Since Phonak introduced the first hearing aids with an integrated lithium-ion rechargeable battery in 2016, all other major brands have followed suit with rechargeable models. That's because ongoing improvements are constantly increasing battery life and enabling smaller and more flexible form factors. The MarkeTrak 2022 survey of consumers indicated over half (52%) of hearing aid users now own rechargeable devices.
Rechargeable versus disposable
Do you ever forget to charge your cell phone at night, only to have it die halfway through the next day? Do you spend a lot of time “off the grid” without access to electricity? Are you a power user who streams audio to your hearing aids 16 hours a day? If you answered yes to any of these questions, there’s a possibility that rechargeable hearing aids aren’t your best choice. Hearing aids with disposable batteries may work better for you.
But if you’re accustomed to recharging your phone and would prefer not to have to change your hearing aid batteries, you're not alone. In fact, hearing aid users have made it clear they would generally prefer rechargeable hearing aids over their disposable-battery counterparts.
In 2016, HearingTracker surveyed US consumers about their rechargeability preferences after two industry leaders, Phonak and Signia, each announced upcoming hearing aid models with lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. Of the 510 hearing-aid owners who responded to our survey, 89% said their aids used non-rechargeable disposable batteries, but 70% said they would prefer rechargeable hearing aids.
Four years later, in May 2020, we polled the members of our Facebook support group and found a huge jump in rechargeable hearing aid ownership, up to about 30% from 11% in 2016.
At the end of 2021, a whopping 4 out of 5 (79.4%) Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) and Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids sold in the U.S. were rechargeable, and these two hearing aid styles accounted for 87% of all hearing aid sales, according to Hearing Industries Association (HIA) statistics. As noted earlier, the MarkeTrak consumer survey indicates that about half (52%) of current hearing aid owners use rechargeable aids.
It's clear that consumers are increasingly voting with their wallets in favor of rechargeables. Indeed, the world's largest hearing aid manufacturer, Phonak, opted to launch its flagship Lumity RIC products only in rechargeable models in 2022 without any disposable battery option.
But rechargeable hearing aids have their upsides and downsides. Here are the top-7 things to consider before purchasing rechargeable hearing aids for yourself or a loved one:
- Manageability - Hearing aids are small devices that require a lot of manual dexterity. Sometimes older adults or very young kids have trouble getting them into their ears, turning them on and off and, especially, changing those tiny batteries. Rechargeable hearing aids with built-in lithium-ion batteries eliminate that dexterity challenge.
- Cost - Rechargeable hearing aids generally cost more than hearing aids that use disposables. But constantly replacing disposable batteries with new ones can cost $50 dollars or more per year, depending on how much power your hearing aids draw. So, in comparing hearing aid prices, keep in mind the extra cost of ownership of disposable-battery hearing aids.
- Environmental concerns - The carbon footprint of rechargeable batteries is significantly smaller (better) than disposable batteries. Rechargeable batteries in hearing aids are generally expected to last for 5 years or more, so you don’t have to worry about recycling very often. Disposables last only a few days to a little over a week, so you have to recycle them frequently (or feel guilty for tossing them in the trash).
- One charge per day - Until recently, rechargeable hearing aid batteries failed to meet the one-charge-per-day standard that consumers have become accustomed to with their mobile phones. Earlier batteries based on nickel metal hydride technology suffered from shorter life and less stable power output. But new lithium-ion batteries last all day, making an overnight charge easy and convenient.
- Convenience - If you don’t want to carry around spare packs of batteries everywhere you go, rechargeable hearing aids are a great solution. On the flip side, you do need to remember to charge rechargeable hearing aids every night. Forgetting to place them in the charger at night can mean the difference between hearing and not the following day.
- Power outages - For campers, frequent travelers, or people who live in areas frequently hit by hurricanes and natural disasters (i.e., with long power outages), you might encounter extended periods when its difficult to plug in your recharger. In these cases, hearing aids with disposable batteries can be a safer option.
- Decreased charging capacity - Just like your cell phone, the rechargeable lithium batteries in your hearing aids will lose their energy capacity over time. After about 4 or 5 years, you may find they start pushing the limits of working for an entire day, particularly if you have a more severe hearing loss, frequently stream audio, or often find yourself in challenging listening situations (see "How long do rechargeable batteries last before needing to be replaced?" below).
When you look at the pros and cons, it’s clear both disposable hearing aid batteries and rechargeable hearing aids are here to stay. Which you choose depends on your specific needs.
