What battery does a hearing aid use?
Hearing aids use zinc-air coin batteries in one of four standard sizes: 10 (yellow tab), 312 (brown tab), 13 (orange tab), or 675 (blue tab). The correct size is determined by the style of hearing aid, not the brand.
Quick size guide by hearing aid style
| Size | Tab color | Hearing aid style | Approximate runtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Yellow | IIC (invisible-in-canal), CIC (completely-in-canal) | 3–7 days |
| 312 | Brown | ITC (in-the-canal), RIC, RITE, mini BTE | 5–10 days |
| 13 | Orange | BTE (behind-the-ear), full ITE (in-the-ear) | 10–14 days |
| 675 | Blue | Power BTE, cochlear implant processors | 10–20 days |
How to identify which size you need
- Check the old battery — look for the number printed on the battery (10, 312, 13, or 675) or match the tab color (yellow/brown/orange/blue).
- Check the battery door — many hearing aids have the battery size printed or embossed inside the battery door.
- Check the user manual or manufacturer website — search your hearing aid model number.
How zinc-air batteries work
Hearing aid batteries are zinc-air cells — they use oxygen from the air as the positive electrode material. They are shipped with a small colored tab sealing the air holes. Remove the tab and wait 1 minute before inserting to allow oxygen to saturate the electrolyte. This extends initial runtime. Once the tab is removed, the battery begins discharging slowly even if not in use.
Battery life tips
- Open the battery door at night to reduce drain when the aid is not in use.
- Store unused batteries at room temperature — avoid refrigerating zinc-air batteries.
- Keep spare batteries away from coins and keys — metal contact can short the cell.
- Most hearing aids beep or vibrate when the battery is low — replace promptly as the final discharge can be rapid.
Are rechargeable hearing aids an option?
Many modern hearing aids (particularly RIC/RITE styles in the 312 size range) are available with integrated lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. These eliminate battery changes entirely but require a charging case. Some models cannot swap batteries at all — check before purchasing if off-grid accessibility matters.
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