Why can't they make hearing-aid batteries last longer and a lot cheaper?

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  1. Faith Reaper profile image83
    Faith Reaperposted 8 years ago

    Why can't they make hearing-aid batteries last longer and a lot cheaper?

    It really disturbs me to know that those who are on a limited income and they really can't afford to keep batteries in their hearing aids because the hearing aid batteries only last usually two days!  A woman who I used to work with was hearing impaired and she just couldn't afford to keep buying batteries for her hearing aids!  It is just a sad reality that those who need them can't afford to keep buying hearing aids.  Today's technology should be able to make batteries, especially hearing aid batteries, that last a long time.  There is no excuse in my mind.  What do you think?

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  2. Jackie Lynnley profile image85
    Jackie Lynnleyposted 8 years ago

    That is bad because batteries really are so expensive to keep and after buying up so many rechargeable batteries I found some that last for years without a charge; but I do not know if those come in the size one would need for hearing aids. Energizers is what I buy and there is at least A and AA and some lasting more years than others and made from recycled batteries! I will pay more attention next time I am shopping!
    I do know that anyone covered by VA can get all their batteries free! For Hearing Aids that is.

    1. Faith Reaper profile image83
      Faith Reaperposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, that is just so wrong and greedy when you know they can makes batteries that last. My husband has a hearing loss and his batteries run out every other day. We are blessed as he does get his from the V A due to his military service.

    2. Jackie Lynnley profile image85
      Jackie Lynnleyposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Every other day? Wow he must be tuned up pretty good! I would not whisper about him if I were you. lol Just kidding!!! My husband could use some I know but the less he hears the better I think. lol

    3. Faith Reaper profile image83
      Faith Reaperposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Lol, that's so bad ... I still think most of my husband's is selective hearing ...that husband selective hearing!

  3. Sparklea profile image60
    Sparkleaposted 8 years ago

    Hi Faith,
    I was raised by my grandparents, but they never wore hearing aids.  So I have not been exposed to them a lot.
    However, a good family friend wears one and my close friend's husband does too.
    I really do not know how much good they do, because I know my friend still shouts at her husband.
    That being said, if they do not work properly, that's bad enough, but to have to change the batteries so often is highway robbery, in my opinion!
    I totally agree with you that with today's technology, they should be able to make batteries that last a long time.
    We just bought a new hot water heater, and the man who delivered it says they program them ON PURPOSE to wear out every seven years so that we have to buy new ones.  I think this is the case with many appliances these days.
    My husband laughs at me because I complain all the time about everything being made of cheap plastic, instead of sturdy metal.  But there is a lot to be said for that, in my opinion.
    Good question, but I think it is all about money and greed.
    Blessings, Sparklea smile

    1. Faith Reaper profile image83
      Faith Reaperposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, Sparklea, I think greed is at the heart of all of this, which is sad. You're so right about everything being made to break in a couple of years so you have no choice but to buy new!  It should be a crime.

    2. MizBejabbers profile image88
      MizBejabbersposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I still shout at my husband because he couldn't hear with his hearing aids unless he was looking straight at my lips. He got so frustrated one day that he flushed his VA hearing aids down the toilet. I can't tell any difference in his hearing.

    3. Faith Reaper profile image83
      Faith Reaperposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Oh, dear, MizB, yes, it seems mine can't hear at certain times with the hearing aids ...so I'm wondering if most of it may be that husband selective hearing LOL?

  4. Jim Davin profile image61
    Jim Davinposted 8 years ago

    I would think that self -interest plays a part here.
    I think the industry that sells the batteries wants to
    stay profitable so the advance of batteries to last
    longer is halted to protect their bottom line.
    thanks for putting this up.

    1. Faith Reaper profile image83
      Faith Reaperposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, James, I do think that is the bottom line here ...greed. Maybe churches and nonprofits can buy them in bulk and give them away to those who really need them. Thank you for answering.

  5. B. Leekley profile image87
    B. Leekleyposted 8 years ago

    My wife has been hearing impaired since birth. Currently for her hearing aids she uses the battery brand PowerOne. Those are made in Germany. See:
    http://www.powerone-batteries.com/en/
    She got a box of them for Christmas. A local hearing center sells them, and a number of online vendors sell them.

    My wife says that how long a battery lasts depends on the hearing aid. In her hearing aid, a battery lasts 10 days; for her mother,  a battery lasts 3 days.

    In a pinch, such as if she runs out of batteries on a road trip, my wife will buy Energizer hearing aid batteries at Walgreens, especially if they are on 2 for 1 sale.

    For another possibility, Google on solar-powered hearing aids.

    1. Faith Reaper profile image83
      Faith Reaperposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Wow, Brian, Thank you for sharing all of the great information here! The only thing else I can come up with is for churches and non-profit organizations to purchase them in bulk and give then away to those who really need them.

 
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