Frequently asked questions about rechargeables
Rechargeable hearing aids are most often premium products from top hearing aid brands. So prices for a pair can range anywhere from approximately $2,500 to $6,000, depending on what other features and functions they have.
Most rechargeable hearing aid manufacturers promise a full day of use on a single charge, so the batteries can be recharged overnight while you are sleeping. The length of time batteries hold their charge varies depending on how the hearing aids are being used. If you stream audio from your phone many hours a day, the batteries will run down faster.
Yes. One downside of a rechargeable hearing aid is that, like a cell phone (or any rechargeable device), they gradually lose charging capacity over time. Most lithium-ion hearing aid batteries last for about 5 years, but their power capacity decreases in that time. For example, after one year of use, a rechargeable hearing aid may be able to operate at 85% of what it did when new (e.g., if it could operate for 30 hours with no streaming when new, it may only operate for 25 hours after the first year). This is why, if possible, it's a good idea to have the rechargeable batteries in your hearing aids replaced by your hearing care professional sometime before your manufacturer warranty expires (typically 2-3 years).
Li-ion hearing aid batteries are very safe because they are always sealed in the hearing aid’s case. If the case breaks, you should stop using the hearing aid and have it serviced.
Some electronic products with larger lithium-ion batteries can’t be left in checked baggage. But lithium-ion hearing aids have passed safety checks that let you check them in baggage. You can also wear your hearing aids on airplanes and other public transportation.
Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries
All of the global hearing aid manufacturers now offer lithium-ion rechargeable hearing aids. They utilize the same technology found in your mobile phone and hundreds of other rechargeable consumer products. Providing a strong combination of energy and power density, they can now yield more than a full day of power for hearing aids, even when paired with power-hungry Bluetooth devices. And thanks to their consistent power output, users don’t experience the malfunctions or intermittence that limited hearing aids based on earlier rechargeable technologies.
Consumers have generally given most of these premium-level rechargeable hearing aids high marks for performance and ease of use. And they are proving to be reliable, too.
No more battery door
For safety and performance reasons, lithium-ion batteries are sealed into the cases of hearing aids. Unlike hearing aids with replaceable disposable batteries, they don't have battery doors. That's a benefit to users who sometimes have difficulty manipulating the small controls on hearing aids and who are happy to have one less moving part to worry about.
Sealed batteries also provide better moisture, dirt, and debris protection for the hearing aids. You'll find that many of the highest quality rechargeable hearing aids have ingress protection (IP) ratings of IP68—the highest possible level for these types of devices—and have extra protection due to the sealed battery.
Top rechargeable hearing aids in 2024
Rechargeable hearing aids dominate the market in 2024, and it's now possible to purchase both behind-the-ear and in-the-ear rechargeable hearing aids. Here is a list of the top rechargeable hearing aids from the world's leading brands.
Phonak rechargeable hearing aids
Phonak’s Audéo B-R hearing aid, introduced in 2016, was the first to use lithium-ion rechargeable batteries that could provide 24 hours of use. Since then, Phonak has expanded its line of rechargeable hearing aids to most behind-the-ear product families, all using lithium-ion technology.
Launched in August 2024, Audéo Infinio is Phonak's latest flagship hearing aid, and the first to run on AutoSense OS™ 6.0, which is designed to deliver new speech enhancements through artificial intelligence for better hearing in background noise.
Phonak Audéo Infinio
The Phonak Audéo Infinio and Infinio Sphere are advanced hearing aids featuring Bluetooth LE Audio, AI-based denoising, and the DEEPSONIC™ neural network processing chip for enhanced speech clarity in noisy environments. With models catering to various hearing needs, these rechargeable devices offer robust connectivity, durability, and customizable comfort, setting a new standard in hearing aid technology.
Listen to this device
Ideal for
- Music Lovers
- Noisy Environments
- Tinnitus Relief
Product Features
Hands-free calling
Yes
Rechargeable
Yes
iPhone Streaming
Yes
Android Streaming
Yes
IP Rating
IP68
Expert Review
ChargerGo RIC Sphere InfinioCharger with integrated battery
Battery ChargerPower Pack
Compatible with:
Phonak's Infinio hearing aids come with health tracking features, including step counting and heart rate monitoring. The company also produced rechargeable models for its earlier models, including Lumity, Paradise, Marvel and Belong.
