The different types of cochlear implant batteries:

There are mainly two different types of cochlear implant batteries; batteries that are designed for the behind-the-ear speech processor model and rechargeable batteries that are used in the body worn processor.

The behind-the-ear speech processor cochlear implant batteries that are similar to the ones that are used in hearing aids are high powered and small zinc air batteries that have a long battery life while the rechargeable cochlear implant batteries that are used in body worn processors are either standard AA or AAA (based on the cochlear implant model).

Battery life of cochlear implant batteries:

While behind-the-ear speech processor cochlear implant batteries usually last several days, the cochlear implant batteries for body worn processors normally last for just a day. There are several factors that decide the life of a cochlear implant battery and these include, but are not limited to:

• The program and volume settings
• The age and type of hearing aid
• The hours of usage per day
• The size and brand of the battery
• The level of humidity
• The type and intensity of noise
• The cochlear implant battery storage conditions

Majority of hearing aids currently available in the market use powerful zinc air batteries that come in four popular sizes of 10, 13, 312 and 675. These cochlear implant batteries are much more efficient when compared with alkaline, mercury, and silver-oxide batteries and they use air as a source of power. However, the only disadvantage of using these batteries is their limited life once the battery is exposed to air. In order to keep the batteries fresh prior to use, manufacturers seal the air holes in the battery by using tabs.

Rechargeable cochlear implant batteries initially last for around 21 hours and these Li-Ion batteries are a cost effective replacement that are easy to use. Most kits come with a universal power supply and plug pack, a batter recharges, and a 12V car adaptor.

Specific medical conditions and cochlear implant batteries:

People need to remove only the external component of the cochlear implant when they go for a swim as water does not affect the internal parts of the implant. They should avoid also aggressive sports such as boxing and for contact sports, wearing a helmet to protect the equipment is highly recommended. Scuba divers must consult their doctors or surgeons before participating in a dive because the internal implant is built to withstand pressure only up to a depth of 82 feet or 25 meters underwater. There are other medical conditions that also need to be considered by people who use a cochlear implant.

Tips while using cochlear implant batteries:

• Cochlear implant batteries that are not used for weeks must be removed to reduce the risk of damage either due to or corrosion by old batteries or battery leaks.
• The cochlear implant batteries should always be stored in a dry place at room temperature out of reach of pets and children.
• Extreme temperature, high condensation and moisture conditions shorten the life of cochlear implant batteries. These should never be stored in a freezer or a refrigerator. Direct sunlight and warm places also shorten cochlear implant battery life.
• It is recommended that people use the oldest batteries first as these have a shelf life of two to three years. Only a 6 to 9 months supply of batteries should be ordered at a time to avoid deterioration.
• The peel-off-tab on zinc-air batteries should remain untouched till they are inserted them into the battery compartment. For people who do not use a drying kit, the battery door should be left open to reduce corrosion.
• Just like all other batteries, wet cochlear implant batteries tend to leak and corrode rapidly and they need to be removed immediately because they can damage the implant processor or hearing aid. Excess moisture must be removed by cleaning and drying the processor thoroughly before inserting a new dry battery.
• Rechargeable batteries should never be carried in the pocket as the body heat weakens the gum on the peel-off-tab thereby activating the battery. So, even if the battery remains unused, all the power gets discharged within four to six weeks.
• Connecting the positive and negative terminals of a cochlear implant battery with wire may result in over-heating, leakage, or a short circuit that triggers an explosion. Coins, jewellery, or keys and other metal objects that are carried in a purse or pocket can also short-circuit the battery. Cochlear implant batteries should always be stored in their protective packaging till they are used.
• Speech processors tend to work harder in noisy environments, so high decibel levels necessitate more battery power.
• Most cochlear systems are built for protection against static; however, if the static build-up is very high, there is a probability of damage. Parents need to ensure that children always remove their sound processor and headset before they use a trampoline, ball pit, or plastic slide. People must be careful when they get out of a car and they must always touch a conductive material such as a metallic door handle before their cochlear implant system comes in contact with any person or object.
• People who use cochlear implants with a fixed magnet need to be careful if they have to undergo a MRI scan because the powerful magnetic field in the scanner affects any magnetic material in the vicinity. However, magnetic toys that have low magnetic strength and x-rays do not pose a problem as these are not powerful enough.

Mercury free cochlear implant batteries:

Environmentally friendly mercury-free cochlear implant batteries delivery the same performance, power, and consistency as Zinc air batteries. While older generations of mercury-oxide cochlear implant batteries had a mercury content of up to 50%, these zinc-air hearing aid batteries have an average mercury content of less than 1%.While mercury is used as a stabilizer that gives batteries a longer shelf life, with the recent EU ban on products containing mercury and the US ban coming into effect in mid 2012, since mid 2011, these mercury-free batteries have become a standard offering.

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