Guide to Signia Hearing Aid Batteries: Types, Replacement Tips, and Troubleshooting

A Guide to Signia Hearing Aid Batteries

Hearing aids can be life changing for people with hearing impairment. But to work properly, they require a constant power source. Signia hearing aids use tiny, specialized batteries to provide energy to amplify sounds.

Choosing the right battery type and size to match your Signia hearing device model is important. Knowing how to properly handle, store, and replace batteries helps ensure you get long, reliable performance.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about Signia hearing aid batteries so you can keep your devices running smoothly.

How Do Hearing Aid Batteries Work?

Modern hearing aids use miniature zinc-air button cell batteries to power their internal components. These batteries have some key advantages:

• Small size - Batteries range from 5 to 13 mm wide to fit discreetly inside devices.
• High energy density - The zinc-air chemistry provides more power in a smaller space compared to alternatives.
• Stable voltage output - They maintain a steady 1.4 volts during discharge for consistent performance.
• Non-rechargeable - Zinc-air batteries are single use. Rechargeable batteries are also available.
• Affordable - Prices range from $1-3 per battery, making them an economical choice.

Inside each battery is a zinc anode, air cathode, electrolytes, separators, and external shell. When used in a hearing aid, oxygen enters through vents in the battery's seal. This triggers a chemical reaction that generates an electrical current.

The electrical energy powers the hearing aid's microphone, amplifier, speakers, and other electronics. It allows the device to receive, process, and transmit sounds clearly so you can hear better.

Types of Signia Hearing Aid Batteries

Signia hearing aids are compatible with zinc-air button cell batteries from leading brands like Power One, Rayovac, and Duracell. The exact model you need depends on the size required by your particular Signia device.

Common battery sizes used in Signia hearing aids include:

• Size 10 (PR70) - For smallest canal/CIC hearing aid models
• Size 312 (PR41) - For many mini BTE and RIC devices
• Size 13 (PR48) - For standard BTE hearing aid styles
• Size 675 (PR44) - For larger power BTE hearing aids

Look in your hearing aid user manual or on the battery door to determine the correct size. Standard zinc-air batteries from any brand in the matching size will work properly.

Some key specs like voltage, capacity, and life span will be comparable across brands for a given battery size.

Where to Buy Signia Hearing Aid Batteries

You can purchase hearing aid batteries for Signia devices from multiple sources:

• Hearing aid providers - Many audiologists and hearing aid clinics sell batteries onsite for convenience.
• Pharmacies - Major pharmacy chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid stock common hearing aid battery sizes.
• Big box stores - Retailers like Walmart, Target, and Costco carry batteries in store and online.
• Online - Websites like Amazon, HearingDirect, and HearingAidBatteries.com sell batteries shipped to your door.
• Battery club programs - Sign up for automatic monthly battery shipments from providers.

Buying in bulk online can offer cost savings compared to smaller packs from local stores. But you'll need to make sure you use batteries before their expiration date if purchasing large quantities.

Average Battery Life

How long your Signia batteries last depends on several factors:

• Battery size - Larger batteries have greater capacity and longer lifespan.
• Use of streaming features - Streaming audio to hearing aids requires more power.
• Listening environments - Noisier situations use more battery life.
• Quality of batteries - Old or stored improperly, batteries lose capacity.
• Status of hearing aid - Defects like moisture damage can increase power draw.

Under normal conditions, the average lifespan for common Signia battery sizes are:

• Size 10 (PR70): 4-5 days
• Size 312 (PR41): 5-7 days
• Size 13 (PR48): 7-14 days
• Size 675 (PR44): 9-19 days

Higher capacity zinc-air batteries are available that can extend these ranges. Expect wide fluctuations based on your personal usage and settings.

Signs It's Time to Replace Batteries

To avoid being without power, it's crucial to change Signia batteries proactively. Look for these signs it's time for new ones:

• Reduced volume/amplification - As batteries deplete, the hearing aid output weakens.
• Beeping tones - Signia devices emit indicator beeps when battery level is low.
• Difficulty starting up - Low batteries can prevent hearing aids from powering on.
• Unclear audio - Insufficient battery capacity leads to distortion or static sounds.
• Frequent changes needed - Needing replacements more often indicates faulty/old batteries.

Aim to swap batteries at least every other day for small 10 and 312 sizes. Larger 13 and 675 sizes may go 4 days or longer between changes.

Maximizing Signia Battery Performance

Following proper care, storage, and handling practices will help your Signia batteries last their maximum rated lifespan:

Read Expiration Dates

Batteries gradually lose power capacity over time. Check expiration or best by dates and purchase batteries that will be used well before that date.

