Frustrated with hearing aid batteries? Rechargeable batteries could be the game-changer you have been waiting for.

06 November 2025

If you wear hearing aids, or you’ve been putting off getting them, there’s a good chance traditional batteries have played a part in your frustration.

Maybe the battery ran out mid-conversation or mid-concert. Maybe you’ve had to carry spares everywhere.  Or maybe the idea of constantly replacing those fiddly little cells has made you think, “Is it really worth the hassle?”

We get it. And you’re not alone.

For years, hearing aids have been powered by small, single-use zinc-air batteries. They worked well, but they didn’t last long. Depending on your device and how much you used it, you could be changing batteries every few days. That meant carrying spares, struggling with tiny parts (especially if your eyesight or dexterity isn’t what it used to be) and dealing with a regular expense.

But things have changed. A little battery. A lot of freedom.

Today, most modern hearing aids come with built-in rechargeable lithium-ion or replaceable rechargeable silver-zinc batteries - both deliver a full day of power on a single charge.

Just like that, the biggest inconvenience of hearing aids starts to disappear.

Rechargeable hearing aids are now a brilliant alternative to traditional disposable batteries. They’re more convenient, more cost-effective, more eco-friendly and more user-friendly.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s changed, and how Fairfield Hearing can help you find a rechargeable hearing solution that fits your life.

 

What’s Changed?

For years, hearing aids have been powered by small, single-use zinc-air batteries. While they work well and are easy to find, they only last a few days (depending on your device and how much you use it). That means keeping spare batteries with you, changing them regularly and dealing with waste and ongoing costs.

Rechargeable technology has moved on in leaps and bounds recently. Now, many modern hearing aids come with either built-in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries or replaceable silver-zinc rechargeable batteries – giving you a much simpler, more sustainable way to power your hearing aids.

 

Why rechargeables are worth considering:

  1. Everyday Convenience

    With lithium-ion rechargeable hearing aids, there’s no need to replace batteries at all. You just pop them into their charger overnight, like your phone, and you’re ready to go in the morning. No tiny tab that wouldn’t peel off. No fiddly little battery door that never quite clicks shut. Just a full day of hearing ahead of you.

    Prefer something that feels a bit more familiar? Silver-zinc rechargeable batteries offer a great alternative. You still get the environmental benefits of rechargeability, but in the familiar form of batteries you replace yourself, much like the traditional ones. They come with a handy little charger.

  2. More Reliable Power

    Whether you go for lithium-ion or silver-zinc, today’s rechargeable batteries offer consistent power throughout the day – including when you’re streaming music or taking calls. Many models give you 16 to 24 hours of use on a single charge, with quick-charge options available if you're short on time.

  3. Travel-Friendly and Easy to Charge

    Rechargeable hearing aids come with compact chargers, many of which are USB-powered, ideal if you’re travelling, commuting, or simply wanting to avoid clutter. We can even supply travel charging accessories to keep you powered up wherever you go.

  4. Fewer Trips to the Shops

    Once you switch to rechargeables, you no longer need to buy packs of disposable batteries every few weeks. That’s one less item for the shopping list and, over time, it can mean real savings too.

  5. Better for the Planet

    Rechargeables drastically reduce waste. One lithium-ion battery can replace hundreds of disposables over its lifetime, and silver-zinc batteries are fully recyclable and non-toxic. Fewer used batteries in landfill = one less thing to worry about.

  6. Safer for Homes with Children or Pets

    Because rechargeable batteries are either completely sealed into the hearing aid, or are being reused, there’s less risk of small, loose batteries being left around the house. Peace of mind for you and your family.

 

A few things to be aware of

Rechargeable hearing aids aren’t completely without their downsides, but that’s where we can help.

Battery Lifespan

Rechargeable batteries will eventually lose capacity after a few years (usually 3–5) and will need to be professionally replaced, but this is often covered under our Hearing Aid & Aftercare Support Packages.

Charging Habits

Remembering to charge your hearing aids regularly may be inconvenient for those with busy lifestyles or limited access to power sources. We offer a range of portable chargers and extra accessories to help you manage this.

Model Compatibility

Rechargeable batteries are usually built into newer digital hearing aids, so if you're using an older device, you may need to upgrade. But don’t worry, we stock an extensive range of the latest, rechargeable-compatible hearing adis from top manufacturers like Oticon, Phonak, ReSound, Starkey and Widex.

Eco-Friendly... but Still Evolving

While rechargeables are far better for the environment than disposables, lithium-ion batteries still require mining of rare materials. If you’re looking for the greenest option currently available, we can recommend silver-zinc powered aids, and we’ll happily recycle your used batteries responsibly.

 

So, is it time to go rechargeable?

If you’ve struggled with traditional batteries, or avoided hearing aids because of them, switching to rechargeables could be the breath of fresh air you need.

At Fairfield Hearing, we’ll guide you through your options, fit you with the right device, and make sure you’ve got everything you need to get the most out of your hearing aids, from portable chargers to aftercare support.

We know that life’s too short to be battling with tiny batteries. So, let’s make things easier.

Book a free consultation today and discover how much simpler (and more satisfying) better hearing can be.