It’s the end of a long day, and your hearing aid has gone flat again. Changing a tiny battery in poor light is frustrating, so you may be wondering about rechargeable hearing aids.
They may be an easier way to power your day, but they don’t suit everyone. Not every hearing aid comes in a rechargeable version either. Our audiologists at Audience Hearing can help you work out what fits for your lifestyle.
This guide explains how rechargeable hearing aids work and how they compare with battery-powered models. It also covers what to ask before you decide.
How Do Rechargeable Hearing Aids Work?
Rechargeable hearing aids have a battery built into the device. Instead of changing a small battery every week or so, you place the hearing aids in a charger. This is often a charging case, and it’s usually done overnight.
The Department of Health describes rechargeability as a way to charge your hearing aids like a mobile phone. It also means you don’t have to handle small button batteries. Manufacturers may call this a lithium battery.
Some hearing aid ranges come in both rechargeable and battery-powered versions. At your fitting, your audiologist can show you how to use the charger and care for your hearing aids.
Battery vs Rechargeable Hearing Aids: How Do They Compare?
Here is a simple side-by-side look at the two options.
| Disposable batteries | Rechargeable | |
| Power | You swap the battery when it runs flat. Hearing Australia says they generally last around seven days. | A built-in battery that you recharge, often overnight. |
| Daily routine | Switch off, open the battery door at night, and keep spares handy. | Place the hearing aids in the charger each evening. |
| Handling | Small batteries need to be handled and inserted. | No battery swaps, though you still handle the charger. |
| Styles | Used across many styles. | Not every model has a rechargeable version. |
| Ongoing items | Buying and disposing of batteries. | A charger to look after and, over time, a battery that may need attention. |
Disposable batteries may suit you if you like a simple swap-and-go routine. They may also suit you if your style only comes with a battery. Rechargeable models may work well with you if you’d rather charge at night than handle small batteries. The right choice depends on your hearing, your hands, your routine and your style.
Who Might Prefer Rechargeable Hearing Aids?
Rechargeable hearing aids may appeal to you if any of these sound familiar:
- Small batteries feel fiddly. Your audiologist considers dexterity when recommending a hearing aid style.
- You like a nightly routine. If you already charge a phone each evening, charging your hearing aids may fit in easily.
- You use extra features. Battery life depends on how you use your hearing aids and which features are on. Ask how a full charge copes with your day.
- You’d rather not store spare batteries. Hearing Australia advises keeping spare and used batteries away from children and pets. A built-in battery means no spares to store.
Rechargeable models may suit you less if you often spend days away from power. They may also suit you less if the style you want only comes with a battery.
What Should You Consider Before You Choose?
Before you decide, it helps to think through these points:
- Your hearing aid style. Audience Hearing’s range includes rechargeable models in behind-the-ear, receiver-in-canal and some custom styles. Ask which suits your ears.
- Your daily routine. Ask what happens if you forget to charge. Ask whether your model offers a quick top-up too.
- Charging at home and away. Plan where you’ll charge when you travel. Keep the charger dry because Hearing Australia also notes that moisture can damage hearing aids and their batteries.
- Long-term care. If your hearing aids start holding less charge than before, tell your audiologist. Our hearing aid care and replacement guide covers servicing in more detail.
- Costs. Ask for a written quote that lists the hearing aids, the charger and any ongoing costs.
Funding and Support for Rechargeable Hearing Aids in Australia
If you’re eligible for the Hearing Services Program, your provider must offer a choice of fully subsidised devices. Partially subsidised devices usually have more advanced features, and you pay the gap. For these devices, providers may also charge for a charger.
The program doesn’t subsidise replacing a lost or broken charger, according to the Hearing Services Program client information booklet. Rules apply, so check that you’re eligible before you book.
Our guide to hearing aids in Australia explains costs and funding in more detail.
When Should You Get Professional Advice?
An audiologist fits and adjusts rechargeable hearing aids, so it’s worth talking before you buy or switch. Healthdirect advises seeing an audiologist for a hearing test if you’re concerned about your hearing.
If you lose your hearing suddenly, go to your local emergency department. Healthdirect says this is an emergency. Tell your audiologist if your hearing aids stop charging or sound different.
Choosing Rechargeable Hearing Aids With Audience Hearing
Rechargeable hearing aids swap battery changes for a nightly charge. Whether they suit you depends on your style, your routine and your budget. Our audiologists use the Audience HearScore™ to look at your hearing clarity, style preferences, budget and technology needs. They can also explain the rechargeable and battery-powered options available.
Our team at Audience Hearing offers hearing aid fittings in Liverpool, Leppington, Mt Annan, Wollongong, and Mollymook.
When you’re ready, speak with our team about which hearing aid suits your lifestyle, or call 1300 432 748.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Long Do Rechargeable Hearing Aids Last?
A single charge is generally designed to cover a day’s use. How long it lasts depends on how you use your hearing aids and which features are on. Over time, the built-in battery may hold less charge than it once did. If you notice this, tell your audiologist. You can also ask about the expected battery life of the model you’re considering.
2. What Is the Cost of Rechargeable Hearing Aids?
The cost of rechargeable hearing aids varies between models and providers, so there isn’t one fixed figure. Ask for a written quote that lists the hearing aids, the charger and any follow-up or maintenance costs. Comparing quotes from different providers may also help. If you’re eligible for the Hearing Services Program, your provider can explain which options are fully or partially subsidised.
3. Do Rechargeable Hearing Aids Need Disposable Batteries?
No. Rechargeable hearing aids have a built-in battery that you charge, so you don’t need to buy and change disposable batteries. Some hearing aids come in both rechargeable and battery-powered versions, so check which one you’re being offered. Your audiologist can also show you how to charge and care for them.
4. What Happens If I Forget to Charge My Hearing Aids?
This is worth asking about before you buy. Ask your audiologist how much charge you would have left if you forget. It’s also worth checking whether the model offers a quick top-up, and what to do in the meantime. A regular charging spot, such as beside your bed, can also make the routine easier to remember.
5. How Do I Look After Rechargeable Hearing Aids?
Keep your hearing aids and charger clean, dry and somewhere safe, because moisture can damage hearing aids and their batteries. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your model. Bring your hearing aids to regular servicing appointments so your audiologist can check them. If something seems wrong with charging, tell your audiologist.
6. Are Rechargeable Hearing Aids Right for Me?
It depends on your hearing, the style you need, how you handle small batteries and what fits your daily routine. Rechargeable hearing aids suit some people well, while others prefer battery-powered models. An audiologist can talk through your options after a hearing assessment, so you can choose with confidence.