Oticon rechargeable hearing aids
Oticon's latest flagship hearing aid, Intent, is available in a rechargeable miniRITE (receiver-in-the-ear) style in four technology levels, and employs both a telecoil and Bluetooth LE/Auracast-ready broadcast technology. The Intent rechargeable models use an improved charger that offers faster charging times compared to its predecessor. A full charge of just 2 hours provides 20 hours of hearing aid use, while a 1-hour charge delivers 16 hours of runtime. For added convenience, a quick 15-minute or 30-minute supercharge gives you 4 or 8 hours of use, respectively.
This new charging technology ensures you can quickly power up your hearing aids and enjoy a full day of clear, adaptive sound. However, it's important to note that the rechargeable batteries are no longer replaceable on-site at a hearing clinic and must be sent to Oticon for replacement, which the company states should only be necessary every 4 to 5 years due to the advanced battery technology used in the Intent.
Oticon Intent 1 miniRITE R
The Oticon Intent is a state-of-the-art hearing aid launched in February 2024, featuring advanced Deep Neural Network (DNN 2.0) technology for enhanced speech clarity in noisy environments and 4D sensor technology for adaptive sound settings. It offers improved connectivity with Bluetooth LE and Auracast-ready technology, faster rechargeability, and a compact design, making it suitable for a wide range of hearing loss levels.
Listen to this device
Ideal for
- Noisy Environments
- Tinnitus Relief
Product Features
Hands-free calling
Yes
Rechargeable
Yes
iPhone Streaming
Yes
Android Streaming
Yes
IP Rating
IP68
Expert Review
Desktop ChargerDirect contact charger with magnets for secure device fitting.
Battery Charger
Compatible with:
Oticon Zircon is a quality lower-cost miniBTE and miniRITE option launched in 2022 built on the new Polaris chip platform. Although Zircon is considered “essential” technology, it has kept some of the key features of BrainHearing available in Oticon’s premium products including audio streaming and hands-free calling for iOS devices, speech rescue, tinnitus support, and a choice between a portable charger that carries 3 full charges or desktop charger.
Oticon Zircon 1 miniRITE-R
The Oticon Zircon is a cost-effective hearing aid that integrates Oticon's advanced Polaris™ chip platform, designed to provide quality sound processing and essential features such as hands-free calling, audio streaming, and tinnitus support. Available in two technology levels and multiple styles, the Zircon offers flexibility for various hearing needs and comes with both rechargeable and standard battery options, making it a versatile choice for users seeking modern hearing aid technology at a lower price point.
Product Features
Hands-free calling
Yes
Rechargeable
Yes
Android Streaming
Yes
IP Rating
IP68
Oticon also offers rechargeable miniRITE R and miniBTEhearing aids in the Oticon Real family, as well as in a miniRITE R in Oticon Play PX family for children.
ReSound rechargeable hearing aids
Nexia is ReSound's newest flagship hearing aid family, offering rechargeability and the first-ever Bluetooth LE and Auracast broadcasting capabilities for hearing aids. Launched in September 2023, the Nexia Micro RIE is 25% smaller than the company's previous standard RIEs and offers new tap controls for user convenience. ReSound OMNIA, the previous flagship line introduced in 2022, provides a variety of hearing aid styles, including custom and BTEs form factors. Both lines offer “360 All-Around Directionality,” the unique M&RIE technology option, and are designed for better hearing in noise. These rechargeable hearing aids come with a choice of three different chargers: desktop, standard, or the premium charger (shown below).
ReSound Nexia microRIE 9
The ReSound Nexia Hearing Aids with Auracast are advanced hearing devices that feature the latest Bluetooth LE standard and Auracast broadcast audio technology, enhancing wireless connectivity and streaming capabilities. Launched in September 2023, these hearing aids offer a range of models suitable for mild to profound hearing loss, with options for hands-free calling, rechargeable batteries, and sophisticated noise reduction features.
Listen to this device
Ideal for
- Noisy Environments
- Tinnitus Relief
Product Features
Hands-free calling
Yes
Rechargeable
Yes
iPhone Streaming
Yes
Android Streaming
Yes
IP Rating
IP68
Expert Review
ReSound OMNIA RU60-DRWC 9
The ReSound OMNIA is a high-tech hearing aid family designed to improve hearing in noisy environments, featuring advanced directional microphones and a unique M&RIE microphone technology for natural sound pickup. Available in various styles, including Receiver-In-Ear, Behind-the-Ear, and custom in-ear models, the OMNIA offers Bluetooth streaming, hands-free calling for Apple devices, and a rechargeable battery option, making it a versatile choice for users with different hearing needs.
