Rechargeable hearing aids are growing in popularity for some excellent reasons. A fully charged lithium-ion battery can power a wearer for a full day of listening.
Just add charging to your bedtime routine for a convenient way to get all-day power. Plus, rechargeable batteries are less harmful to the environment than disposables.
Peace of Mind
Peace of mind is a feeling of calmness and contentment that comes from being free from stress or anxiety. It is often described as a state of tranquility, and many people strive for it through meditation, exercise, or other relaxation techniques.
Choosing rechargeable hearing aids can give you the peace of mind of knowing that you will never run out of power. Unlike traditional zinc-air batteries, which need to be replaced weekly and can cause issues with your hearing device in cold weather, lithium-ion batteries can be charged thousands of times and will not suffer from the same power loss problems.
In addition, the lack of needing to buy and install replacement batteries on a regular basis saves you money in the long run. Although the upfront cost of rechargeable hearing aids is more than their traditional counterparts, the fact that you won’t need to spend money on disposable batteries in the future can offset this cost.
Most manufacturers who offer rechargeable hearing aids also provide a free charging case and a warranty for their products. While these additional features may not make your new hearing aids a better deal than an off-the-shelf model, they can help you feel comfortable and confident in your purchase decision.
If you aren’t sure if rechargeable hearing aids are right for you, most of the manufacturers that we reviewed offer generous return policies and a trial period so you can test them out in your everyday life before making a decision. Taking advantage of these policies, which usually last between 30 and 60 days, can be a great way to find the perfect pair for your needs without any risk or hassle.
For example, ReSound offers a wide variety of rechargeable hearing aid options that are suitable for all levels of hearing loss. Their devices are compatible with three smartphone apps that allow you to adjust your hearing aids, track battery usage, and manage tinnitus. They also feature a sleek charging case that will ensure you have enough power to get through your day without having to worry about running out.
Convenience
Hearing aids are small, high-tech devices that convert sounds from your environment to digital signals that are then sent to the inner ear. While any hearing aid can perform this function, the most advanced models are small computers that rely on an intricate system of microphones and sensors to detect your surroundings. They also come equipped with a range of connectivity features that allow them to connect with your smartphone, TV and other audio streaming devices.
While hearing aids are designed to be easy to manage, changing the tiny batteries can be challenging for older adults with limited manual dexterity. Trying to peel the tab off the battery, drop it into its compartment and close the door can be especially difficult for people with arthritis in their hands or hand tremors. In addition, button batteries are a choking hazard for small children and pets, and if they are misplaced, can be mistaken for pills and accidentally ingested, which can lead to serious health consequences.
Rechargeable hearing aids eliminate this battery-changing process by incorporating built-in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The batteries are completely enclosed within the hearing aid and should last the life of the device, which is typically five years.
Unlike disposable batteries, which can be expensive, rechargeable hearing aids cost more upfront than traditional hearing aids that use replaceable batteries. However, many people save money in the long run by not having to purchase replacement batteries.
Another benefit of rechargeable hearing aids is that they are ready to use each morning after a night’s charge. This convenience allows you to enjoy your day with confidence that your hearing aids will work properly without having to worry about missing important conversations or special moments because of a low battery.
Before you purchase your hearing aids, consider what features are important to you. For example, do you want to be able to stream music and podcasts directly into your hearing aids? Do you want to be able to schedule a remote appointment with your hearing specialist if you have a question or problem? While it may seem obvious that you will want to purchase a pair with these options, they are not always included in the initial price tag.
Environmentally Friendly
Choosing rechargeable hearing aids means that you are doing your part to protect the environment. Instead of throwing away billions of disposable batteries annually, you will be able to reuse and recharge your hearing aids. This helps to cut down on battery waste, conserves resources and minimizes carbon emissions.
With rechargeable hearing aids, you will simply plug them into a charger at night, just like you would with your smartphone or an electric toothbrush. This ensures that you will have a full day of power to get you through the day. Additionally, rechargeable batteries do not need to be changed as often as disposable ones, which reduces the amount of time that they are exposed to environmental hazards.
Disposable batteries often end up in landfills and on sidewalks, where they can leak and contaminate the water supply or cause fires. When they are thrown away, they can also find their way into underground water sources, where they can leach into the soil and groundwater. In addition, they can be a choking hazard for children and pets. Rechargeable batteries remain inside the hearing aid, so there is no risk of them falling out or being swallowed.
Rechargeable hearing aids also tend to have a lower environmental footprint than their disposable counterparts, as they don’t require the use of cadmium, lead, mercury or other toxic metals. They also do not produce as much waste as their disposable counterparts, and they can be recycled if you choose to do so.
If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of rechargeable hearing aids, contact Torrance Audiology today to schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist. We can fit you with a pair of rechargeable hearing aids that will be perfect for your needs.
You can also call us to ask any questions that you may have about our current inventory of rechargeable hearing aids. We look forward to serving you!
Longevity
Rechargeable hearing aids are typically more expensive up front, with pricey charging stations, but they may save wearers money in the long run. Because they do not require disposable batteries, rechargeable models can eliminate the cost of buying and changing small, difficult-to-handle button batteries that must be replaced every 2 to 10 days (depending on use).
The convenience factor of rechargeable hearing aids makes them a great choice for older wearers who may find it challenging or even impossible to open and replace battery compartments. This can be a common problem for individuals with arthritis, diabetic nerve damage and other dexterity issues.
Lithium-ion batteries used in rechargeable hearing aids have a reputation for providing reliable, long-lasting power. When fully charged, they can last all day (19-24 hours), and they are able to handle complex technology and battery-draining features like Bluetooth streaming that can quickly drain the life of disposable batteries.
Despite their longer lifespan, rechargeable hearing aids are not without drawbacks. Many models are not water resistant, meaning they can be damaged by contact with moisture and must be carefully dried after each usage. Also, if you are an avid camper or traveler and expect to experience extended periods of time when it is not possible to plug in your charger, disposable batteries might be a better option for you.
While the benefits of rechargeable hearing aids are numerous, it’s important to speak with a qualified audiologist about your specific needs and lifestyle to determine which type of hearing aid is best for you. The team at Hearing Solutions of New York is here to help you make an informed decision that will best meet your unique circumstances and lifestyle. We carry a wide selection of premium products from top hearing aid brands, and we can provide you with advice that’s customized to your situation. Contact us today to set up an appointment. We offer convenient locations throughout the New York City metro area, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. We look forward to serving you!