Zinc–Air Hearing Aid Batteries: An Analysis of Functional Performance

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of three disposable hearing aid battery brands available in Wales. Hearing-impaired individuals who utilise hearing aids rely on the functionality of their devices, which is often contingent upon the quality and longevity of disposabl...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Audiology research (Pavia, Italy) Italy), 2024-07, Vol.14 (4), p.659-673
Main Authors: Thomas, James, Bardsley, Barry, Wild, Jane, Penman, Michael William Owen
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
battery consumption
Consumers
disposable battery
Electrolytes
hearing aid battery
Hearing aids
ISO standards
Manufacturers
Manufacturing
Process controls
Quality standards
Smartphones
zinc–air battery
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Summary:Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of three disposable hearing aid battery brands available in Wales. Hearing-impaired individuals who utilise hearing aids rely on the functionality of their devices, which is often contingent upon the quality and longevity of disposable batteries. Materials and Methods: A grey literature review foregrounded the battery standards. The “real-life” use of batteries was supplemented through laboratory testing. Parameters relating to performance quality were used to quantify an overall service life of five PR44- and four PR48-size batteries per manufacturer. Results: The literature review signalled a large gap in hearing aid battery consumption research. All battery brands underperformed compared to their specifications but met IEC standards. Conclusions: Revisions to battery consumption test conditions should reflect new technological features and refine expectations of real-life use. It was possible to statistically identify the best performing hearing aid battery brand.
ISSN:2039-4349
2039-4330
2039-4349
DOI:10.3390/audiolres14040056