / cochlear implant processor.
Does one brand of batteries last longer than the others?
Yes! Just like most other consumer items, not all batteries are the same!
Moreover, not everyone’s hearing is the same.
There are subtle differences in the active ingredients, quality and manufacturing methods for each brand of battery.
There are also many variables which affect battery performance such as the amount of environmental noise, the type of hearing aid (including the program settings), the type and make of the battery, the level of humidity and where you store the batteries.
Hearing Aid Batteries Express have a trial pack of five different brands of hearing aid batteries for you to try out and see which one gives you the best results. We also provide a free comparison worksheet with the trial pack to help you work out which brand is best for you. Click here for further information.
Where should I store my batteries?
Always store and discard batteries out of reach of children and animals.
Hearing aid and cochlear implant batteries should be kept in a dry place at room temperatures.
Batteries should not be stored in the refridgerator or freezer. Moisture, condensation and extreme temperatures shorten the life of batteries. Water particles can form under the peal-off tab - if the oxygen in the water vapour comes into contact with the zinc, the battery could be totally discharged by the time you remove the peal-off tab.
Do not store batteries in hot places or in direct sunlight as heat will also shorten the life of the batteries.
If a battery gets wet it will corrode rapidly. Remove the battery from your hearing aid or implant processor and discard it thoughtfully as corroded batteries can damage your hearing aid or implant processor. Remove any excess moisture from the hearing aid or implant processor before inserting a new dry battery.
Always leave the peel-off-tab on your batteries until they are ready to use.
Do not carry batteries in your pocket as the heat from your body will cause the gum on the peel-off-tab to weaken. The tab will eventually come off and the battery will become 'activated'. Within 4 to 6 weeks, the battery will have lost all charge.
Do not connect the positive and negative terminations of batteries with wire. This will cause the battery to short circuit, causing over-heating and they may leak or explode. For this reason, batteries should be kept in their protective packaging until you are ready to use them. Batteries taken out of their protective packaging should not be carried in your pocket or purse since metal objects such as coins, keys or jewellery can short-circuit the battery.
When your hearing aid is not in use, open the battery door. This will help reduce corrosion. If you use a "Dri Aid" kit or other drying agent, remove the battery from the hearing aid/implant before putting the aid into the bag or container.
Batteries have a shelf life of one to two years. To avoid deterioration of your batteries we recommend you use the oldest batteries first and order no more than 6 to 9 months’ supply of batteries.
Where can I recycle batteries?
Dry-cell batteries (such as zinc-air, alkaline, carbon-zinc and lithium batteries) which have been fully discharged can be thrown in your waste bin. Do not dispose batteries in a bin accessible to children or animals.
Unfortunately, there are limited recycling facilities for many types of batteries in Australia.
Local recycling facilities or waster transfer stations may have bins for used hearing aid batteries as well as household batteries.
Never dispose of batteries by burning them as they could explode.
Zinc-air batteries are not designed to be recharged. If recharged the batteries may leak, heat or explode.
Store batteries separately from medicines. Hearing aid batteries have been known to be mistaken for pills, so always verify your medication before swallowing!
SEEK MEDICAL HELP IF A BATTERY IS SWALLOWED. Contact your doctor, a hospital or the Poisons Information Centre without delay.
Do not disassemble batteries.
Discard used batteries promptly, properly and thoughtfully. Do not dispose batteries in a bin accessible to children or animals.
There is a particular battery I need not listed on this website, can we get them?
Yes! Please email us using the form below with the brand and size/battery number, we will do our best to obtain them for you.
If you have a question not answered in this FAQ …
Please email us the question using the form below and we will respond as soon as we can.