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A built-in battery
Most rechargeable hearing aids use a lithium-ion battery sealed inside the hearing aid. There is no battery door to open and no small battery for you to handle.
Hearing aid features
Rechargeable hearing aids
A rechargeable hearing aid has its battery built in. Instead of changing tiny batteries every few days, you place the hearing aids in a charger at night and wear them again in the morning.
Many rechargeable hearing aids also connect to your phone by Bluetooth, so you can hear calls, music and videos through them. This page explains how both features work, how rechargeable batteries compare with disposable ones, and who they may suit.
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How rechargeable hearing aids work
A rechargeable hearing aid works in the same way as any other hearing aid. The difference is where its power comes from.
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A charging case or dock
When you take the hearing aids off, you place them in a charger. Small metal contacts or a magnetic connection charge the battery. Some charging cases have their own battery, so you can charge away from a power point.
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A day of use
Many rechargeable hearing aids are designed to last through a full day of normal use on one charge. Long streaming sessions, long wearing hours and an older battery can shorten this.
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Battery life over the years
Like a phone battery, a hearing aid battery slowly holds less charge as it ages. If your hearing aid no longer lasts the day, the clinic can check it and advise on servicing.
Rechargeable vs disposable batteries
Both kinds of battery work well when they suit your routine. This table shows the main differences.
| Point to consider | Rechargeable | Disposable |
|---|---|---|
| Daily routine | Charge overnight in the case, like a phone. | Change the battery every few days to a couple of weeks, depending on battery size and use. |
| Handling | No small batteries to handle. | Needs steady fingers and good eyesight to change small batteries. |
| If power runs low | Put the hearing aids back in the charger, or carry a charging case on long days. | Swap in a spare battery. Carry a few with you. |
| Travel | Take the charger with you, or use a case with its own battery. | Spare batteries are small and easy to carry. |
| Styles | Most common in BTE and RIC hearing aids, and in some ITE models. | Available in almost every style, including CIC and IIC. |
| Streaming | Designed with daily streaming in mind for many models. | Heavy streaming can drain batteries faster. |
| Over the years | The built-in battery holds less charge with age and may need servicing. | You keep buying new batteries as you use them. |
Disposable hearing aid batteries are usually zinc-air cells in standard sizes, often marked by colour: size 10 (yellow), 312 (brown), 13 (orange) and 675 (blue). The size depends on the hearing aid.
Which hearing aid styles are rechargeable?
A built-in battery needs space, so rechargeable options depend on the style. Here is the usual pattern.
BTE hearing aids
Many BTE models are rechargeable. Some high-power BTE models still use disposable batteries.
RIC hearing aids
Rechargeable batteries are very common in RIC hearing aids, often together with Bluetooth.
ITE and ITC hearing aids
Some custom in-ear models are rechargeable. It depends on the size of the shell and the model.
CIC and IIC hearing aids
Rarely rechargeable. These styles are so small that most run on tiny disposable batteries.
Phonak, ReSound and Signia all make rechargeable hearing aids. Ask the clinic which current models suit your hearing, or read more about the hearing aid brands we fit and the types of hearing aids.
Bluetooth hearing aids and streaming
Bluetooth hearing aids connect wirelessly to a phone, a tablet or a TV accessory. The sound goes straight into your hearing aids, which can make calls and videos easier to follow.
Bluetooth and rechargeable batteries often come together, because streaming uses more power. Compatibility depends on the hearing aid and your phone. Some models connect to most phones, while others work with selected iPhone or Android models. Bring your phone to your appointment so the clinic can check.
Bluetooth is useful, but it should not be the only reason to choose a hearing aid. For most people, comfort, clear speech and regular follow-up matter more.
What Bluetooth may let you do
Hear phone calls through both hearing aids
Stream music, videos, online classes and meetings
Change volume and programs from a phone app
Listen to the TV through a separate streaming accessory
Get some adjustments from your hearing care provider remotely, with some models
Who rechargeable hearing aids may suit
Rechargeable hearing aids are a good fit for many people, but not for everyone. Your hearing test and routine both matter.
Rechargeable may suit you if
You find small batteries hard to see or handle
You stream calls, music or videos every day
You like a simple nightly routine, like charging a phone
A family member helps you look after your hearing aids
Disposable batteries may suit you better if
You often travel to places where charging is hard
You need a very small CIC or IIC style
You need a high-power model that uses disposable batteries
You think you may often forget to charge at night
Caring for rechargeable hearing aids
A few simple habits help the battery and the hearing aid last well.
Charge every night
Put the hearing aids in the charger when you take them off. Check that the lights show they are charging.
Keep the contacts clean
Wipe the hearing aids and the charging contacts with a soft, dry cloth. Dirt or wax on the contacts can stop charging.
Keep them dry
Take the hearing aids off before bathing or swimming. If a hearing aid gets wet, dry it before you put it in the charger.
Avoid heat
Do not leave the hearing aids or the charger in direct sun, in a hot car or near a stove.
Use the right charger
Use the charger and cable that came with your hearing aids. Other chargers may not fit or may not be safe.
Plan for long breaks
If you will not wear the hearing aids for a while, follow the maker's storage instructions or ask the clinic.
If the battery runs down much faster than before, or the hearing aid stops charging, the clinic can check it. See hearing aid repair and servicing, or find one of our 39 clinics.
Questions about rechargeable hearing aids
Short answers to common questions about rechargeable and Bluetooth hearing aids.
How long does a rechargeable hearing aid last on one charge?
Many are designed to last a full day of normal use. The actual time depends on the model, how many hours you wear it, how much you stream and the age of the battery.
How long does it take to charge a hearing aid?
A full charge usually takes a few hours, so most people charge overnight. Some models can give a few hours of use after a short charge. Check the instructions for your model.
Can I use disposable batteries in a rechargeable hearing aid?
Usually not. Most rechargeable hearing aids have a sealed battery and no battery door, so they cannot take disposable batteries. Ask the clinic if you are not sure about your model.
Are rechargeable hearing aids the same as Bluetooth hearing aids?
No. Rechargeable describes the battery. Bluetooth describes the wireless connection. Many hearing aids have both, but some have only one of the two.
Do Bluetooth hearing aids work with any phone?
Not always. It depends on the hearing aid model and on your phone and its software. Bring your phone to your appointment so the clinic can check how it connects.
Are rechargeable hearing aids available in invisible styles?
Rarely. Most CIC and IIC hearing aids use small disposable batteries because there is little room inside. If you want a rechargeable hearing aid that is hard to see, a small RIC or a rechargeable in-ear model may be an option.
What happens when the battery gets old?
Over time, a rechargeable battery holds less charge. If your hearing aid no longer lasts the day, the clinic can check it and advise on servicing or battery replacement.
Thinking about rechargeable hearing aids?
A hearing test helps decide which styles suit your hearing. Our team can then show you rechargeable and Bluetooth options and how to use them day to day.