Saving time and money is important, especially when it comes to your hearing aids. Batteries are a crucial component of a battery-operated hearing aid, so it’s important to take care to help you get the most out of your battery, making your hearing aid batteries last longer. Doing so can help save you the time of replacing batteries and can help save you money in the long run.

While this advice doesn’t take away from the fact that you should always have a set of spare batteries on you, by making your hearing aid batteries last longer, you can get the most out of your device, all while saving money.

• When it comes time to purchase more hearing aid batteries, buy the newest package available. Even though unopened batteries can last for years in the packaging, the power does diminish slightly over time. Aim to buy the freshest, newest pack possible if you want to make your hearing aid batteries last longer.

• Air activates zinc-air batteries, so you must never remove the tab on a battery until you are about to use it. If the tab is removed prematurely, it cannot be reapplied, and it will activate the battery, so it is crucial that you only do this when you are planning to use the battery immediately.

• If you plan on storing your batteries, don’t place them in a refrigerator. Instead, store your hearing aid batteries at room temperature to help get the most out of your batteries. Keep them away from direct sunlight and heat, and while you may have heard that storing your batteries in the fridge is the best thing you can do, this is not the case. The condensation from the refrigerator could lead to corrosion, premature failure, and a reduced release of power.

• When it is time to activate a new battery, remove the tab and then make sure you wait about 5-7 minutes before putting the battery in your hearing aid. If you want to get more time out of your battery, let the battery sit before using it. Doing so could possibly extend the length of your hearing aid battery.

• When your hearing aid is not in use, make sure you leave the battery compartment door open. This allows any built-up moisture and condensation to exit the device instead of getting trapped, leading to corrosion. Just make sure don’t leave your hearing aid out, with the battery door open, in a bathroom. Instead, keep it on your night table, or better yet, invest in a hearing aid dehumidifier. A hearing aid dehumidifier can expel moisture and keep your device safely stored.