Hearing Aid Batteries

Hearing Aid Batteries: What You Need to Know

Every standard hearing aid runs on one of four zinc air battery sizes, no matter the brand of your device. Zinc air batteries stay dormant until you pull the tab, which lets in the oxygen that activates the cell. That means a battery sitting in the package can last years, but once it's opened, the clock starts ticking. This is why buying in bulk works so well for hearing aid batteries: you get a lower price per battery without any risk of the stock going bad on the shelf.

The four sizes, 10, 13, 312, and 675, aren't interchangeable, but they are standardized across every manufacturer. A size 312 from one brand fits and performs the same as a size 312 from any other, so you never have to stick with a specific brand once you know your size.

Common uses include:

• Completely-in-canal and in-the-canal aids (size 10)
• In-the-ear and behind-the-ear aids (size 13)
• Receiver-in-canal and mini behind-the-ear aids (size 312)
• High-power behind-the-ear aids and cochlear implants (size 675)

How to Choose the Right Size

The fastest way to identify your size is the colored tab on the battery you're replacing. This color code is universal, so it works no matter which brand you've been buying.

• Size 10 (yellow tab): Smallest size, used in the smallest custom and canal aids. Typically lasts 3 to 7 days.
• Size 13 (orange tab): A larger, longer-lasting option common in bigger in-the-ear and behind-the-ear aids. Typically lasts 6 to 14 days.
• Size 312 (brown tab): The most common size today, found in most receiver-in-canal aids. Typically lasts 3 to 10 days.
• Size 675 (blue tab): The largest and most powerful size, used in high-power aids and cochlear implants. Typically lasts 9 to 20 days.

Still not sure? Check the battery door of your hearing aid, the old packaging, or your device manual, all three usually list the size number. If you'd rather just ask, our customer service team is happy to help you find the right match before you order.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know what size hearing aid battery I need?

A: Check the battery door on your hearing aid, it's usually stamped with the size number. You can also match the color of the tab on your old battery, yellow for size 10, orange for size 13, brown for size 312, and blue for size 675, since this color code is the same across every brand.

What's the difference between size 13 and size 312 batteries?

A: They're easy to mix up because both have the same 7.9mm diameter. The difference is height: size 13 is 5.4mm tall while size 312 is only 3.6mm tall. A size 13 battery is too thick to fit a 312 compartment, and a 312 will sit loose in a 13 compartment without making a proper connection, so it's worth double checking before you buy.

How do I activate a new battery and get it ready to use?

A: Peel off the colored tab and let the battery sit for about two minutes before inserting it. This gives the battery time to fully absorb oxygen and reach its full power, which can extend how long it lasts in your device.

Why is the packaging so hard to open?

A: Our hearing aid batteries ship in child-resistant packaging to meet current safety standards, since these small batteries can be dangerous if swallowed. It takes a bit more effort to open than older packaging, but the same battery is inside. If you're having trouble, a pair of scissors or a battery caddy can make it easier to access each cell.

How long do hearing aid batteries last, and how should I store them?

A: Unopened batteries store well for up to three years at room temperature, so buying in bulk is a safe way to save money. Once installed, expect anywhere from 3 to 20 days of use depending on size and how much you use features like Bluetooth streaming. Keep unopened batteries somewhere dry and away from the refrigerator, since cold temperatures can shorten their lifespan. If you ever need to return unopened stock, our 60-day return policy has you covered.