Store Batteries Correctly

Keep spare batteries in a dry, room temperature environment away from metal objects that could cause short circuits. Refrigeration can extend shelf life.

Buy From Reputable Retailers

Purchase batteries from recognized retailers to ensure freshness. Avoid third-party sellers, auction sites, and listings with prices that seem too good to be true.

Open Seals Carefully

Remove the sticky seal on new batteries gently without damaging the air vent underneath needed for activation. Use seal tabs when available.

Alternate Between Left/Right Hearing Aids

Swapping out both batteries at the same time can help them drain more evenly for maximum usage.

Bring Spares When Out

Carry extra batteries in your wallet, purse or pocket so you can change them whenever needed throughout the day.

Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Heat and cold can affect battery performance and lifespan. Keep them at room temperature as much as possible.

Test Problematic Batteries

If a battery seems to die quickly, test it in another aid (or a battery tester) to check if the issue is the battery itself.

Rechargeable Batteries for Signia Hearing Aids

In addition to standard zinc-air batteries that must be replaced, some rechargeable options are available for Signia hearing aids. These include:

Lithium-Ion Charging Case

Certain Signia models can be used with a dedicated charging case. The case contains a lithium-ion battery that holds 3-5 full charges for the hearing aids.

The user places their hearing aids in the case each night to recharge. The case itself is recharged by plugging into an outlet.

Telecoil Receiver

A telecoil receiver built into some Signia hearing aids allows them to be recharged using an inductive charging pad. The aid is simply placed on the pad overnight.

This avoids having to open the battery door repeatedly to swap batteries. However, the aid must have the required telecoil receiver.

Integrated Lithium-Ion Battery

Signia's latest hearing aid models feature a built-in, non-removable rechargeable lithium-ion battery. This allows charging the aid directly without batteries.

Charging times are typically 3-4 hours. Users get around 24 hours of operation per charge depending on settings.

Troubleshooting Signia Battery Problems

If your Signia batteries seem to drain faster than expected, try these troubleshooting tips:

Clean Battery Contacts

Buildup on the battery contacts can impede power transfer. Clean the contacts in the hearing aid with a brush or soft cloth.

Check for Moisture Damage

Excess moisture in the hearing aid can lead to current leakage and battery drain. Have your audiologist check for water damage.

Replace Wax Guards

Clogged wax guards force the amplifier to work harder, using more battery power. Have your provider replace wax guards regularly.

evaluate Volume Setting

Excessive volume demands more battery current. Discuss appropriate volume/program settings with your audiologist.

Switch to Larger Batteries

If your aid is compatible with the next size up battery, switching may provide longer life between changes.

Test with New Batteries

Try brand new batteries from a sealed pack to see if battery age or storage conditions are reducing performance.

Signs of Battery Failure

While rare, some Signia batteries do occasionally fail prematurely. Watch for these signs of faulty batteries:

• Leakage or corrosion - Leaking battery fluid can damage hearing aid.
• Bulging/warped - Swelling of battery indicates internal failure.
• Reduced performance - Faulty batteries provide shorter usable lifespan.
• Error messages - Some Signia models alert when faulty battery detected.
• Auto-off cycling - Hearing aid turns on then off repeatedly.

Dispose of any failed or damaged batteries properly and replace with fresh ones. Leaking batteries can be cleaned from aid using a damp cloth or ahead dryer.

Battery Safety Tips

While miniature zinc-air batteries are generally safe, follow these precautions when handling hearing aid batteries:

• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Avoid storing in your mouth as batteries can be accidentally swallowed
• Never attempt to burn or puncture batteries
• Don't attempt to recharge non-rechargeable batteries
• Check your aids after changing the batteries to ensure they are inserted correctly
• Wash hands after handling to remove any fluid if batteries leak
• Follow proper battery disposal procedures - do not simply throw them in the trash

Swallowing or battery fluid exposure can cause serious injury. Seek medical help immediately in those situations.

The Bottom Line

Choosing the right batteries for your particular Signia hearing aids and replacing them regularly is key to the best performance. While battery life depends on use, size 312 and 13 batteries tend to last 5-14 days under normal conditions.

Purchase hearing aid batteries from reputable retailers and properly store spares to ensure you have fresh ones ready when needed. Using rechargeable batteries or an integrated rechargeable option in newer Signia models can also improve convenience and save money over time.

Know the warning signs like reduced volume that indicate it’s time to swap batteries. Proper care and troubleshooting tips can help your Signia batteries provide power reliably so you never miss an important sound.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.