Batteries and accessories

At one time, there were 3 different kinds of batteries that you could buy for hearing aids:

Zinc-air is the type now available and the only kind you should use.

You need to stay with the major brands-RayOVac©, Duracell© and Eveready©-and avoid all private labels.

Yes, there are some hearing aid labs that have their own private label batteries, and these batteries have “unique” battery sizes. There are equivalent sizes from those top 3 brands mentioned above. (Check with other hearing professionals, if you have a “unique” battery size.)

First, most batteries just go out all of a sudden, like a lightbulb. This is true for a majority cases.

A few circuits in some hearing aids get a little noisy before the battery goes out. This is 10-15% of all hearing aids.

(There is a particular hearing aid circuit that intentionally gives you a “beep” to let you know that the battery is weak.)

The life of the battery is longer in cooler weather, and occasionally, you will get a battery with a shorter than normal life and then again, a battery with an extra-ordinary long life! Generally, they are consistent to within a day or two of what you normally get.

Amplified phones are the number 1 selling hearing amplifier beyond hearing aids. The key is to get a phone with an easily adjusted volme and one that does not require a battery. The Walker Clarity”© now available from Siemens© is one economical nice choice.

Television amplifiers are mostly infra-red devices and in my opinion, they are clumsy to use and depending on the battery usage, can be expensive to use over a long period of time.

There are now available devices to make lights flash when a phone or doorbell ring.

Extra loud smoke detectors are available.

Car turn signal flashers with boosted “clicking” noise can be purchased; a very wise purchase, if you cannot hear your turn signal when it is left on.

There are FM systems that are appropriate for large gatherings, such as social meetings, church, etc... Better than infra-red because there is only the restriction of distance, FM systems pass through walls and can easily be set up in a few minutes. There is no limit to the number of receivers that can be used.

A beginning system with output transmitter and 4 receivers can be purchased for less than $1,000 and additional receivers are around $90 to $100 each.