Product Features
Hands-free calling
Yes
Rechargeable
Yes
iPhone Streaming
Yes
Android Streaming
Yes
IP Rating
IP68
Premium ChargerCharges device when connected to power outlet, and also holds up to three full charges due to its onboard battery.
Battery Charger
Compatible with:
In February 2024, ReSound extended the Nexia line, adding two rechargeable BTEs and custom in-the-ear (ITE) and in-the-canal (ITC) rechargeable hearing aid styles—all with Bluetooth LE and Auracast technology. (A Nexia Completely-in-Canal (CIC) model is available, but it does not offer Bluetooth audio streaming and uses a size 10A disposable battery.)
Custom OMNIA devices fit the unique shape of your ear and offer a full suite of advanced features, including twin directional microphones, Bluetooth streaming, and high water resistance. The charger also features custom inserts that match the shape of the earmold and ensure good electrical contact when charging.
ReSound OMNIA ITC 9
The ReSound OMNIA is a high-tech hearing aid family designed to improve hearing in noisy environments, featuring advanced directional microphones and a unique M&RIE microphone technology for natural sound pickup. Available in various styles, including Receiver-In-Ear, Behind-the-Ear, and custom in-ear models, the OMNIA offers Bluetooth streaming, hands-free calling for Apple devices, and a rechargeable battery option, making it a versatile choice for users with different hearing needs.
Product Features
Hands-free calling
Yes
Rechargeable
Yes
iPhone Streaming
Yes
Android Streaming
Yes
IP Rating
IP68
Resound also still sells ReSound ONE, the predecessor to OMNIA, in some markets. And, the company offers rechargeable models in its economy ReSound Key product line.
Signia rechargeable hearing aids
Signia recently introduced its new Integrated Xperience (IX) platform with the Signa IX hearing aid family designed to provide sound clarity and definition for hearing aid wearers in dynamic, moving, multi-speaker scenarios. Launched in October 2023, the line currently consists of the rechargeable (the latter with a telecoil) RIC and Styletto IX slim-RIC hearing aids, and the Silk Charge & Go IX, the only instant-fit rechargeable Completely-in-Canal (CIC) hearing aid on the market.
The Signia Pure Charge&Go IX is a cutting-edge hearing aid that offers advanced features such as hands-free calling, iOS and Android streaming, and a robust 39-hour battery life. It utilizes the latest Integrated Xperience (IX) platform to enhance speech clarity in dynamic environments and includes a user-friendly app for remote adjustments and virtual care.
Listen to this device
Ideal for
- Tinnitus Relief
Product Features
Hands-free calling
Yes
Rechargeable
Yes
iPhone Streaming
Yes
Android Streaming
Yes
IP Rating
IP68
Expert Review
Signia also offers both its Pure AX and Pure Charge&Go AX hearing aids in rechargeable models. Pure AX is Signia’s first hearing aid launched under the company’s Augmented Xperience (AX) platform, offering streaming for iOS (hands free) and Android devices, acoustic motion sensors, and own voice processing.
As with the Signia IX line, three different chargers are available depending on your needs and preferences: the standard Pure charger, portable charger, and the Dry&Clean charger.
Like Styletto IX, Styletto AX is a slim-bodied hearing aid designed for mild to moderate losses, and it fits comfortably behind most ears to play well with glasses.
Signia Styletto AX 7AX
The Signia Styletto AX is a slim, lightweight hearing aid designed for comfort and style, suitable for mild to severe hearing loss. It features advanced technology such as Augmented Focus for improved speech clarity in noisy environments, Own Voice Processing 2.0 for natural-sounding self-voice, and offers both iPhone and limited Android connectivity, along with a rechargeable battery.
Listen to this device
Product Features
Hands-free calling
No
Rechargeable
Yes
iPhone Streaming
Yes
Android Streaming
No
IP Rating
IP68
Expert Review
Additionally, , introduced in October 2021, was the first wireless-charging custom In-the-Ear (ITE) hearing aid—bringing rechargeability to much smaller and discreet styles of hearing aids.
The Signia Insio Charge&Go AX is a custom in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid that features wireless charging, compatibility with both Apple and Android devices, and advanced sound processing technology to enhance speech clarity in noisy environments. It offers a rechargeable battery with up to 24 hours of use, customizable color options, and various technology levels to suit different degrees of hearing loss.
