(BPT) – The latest breakthrough in hearing aids is not what you’d expect.
In an industry dedicated to helping people hear better, some hearing aid manufacturers have developed technology that helps people live better, too. Lithium-ion batteries — a rechargeable technology that has been used for years in cell phones and laptops — is now available to the 48 million Americans who have some degree of hearing loss.
“Today’s hearing aid wearers want technology that keeps up with their active lifestyle,” says Elizabeth Thompson, AuD director of business development at Phonak, maker of the first lithium-ion rechargeable hearing aid. “They’re tired of purchasing and fumbling with tiny batteries every few days and then worrying about the last time they changed them.”
According to Thompson, benefits to lithium-ion technology include:
1. Confidence
Running out of battery juice at the wrong time is a nightmare scenario for traditional hearing aid wearers. Lithium-ion technology helps increase wearer confidence so they can focus on living life instead of worrying about the last time they changed batteries.
2. Predictability
Hearing aid wearers want the predictability in knowing their hearing aids will last all day on a single charge. According to a recent study, it takes only three hours to complete one full charge that lasts 24 hours. If the wearer is short on time and can only charge their hearing aids for one hour, the lithium-ion batteries will last 12 hours.
3. Increased durability
People can also enjoy life to the fullest because the hearing aids are now more durable. The rechargeable hearing aids have an IP-68 rating, meaning they are dust and water resistant. The sealed battery door makes the hearing aid more resistant to the elements because there is no opening for water and dust to seep in and get lodged inside the hearing aid. This allows hearing aid users to go about their daily lives without worrying that their hearing aids won’t withstand weather conditions, including humidity and rain.
4. Peace of mind
Lithium-ion technology is a remarkable advancement for the hearing industry because it allows hearing aid users to have their hearing aids correlate with their modern lifestyle, and the freedom to live without the worry of disposable batteries. Rechargeable hearing aids also allow connectivity to a user’s favorite electronic devices. They can stream cell phone calls, music and audio from the TV, giving users hearing aids that fit in with their lifestyle.
5. Convenience
In addition to providing predictability when it comes to battery length, rechargeable hearing aids are easy to handle and there are no hassles with disposable batteries. For those with dexterity problems, inserting a small battery into the hearing aid can be a challenging chore. Plugging a cord into the wall is an easier, more effective solution. Charging the hearing aids is as simple and convenient as charging a phone, laptop or any other device that is used daily.
6. Eco-friendly
According to Phonak evidence, a hearing aid user uses about 100 batteries per year. Rechargeable hearing aids reduce the number of disposable batteries harming the environment, eliminate the cost of having to buy batteries and erase the chance of a small child or pet accidentally eating a disposable battery. Not only do rechargeable hearing aids change the life of the user, but they also have an impact on the user’s surrounding environment.
