Without batteries, your hearing aids would be unable to provide you with good hearing. However, it’s important to know that batteries need to be handled with care. We provide a list of hearing aid battery do’s and don’ts below.
Do
When it comes to your hearing aid batteries, do:
- Invest in a container with a lid that snaps shut to keep them in.
- Store this container on a high shelf or locked drawer, away from where children and pets could access them.
- Store dead batteries in a different, labeled snap-tight container until they can be disposed of properly.
- Take dead batteries to Highland Park Recycling Center rather than throwing them in the trash.
Don’t
When it comes to your hearing aid batteries, don’t:
- Put batteries near metal objects like coins or keys, which can cause leakage.
- Store batteries near pills, or they may be accidentally ingested.
- Place batteries in the fridge, as contrary to popular belief, this does not help their lifespan.
If You Get an Acid Burn…
If your batteries leak, it can result in a burn on your skin. If you do get an acid burn:
- Take off any clothes or jewelry that have come into contact with the battery acid.
- Wipe the area with a wet cloth.
- Run cool water over the affected area for at least 15 minutes.
- Wrap the area with a clean piece of gauze or cotton.
- Call your doctor if your skin continues to discolor.
If a Battery Is Ingested…
Batteries contain heavy metals such as mercury, silver and lithium. If these chemicals are ingested and come into contact with body fluids, it can create an electrical current that burns through tissue and damages internal organs.
Signs someone has ingested a battery include:
- Wheezing
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Chest discomfort
- Difficulty swallowing
- Gagging
If you suspect your child or older loved one has swallowed a battery, be sure to:
- Seek emergency medical care.
- If the person is older than one year old, give them two teaspoons of honey every ten minutes to help slow the development of an internal burn injury until you get to the emergency room.
For more information on hearing aid questions or to schedule an appointment, call North Shore Audio-Vestibular Lab today.