Product Features
Hands-free calling
No
Rechargeable
Yes
iPhone Streaming
Yes
Android Streaming
Yes
IP Rating
IP68
Signia also offers a complementary broad range of rechargeable hearing aids for different budgets and needs. Charge&Go X and AX models provide overnight recharging, and Styletto AX hearing aids come with a portable Qi-enabled charger for use when traveling. The portable charger gives 3 full charges to a pair of hearing aids, meaning wearers get 4 full days of hearing aid use without having to plug in. Signia Active X is an earbud-style instant-fit hearing aid that provides up to 26 hours of listening time on a 3-hour charge, and can also provide about 3 hours time on a 30-minute quick charge.
Charger with Qi-Charger Pad
Battery Charger
Compatible with:
Widex rechargeable hearing aids
Widex MOMENT SHEER sRIC is one of the smallest rechargeable lithium-ion Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) hearing aids on the market. The sRIC represents Widex's second foray into lithium-ion technology, succeeding the mRIC, and features redesigned microphone ports so it’s easier and more comfortable to hear, process, place, and discern sounds in even the most complex listening environments. The SHEER sRIC, which uses the MOMENT family chipset that was introduced in March 2020, has a new charger that doesn’t have what some users viewed as a cumbersome lid, and it offers 29 hours of listening time on a full charge of 4 hours.
Widex MOMENT SHEER 440
The Widex MOMENT is a flagship hearing aid line known for its superior sound quality and advanced AI-driven personalization features, including ZeroDelay™ and PureSound™ technologies that offer natural sound processing. Suitable for a wide range of hearing losses, these hearing aids are available in various styles, including rechargeable options, and are highly rated for music streaming and listening in noisy environments.
Listen to this device
Product Features
Hands-free calling
No
Rechargeable
Yes
iPhone Streaming
Yes
Android Streaming
Yes
IP Rating
IP68
Expert Review
ChargerThe Widex charger comes with brushed anodized aluminum casing, drop-in charging wells, and LED-indicators for charging status.
Battery Charger
Compatible with:
Widex introduced its latest RIC hearing aid, SmartRIC, in February 2024. With a unique 20-degree curve at the top of the hearing aid, SmartRIC’s dual-microphone directional system is both higher up on the ear and closer to being on the horizontal plane than traditional RICs, reportedly allowing it to align better with the wearer's focus, leading to a greater signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for noisy environments. The rechargeable device, which also uses the MOMENT chipset, has an impressive battery life of up to 37 hours of usage on a single charge, making it the company’s longest-lasting RIC. It also has Widex's first portable charger that carries 5 extra charges for on-the-go use.
Starkey rechargeable hearing aids
Starkey offers lithium-ion rechargeable hearing aids in its Genesis AI and Evolv AI hearing aid families. Launched in February 2023, the company’s flagship Genesis AI rechargeable RIC hearing aids boast up to 80 million personalized adjustments every hour, 2-way audio for every wireless style, fall alerts, Edge Mode+, language translation, health/activity tracking, and more. Starkey’s new StarLink Premium Mini Charger provides four charges while you're away from a power outlet, with one charge providing up to 51 hours of power to the new Genesis AI RIC RT.
Starkey Genesis AI
The Starkey Genesis AI Hearing Aid, launched in February 2023, is a flagship device featuring industry-leading rechargeable battery life, advanced AI-driven sound processing, and a redesigned ergonomic shape. It offers extensive features such as health and fitness tracking, fall detection, and compatibility with both iOS and Android devices for audio streaming and hands-free calling.
Listen to this device
Ideal for
- Noisy Environments
- Tinnitus Relief
Product Features
Hands-free calling
Yes
Rechargeable
Yes
iPhone Streaming
Yes
Android Streaming
Yes
IP Rating
IP68
Expert Review
StarLink Premium Mini ChargerUnique StarLink Premium Mini Chargers for Genesis AI mRIC R and RIC RT hearing aids – same design but with different charging slots to ensure secure hearing aid placement. These new chargers include on-board turbo charging for three hours of hearing aid use time in just seven minutes of charging and an on-board battery for on-the-go charging.
Battery Charger
Compatible with:
In February 2024, Starkey introduced its all-new Signature Completely in Canal (CIC) NW, reported to be the world’s smallest custom rechargeable hearing aid. The new non-wireless CIC can operate for up to 38 hours before recharging and, consistent with other Genesis AI rechargeable products, is waterproof (IP68 rated).
