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Troubleshooting guide: Changing a disposable hearing aid battery
Expert tips that make replacing that tiny button battery easier.
Most of today’s hearing aids are powered by rechargeable batteries. But some people still have devices that use disposable ones. Is that you? Then you’re probably used to replacing these tiny button-shaped batteries.
You’ll typically need to change them every 5 to 7 days, says Lindsey Koble, Au.D. She’s the owner of Audiology Always in Auburn, Indiana and a member of the EPIC Hearing advisory board. It depends how many hours a day you wear your hearing aids.1 Replacing the batteries could be tricky since they’re small. But there’s no need to stress.
Here, Koble gives step-by-step tips that help make the process quick and easy.
Prepare the new battery
Hearing-aid battery packaging is designed to be child-resistant for safety reasons, says Koble. That's because button-size batteries pose a swallowing hazard for little kids.2
But some adults find the package difficult to open. “So I recommend using a pair of scissors to cut an individual battery out of the packaging,” says Koble.
Then pull off the little sticker on top of the battery. The batteries are activated by air, so this starts the power flowing. “Wait 1 to 2 minutes to let the battery get some air circulated through it and reach full charge,” says Koble. Then you’re ready to put it in your hearing aid.
Remove the old battery
Use the edge of your fingernail to pop the battery door open. Then take the old battery out of the drawer. Can’t get it out with your fingers? Try using a hearing aid brush with a magnet at one end. The magnet makes it easy to “grab” the old battery and place the new one.
Put the fresh battery in
Hold the battery with the ridged side facing down and the flat, shiny side facing up. Place it in the battery compartment and close the door.
“If you insert the battery with the wrong side down, you're going to feel some resistance when you try to close that battery door,” says Koble. If this happens, flip the battery over and the door should close easily.
That’s it. Your device should be good to go.
Did you know that you many hearing benefits, including a hearing exam and consultation, are covered through EPIC Hearing Healthcare? Learn more.
Storage and safety tips
Stock up. You can buy hearing aid batteries at grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations or online.1 Also check your hearing care plan. With EPIC Hearing, you get a 3-year supply of batteries at no extra cost if you buy a prescription hearing aid that uses disposable batteries.
Store batteries in a cool, dry place. Don’t keep them in the refrigerator, which can reduce their shelf life.
Recycle the old ones. Don’t throw away hearing aid batteries with your regular trash or recycling.3 Collect old batteries in separate zip-top bags and drop them off at a recycling location in your town.
Sources
- Frequently asked questions about hearing aids Johns Hopkins Medicine. Accessed October 22, 2025.
- Hearing aid battery packaging — what you should know Hearing Loss Association of America. Accessed October 22, 2025.
- Used household batteries U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Accessed October 22, 2025.
Information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of a licensed medical provider. Consult your provider prior to making changes to your lifestyle or health care routine.
