Battery Types

Prescription hearing aids usually offer the option of using either replaceable or rechargeable batteries. Likewise, OTC hearing aids may offer this option.

Replaceable batteries come in various sizes, depending on the degree of amplification required, with a size 312 being the most common.

The advantage over rechargeable batteries is being easy to quickly replace when the old ones run down, typically every 2-10 days. Their disadvantage having to carry a couple of spares with you and their ongoing but minor cost.

Rechargeable batteries' advantage is eliminating the need to switch out batteries or keep spares. Simply put them in the charger. However, if they do run down when you need them there are no quick fixes; you need to wait until they have been recharged - or partially so.

Also consider wearing comfort; rechargeable hearing aids might be slightly larger since rechargeable batteries may be larger than replaceable ones.

Rechargeable batteries are becoming more popular, but many people still prefer replaceable ones. There is no correct answer, it just depends on your preferences.