Unitron rechargeable hearing aids
Unitron Hearing offers rechargeable hearing aids in its Vivante, Blu, and Discover Next hearing aids. The company's Vivante and Blu models provide 24 hours of use on a single charge, and 8 hours of audio/media streaming will allow for a total battery life of 16 hours on a single, full charge. A full charge takes just 3 hours, and 1.5 hours of charging gets you an 80% battery charge.
Unitron Moxi Vivante R 9
Loading...The Unitron Vivante is a premium line of hearing aids introduced in April 2023, featuring advanced sound performance and personalized hearing control, especially in noisy environments. Available in multiple models, including receiver-in-canal (RIC) and behind-the-ear (BTE) styles, these hearing aids offer Bluetooth connectivity, hands-free calling, and compatibility with the Unitron Remote Plus app for enhanced user convenience and remote adjustments.
Product Features
Hands-free calling
Yes
Rechargeable
Yes
iPhone Streaming
Yes
Android Streaming
Yes
IP Rating
IP68
Philips rechargeable hearing aids
Sold at Costco, Philips HearLink hearing aid is manufactured by Demant—the parent company of Oticon—so its lithium-ion rechargeable batteries perform well. HearLink 9040 features an AI sound technology that reportedly trains the hearing aid to first listen to speech in noise, then apply the learning to make speech clearer even in noisy environments. Its rechargeable batteries are designed to last between 22-24 hours, depending on whether you are a “light” or “heavy” user. Time to full charge is 3 hours.
Philips HearLink
Loading...The Philips HearLink 9040 hearing aids, available exclusively at Costco for $1,499.99 per pair, feature advanced AI speech enhancement technology from Demant. These hearing aids offer hands-free calling, Bluetooth streaming for iPhone and Android, and come in rechargeable and battery-powered variants, making them suitable for a range of hearing losses from mild to severe-to-profound.
Product Features
Hands-free calling
Yes
Rechargeable
Yes
iPhone Streaming
Yes
Android Streaming
Yes
IP Rating
IP68
Rexton Reach
Rexton is the sister company of Signia and Widex, and its hearing aids that are sold at Costco, HearUSA and HearCanada, hear.com, and private practices contain top-notch rechargeable technology. Introduced in March 2024, Reach R-Li T boasts 39 hours of battery life or 34 hours with 5 hours of streaming. It also gives you 4 hours of use on a quick 30-minute charge. Reach gives you the option of two chargers: the Charging Station R or the portable Travel Charger. Each fully charge the aids in 4 hours and come with a USZB-C power adapter.
How much do rechargeable hearing aids cost?
The first rechargeable hearing aids from the top brands have all been top-performing, premium-priced models. But even in the premium category, there is a broad range of prices. If you check out our local hearing aid discounts, you may see that prices for rechargeable hearing aids can range anywhere from well under $3,000 a pair to nearly $7,000 per pair.
And when you’re assessing prices, consider the total cost of ownership of hearing aids with disposable batteries versus rechargeable hearing aids. Let’s do some math:
- If you shop around on Amazon for disposable hearing aid batteries, you can purchase them for as little as 30 cents each.
- If you wear your hearing aids in both ears 16 hours per day, and if you plan on getting about 75 hours of use out of each disposable battery, you end up needing approximately 150 hearing aid batteries a year.
- That amounts to around $50 per year for batteries.
- If you keep your hearing aids for five years, the batteries add $250 to their total cost.
Most manufacturer’s warranties run for 2-3 years, but there have been manufacturers that offer warranties specifically covering the rechargeable batteries for longer periods. The bottom line is, if you plan on keeping your hearing aids for more than 5 years, you can save money by getting the rechargeable batteries replaced before the warranty expires. And, when you compare costs with hearing aids that use disposable batteries, keep in mind that paying a couple hundred dollars more for a rechargeable with similar features and performance may provide comparable lifetime value.
Rechargeables now make up the lion’s share of hearing aid sales, and that means more competition, more product-line expansion, and more lower-priced options. If you’re considering a rechargeable hearing aid, be sure to continue checking back here to see what current deals on rechargeable hearing aids are being offered near you.
OTC Rechargeable Hearing Aids
While numerous hearing aids are claiming to belong to the FDA’s new Over-the-Counter (OTC) hearing aid category, only a select few actually make the list as real FDA-cleared OTCs. However, of the top-10 that HearingTracker recently revealed its picks for the Best OTC Hearing Aids of 2024, the vast majority featured rechargeability. These include: Jabra Enhance Plus, Lexie Powered by Bose B2, HP Hearing Pro Eargo 7, MD Hearing Volt Max, Lucid Engage, SoundWorld HD 75R, and Go Prime.
