Hearing aids are certainly life changing devices, as they help you enjoy and embrace life to the fullest by helping those with hearing difficulties hear again. What a precious gift! However, even though this powerful device is meant to help you regain one of your senses, hearing aids can’t function without the use of batteries. However, hearing aid batteries typically only last between 3 to 7 days, which can be quite the downer. Especially if you are not aware of this fact and your hearing aid battery dies on you when you need it the most.

While it’s always smart to carry a spare pack of batteries with you, there are some practices you can implement to help keep your hearing aid batteries going strong, for as long as possible. If you want to get the most out of your batteries, check out these simple hearing aid battery tips.

1. Do you stock up on extra batteries? If so, make sure you store your extra hearing aid batteries in a dry location that remains at room temperature. It is important that you keep your batteries away from extreme temperatures.

2. When it’s time to replace your battery, use your oldest package of hearing aid batteries first.

3. Resist all temptation to remove your batteries plastic tab until you are ready to use the battery. Otherwise, you will activate the battery and it will have a full charge when you use it.

4. ALWAYS make sure you wash your hands thoroughly before replacing your hearing aid battery. The grease and dirt from your hands can damage your battery and hearing aid.

5. After you remove the plastic tab, don’t use the battery immediately. Instead, let the battery sit out for at least five minutes. This allows the zinc present in the battery to mix with the air, which can help extend the batteries life.

6. When you are not using your hearing aid, turn it off and store it in a safe spot with the battery compartment door open. By doing this you will help minimize battery drain and will allow excess moisture to escape.

7. If you don’t plan on using your hearing aid for an extended period of time, make sure you remove the battery from the device entirely and store in a safe location.