Understanding rechargeable hearing aid batteries

With climate change efforts ramping up across the globe, it’s time to look at the impact our hearing aids have on the environment. Batteries are among the most disposed of products worldwide. Hearing aid batteries are no different.

This Earth Day, we look at reducing disposable battery waste by switching from hearing aids with batteries to rechargeable hearing aids from Phonak.

Batteries come with some nasty by-products and side effects, not including factory emissions and general waste. The chemicals that batteries are made of can be toxic in certain circumstances. 

Many people don’t realize that a very high percentage of disposable home batteries end up in landfill and corrode. The manufacturing process behind them also produces toxic by-products. Many toxic waste products are released into the atmosphere or leak into rivers, streams, lakes, and the ocean, and gasses contaminate soil and ground water. (This is not to say that the manufacturing process for rechargeable batteries do not produce toxic by-products. If you’re interested in learning more, EthicalConsumer.org investigates, scores and ranks the ethical and environmental record of 13 rechargeable and non-rechargeable battery brands.)

It’s statistically proven that many consumers do not know how they can make a positive contribution to the environment, and the main way people start to make a difference is by choosing products than reduce environmental impact.

While safe for us to use, all batteries are reasonably toxic to the environment. It’s dangerous to dispose of batteries with the trash, as they need recycling in specific places. Many people don’t understand how toxic decaying batteries can be and put them in the trash. Used batteries will start leaking toxic waste and go straight into the environment, the water cycle, or the atmosphere. 

If you’re not in a position to replace your hearing aids with rechargeable aids, you can still take a positive step towards helping the environment. Rechargeable batteries are better for the environment than disposable batteries, and they have benefits for you too.  Firstly, you won’t have to take batteries to the recycling anymore. And, you won’t get stuck without any batteries ever again! Also, if you get into the habit of charging your hearing aid batteries at night when you’re asleep, you will never get a “battery low” beep in your ear again. Rechargeable batteries will free you from awkward moments when your hearing aids have run out of steam!

If you’re buying new hearing aid batteries, investing in rechargeable batteries will save you time and money in the long run. You’ll never have to make last-minute dashes to the store for batteries. You also benefit from knowing that you’re lowering your impact on the environment by not contributing to either the manufacture and waste of one-use batteries or the toxic waste products that leak out of the batteries you’ve thrown away. You also won’t have to worry about where and how to recycle your used batteries, as you won’t have any!

If you’re buying new hearing aid batteries, investing in rechargeable batteries will save you time and money compared with disposable batteries.

Rechargeable batteries stay in the aid and aren’t left lying around where they could be a hazard to small children or pets accidentally swallowing them. Batteries aren’t just a choking hazard. They can be incredibly dangerous due to their toxic chemicals.

Many people who suffer from dexterity issues can also benefit from in-built batteries, as it is easer to put the hearing aid in the charger than replace the small batteries..

Demand for the lithium-ion batteries that go into hearing aids increases as the global population ages. Batteries are increasingly helpful. With batteries in everything from phones to key finders, we’re rapidly running the risk of burying the planet in used batteries. But with an ever environmentally-friendly consumer base, the general prediction for rechargeable battery demand is an increase from 185 GWh in 2020 to over 2,000 GWh by 2030. The great thing about lithium-ion batteries is that they’re perfect for smaller devices with smaller energy limits, such as phones and hearing aids. More than 80 kids nationwide have suffered permanent damage from injuries caused by ingesting button batteries, according to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. In 2010, more than 3,400 kids swallowed button batteries.

The high-density chemistry helps to miniaturize devices. It even helps extend the device’s lifespan. That means longer-lived, environmentally-friendly hearing aids that would be well worth your money.

The perfect alternative to hearing aids with batteries is to buy rechargeable hearing aids. You’ll get the best hearing technology while doing your bit for the planet. Phonak rechargeable hearing aids are the first to feature a specifically designed built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery that provides one day of hearing, including unlimited streaming. Only two hours of charge are needed. If you’re in a rush, you can rely on a short 15-minute charge to give you up to three hours of full performance. They have 40 percent more power than conventional rechargeable batteries.

The lithium-ion battery in a Phonak rechargeable hearing aid has 40 percent more power than a conventional rechargeable battery.

Plus, they come with easy-to-use smart charging options. You can charge up wherever you are without having to worry about running out of power. The docking stations come in a range of shapes, and sizes. There’s bound to be something to suit your bedside table.