Jabra Enhance Plus
Loading...The Jabra Enhance Plus is an over-the-counter hearing aid designed for mild to moderate hearing loss, featuring modern wireless earbud aesthetics and functionalities such as speech amplification, noise reduction, and Bluetooth streaming for iOS devices. Priced at $799 per pair, these rechargeable, lightweight earbuds offer hands-free calling, a portable charging case, and a personalized hearing profile via a self-fitting iPhone app.
Listen to this device
Product Features
Hands-free calling
Yes
Rechargeable
Yes
iPhone Streaming
Yes
Android Streaming
No
IP Rating
IP52
Expert Review
How long do rechargeable batteries last before needing to be replaced?
Hearing aid manufacturers often cite the number of years of expected battery life in their specification sheets—typically 5 years—but batteries may last longer or shorter, depending on the manufacturer, the form factor and battery capacity, and your own usage/needs. As mentioned above, all rechargeable batteries lose their energy capacity over time, so it really does depend on your needs (i.e., hours of daily use) and the Day 1 capacity and deterioration rate of the specific batteries you’re using.
So here's a hot tip: Most hearing aids purchased from a clinic (not online) come with a 2 or 3-year warranty. Before that warranty expires, it's a good idea to ask your hearing provider about an “end-of-warranty refurbishment.” This involves your clinic sending the device back to the manufacturer for updating and replacement of key components, like receivers and rechargeable batteries. Once done, the hearing aid should come back and function as if it’s brand new. By doing this, you can effectively extend the life of your hearing aid from the usual 3-5 years to 6-10 years. We recommend doing this particularly if you really like how your hearing aid functions.
The downside? There's usually a cost involved, you may be without your aid for a short period, and you will be delayed in receiving the latest "state-of-the-art" technology that you'd get with the purchase of your next hearing aid. In some cases, you may not be able to get an end-of-warranty refurbishment if the hearing aid manufacturer no longer services or makes replacement parts for that model.
Battery life and operating time
When using rechargeable hearing aids, battery life is one of the first concerns that comes to mind. How long will your hearing aids last on a single charge? Rechargeable batteries in hearing aids are actually much better than expected in terms of operational time, and this is thanks to careful power-consumption optimization by the hearing aid companies. When compared to wireless earbuds, which typically only last 4-8 hours, hearing aids are light years ahead, with operating times in the 18-30 hour range.
Battery charge and use time by model
Model | Use Time | Time to Full Charge |
---|---|---|
Oticon Real, More, and Zircon | 24 hours | 3 hours |
Phonak Lumity and Paradise | 16-18 hours | 3 hours |
Unitron Vivante and Blu | 24 hours | 3 hours |
ReSound Nexia | 24 hours | 3 hours |
ReSound Omnia and One | 30 hours | 3 hours |
Rexton Reach | 39 hours | 4 hours |
Sennheiser ADC Slim (OTC) | 16 hours | 3 hours |
Signia Charge&Go IX | 39 hours | 4 hours |
Signia Styletto IX | 20 hours | 4 hours |
Signia Charge&Go AX | 36 hours | 4 hours |
Signia Styletto AX | 20 hours | 4 hours |
Sony CRE-E10 (OTC) | 26 hours | 4 hours |
Starkey Genesis AI | 41-51 hours* | 3.5 hours |
Starkey Signature CIC R NW | 38 hours | 3.5 hours |
Widex MOMENT | 20-29 hours* | 4 hours |
Widex SmartRIC | 37 hours | 4 hours |
Eargo 5, 6, and 7 (OTC) | 16 hours | 4 hours |
Jabra Enhance Plus (OTC) | 10 hours | 3 hours |
Jabra Enhance Select 50R (OTC) | 24 hours | 3 hours |
Lexie Powered by Bose B2/Plus (OTC) | 18 hours | 3 hours |
Lucid Engage (OTC) | 20 hours | 2 hours |
Estimates of use time assume no wireless streaming. Estimates with wireless streaming are below. *Varies by specific model
There are many factors to keep in mind when reading the operating times published by hearing aid manufacturers. Some of the factors that will lead to less operating time include:
- Wireless streaming - If you stream wireless audio, this will reduce the operating time of your hearing aids. This includes Bluetooth audio streaming, but also includes using wireless accessories, like remotes.
