The zinc–air battery
Zinc air batteries are most commonly used in hearing aids and watches. The terms zinc air refer to what they are made of, as well as, how they work. The tiny metal air batteries oxidize zinc “paste” with air. Basically, similar to a fuel cell, where the zinc is the fuel and the reaction is controlled by regulating the air flow. These small “button” batteries have been around since the 1970’s.
Advantages of zinc-air HearUSA Extra Advanced
batteries in hearing aids
Higher energy density (the amount of energy stored per unit) : Zinc air batteries have more energy per unit of weight than any other type of battery, this makes them ideal for small mechanisms that require strong power such as digital style hearing aids that need more power to operate at optimal levels, and hearing aids for severe or profound hearing.
Low cost to produce: Because zinc air batteries are made of lower cost materials that make manufacturing less expensive, the savings is passed on to the consumer. This cost savings is very advantageous to the hearing aid user who will need continual battery power as long as he is a hearing aid wearer.
Long operating life: In addition to the added power provided by the zinc air battery also last longer. This additional advantage gives the hearing aid more dependability with his hearing aid, and less interruptions to due to hearing aid battery changes.
Long storage life: The zinc-air battery mechanism, when air-tight, has an excellent shelf life. Even when not in use, batteries gradually discharge. That’s why they are packaged in air-tight chambers and tabbed shut. The zinc-air battery self-dicharges at a rate of only two percent per year. The benefit unique to hearing aid wearers is that their batteries usually come in multiple packs and need to be stored. Additionally, hearing aid wearers especially need to have back up batteries readily available to avoid a lapse in their hearing aid effectiveness.
Light weight: While it is good for a wrist watch battery to be light weight, it is paramount for a hearing aid battery to be lightweight. Just like eye glasses, the device will be worn on a fairly sensitive area, and be worn continually. Because zinc-air batteries store more energy per unit of weight than almost any other type of battery, it is ideal for this use.
Large range of button and coin cell sizes: The various disc sizes that zinc air batteries are available in meet the requirements of the various OTE (over the ear) and ITE (in the ear) hearing aid designs.
HearUSA Extra Advanced Batteries for hearing aids: HearUSA zinc air batteries for hearing aids come in all the sizes required for the various types hearing aids available including OTE, ITE and Cochlear implant. The tabbed batteries are color coded per industry standards. HearUSA hearing aid batteries include: Blue size 675, yellow size 10, brown size 312, and orange size 13.