What are hearing aid batteries?
Hearing aid batteries use zinc-air technology. They work in a different way than alkaline and lithium batteries that you may be more familiar with. Zinc-air batteries require oxygen from the air to activate and produce energy.
Hearing aid batteries are sealed with a tab to stop this reaction from beginning until you need them. Removing the tab allows air to enter the small holes that the tabs cover, activating the battery. Allow around one minute for the battery to ‘air-up’, taking as much oxygen as it needs to achieve full power. Once ‘aired-up’, place the hearing aid battery inside of your hearing aid to power it.
Hearing aid batteries are available in four industry-standard sizes – size 10, 13, 312 and 675. The size of hearing aid battery you need will depend on the type of hearing aid device you have. An industry-standard hearing aid battery colour code helps identify the size:
- Size 10 hearing aid batteries have a yellow tab. They are sometimes also referred to as PR70 batteries.
- Size 13 hearing aid batteries have an orange tab. They are sometimes also referred to as PR48 batteries.
- Size 312 hearing aid batteries have a brown tab. They are sometimes also referred to as PR41 batteries.
- Size 675 hearing aid batteries have a blue tab. They are sometimes also referred to as PR44 batteries.