- Speaker strength - When your hearing professional configures your hearing aids, they may need to select a higher-powered speaker (a "receiver" in hearing aid lingo) depending on your severity of hearing loss. Higher-powered speakers consumer more power and reduce battery life.
- Hearing loss severity - If your hearing professional has to crank up the volume to meet your needs, this will use more battery power on an ongoing basis.
- The age of your battery - After a year or two, your battery will not hold the same charge as it did on Day 1. This is the nature of li-ion batteries, and you should expect to replace your batteries after a few years if they are no longer getting you through the day.
- Sound environment - If you spend more time in noisy environments, your hearing aids will need to do more heavy duty sound processing in order to provide a cleaner sound, and this chews up the battery faster than minimal processing in quieter environments.
Given this fact, if you note that your hearing aids are not charging as fast and/or lasting as long as when you first purchased them, you may consider getting the rechargeable batteries replaced. If they are still covered under the manufacturer's warranty (usually 2-3 years), your hearing care professional might even be able to help you save some money and extend the life of your hearing aids (there may be a service charge for this).
We have attempted to pull together as much information as possible from the literature of the manufacturers, and will be adding to this list over time. Do bookmark this page, and leave a comment in the discussion section below if you wish to contend any of the information cited below! Thanks.
Oticon Intent
- 2-hour charge provides 20 hours of use and 1-hour charge provides 16 hours
- 15-minute or 30-minute charge for 4 or 8 hours of use, respectively
Oticon Real and More
- 3 hours to fully charge
- 30-minute charge for 6 hours of use
- 24 hours total battery life when fully-charged
Oticon Zircon
- 3 hours to fully charge
- 24 hours total battery life when fully charged
- Portable recharger provides 3 full charges and can be recharged without hearing aids in 4 hours or with hearing aids in 8 hours
Philips 9040
- 3.5 hours to fully charge
- 22-24 hours total battery life when fully charged
- Desktop charger or portable charger with 3 extra charges
Phonak Infinio
- 3 hours to fully charge
- 18 hours total battery life when fully charged, less while using Sphere AI
- Charger Case Go (portable) holds 3 additional charges
Resound Nexia
- 3 hours to fully charge
- 24 hours on one charge or 20 hours when streaming 50% of the time
- Premium charger offers a minimum of 3 full charges of 2 hearing aids
Resound Omnia
- 3 hours to fully charge
- 30 and 28 hours of battery life when fully charged for HP/UP and MM receivers, respectively
- Premium charger offers a minimum of 3 full charges of 2 hearing aids
Signia Pure Charge&Go IX
- 4 hours to fully charge
- Up to 39 hours of wearing time without streaming or up to 34 hours with 5 hours of streaming
- 3 charger models: Standard Pure, portable, and Dry&Clean
Signia Pure Charge&Go AX
- 4 hours to fully charge
- Up to 36 hours of wearing time if utilizing the larger model (T AX) with the telecoil (T-coil) or up to 24 hours for the smaller no T-coil version (AX), including 5 hours of streaming
- 3 charger models (same as IX)
Signia Styletto AX/IX
- 4 hours to fully charge
- 20 hours of use total battery life when fully charged
- 30 minute charge for 5 hours of use
Starkey Genesis AI
- 3.5 hours to fully charge
- 7-minute charge for 3 hours of use
- Up to 51 hours total battery life when fully-charged
- Battery will last a minimum of 4 years
Starkey Evolv AI and Livio AI
- Under 3 hours to fully charge
- 7-minute charge for 3.5 hours of use
- 24 hours total battery life when fully-charged
- Battery will last a minimum of 3 years
Widex Moment
- 4 hours to fully charge
- 20 hours total battery life when fully-charged
- 30-minute charge for 4 hours of use
Widex Moment Sheer (sRIC R D)
- 4 hours to fully charge
- 29 hours total battery life when fully charged or 16 hours with 8 hours of streaming
- 30-minute charge for 4 hours of use
Unitron Blu and Vivante
- 3 hours to fully charge
- 24 hours of battery life when fully charged or 16 hours with 8 hours of media audio/streaming
- 90 minutes charging provides 80% battery charge
Should you purchase rechargeable hearing aids?
In this 2020 video, Dr. Cliff Olson from Applied Hearing Solutions in Anthem Arizona compares rechargeable and disposable hearing aid batteries, providing good advice for prospective purchasers.
Closed captions are available on this video. If you are using a mobile phone, please enable captions clicking on the gear icon.