Starkey’s rechargeable batteries

Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Batteries

Starkey’s lithium-ion rechargeable batteries are fairly new but they are definitely the new gold standard for rechargeable RIC’s and I thought we could go over some of the commonly asked questions.

What is a lithium-ion battery?

A Lithium-Ion battery is the most popular rechargeable battery technology used in consumer electronics. It has achieved high use in consumer products because it is light weight, low maintenance and has a high battery capacity allowing for long use after a short charge cycle.

Why was it selected for a hearing aid system?

Lithium-ion is an ideal battery for a hearing aid system because it allows for a full day of use even when streaming from accessories. There is no memory effect within the battery so it can be charged daily and there is no need to fully discharge the battery before placing it back in the charger.

Is it safe to travel on an airplane with a lithium-ion rechargeable hearing aid?

Yes, it is safe to wear these lithium-ion rechargeable hearing aids on a plane and to bring the charger on board. It is also safe to check the hearing aids and charger in your luggage.

How long will the battery last after it is charged?

• Nearly 30 hours of use with streaming
• 29 hrs of battery with 1.5 of those hours streaming
• 26 hrs of battery with 5 of those hours streaming
• 15 hrs of battery life while streaming continuously (CROS/BiCROS)
• 30.5 hrs of battery life with no streaming.

What if my battery doesn’t last all day?

If your charger shows a fully charged hearing aid in the morning when you inserted your hearing aids and it did not make it through your day you should let someone know at Living Sounds Hearing. The charge should last a full day with streaming and should be tested by Starkey if it does not.

Will my lithium-ion battery last longer if I don’t charge it every night?

Unlike NiCad batteries, lithium-ion batteries do not have a charge memory. That means draining the battery completely before recharging isn’t needed.

Will the battery deteriorate after a year?

No, Starkey says the performance has been calculated to ensure that your battery can last up to three years if properly cared for.

Klinton Pilling BC-HIS
Board Certified in Hearing Instrument Sciences
Registered Hearing Aid Practitioner