Rechargeable Hearing Aids Reviews, Styles, Features and Prices

Rechargeable Hearing Aids UK

Rechargeable hearing aids vs traditional battery hearing aids

What are the differences between traditional and rechargeable hearing aids

There is a definitive gap between the digital hearing aids of today and the ones your parents or grandparents used to use. Alongside Bluetooth technology, one of the most exciting recent developments in rechargeable hearing aids.

Hearing aids are either powered by disposable or rechargeable batteries. Whilst traditional batteries are still popular - more people are looking to the freedom and convenience of rechargeables.  In fact, industry predictions are indicating that soon rechargeable solutions will become more attractive to consumers than traditional ones.

Phonak was the first hearing aid manufacturer to include rechargeable lithium-ion batteries in their devices, which simply mirrors the technology found in your smartphone and other rechargeable consumables.  Providing reliable connection and power even to the most power-hungry of Bluetooth devices.

Around four years later and all the rest of the main hearing aid brands followed suit, as constant technology advancements led to increasing battery life and pathing the way for more malleable and smaller form factors. 

Is this the last redoubt of disposable batteries?

For a long time, hearing aids have relied solely on disposable zinc-air batteries. It’s easy to see why, as they are cheap, simple to replace and widely available. But with rechargeable technology making headway in other consumer devices such as smartphones, e-readers and tablets - people started to demand the same convenience with their hearing aids.

You might be thinking about upgrading, switching to a rechargeable device and preferring not to change your batteries.  You won't be on your own, as hearing aid wearers are now making it obvious that they prefer the rechargeable models over the disposable ones.

Saying that they are not for everyone and along with useful information, discovering what's available and our review further down the page - we hope to help you decide whether they are right for you.

Rechargeable hearing aid manufacturers

Some of these hearing aid brands feature in our review below, but for your reference, here is a list of the hearing aid brands that have rechargeable hearing aid device options:

• Phonak rechargeable hearing aids
• Oticon rechargeable hearing aids
• Widex rechargeable hearing aids
• Starkey rechargeable hearing aids
• Unitron rechargeable hearing aids
• Bernafon rechargeable hearing aids
• Audioservice rechargeable hearing aids
• Signia rechargeable hearing aids

 Why Use Rechargeable Hearing Aids? 

Are rechargeable hearing aids worth it? 

What are the advantages of rechargeable hearing aids?

There are many reasons to take advantage of lithium-ion rechargeable hearing aid technology. Take a look at the rechargeable hearing aid pros and how they work to see if you think investing in them would be a benefit to you.

1.  More convenient

If you are wondering how rechargeable hearing aids work, you simply place the rechargeable hearing aids in the charging dock overnight to charge and your hearing devices are primed and ready to go in the morning. Most models take advantage of inductive charging, which makes it even easier to charge your hearing aids before bed.

You don't have to remember to buy batteries or carry spares, and your battery won't let you down at the most inopportune times.

2.  Better for the environment

Rechargeable hearing aid batteries also contribute to saving the environment. Batteries are fairly difficult to recycle and people don't usually make sure that they are carefully disposed of. Rechargeable batteries must of course also be carefully disposed of, but this is much less often than the average hearing aid battery!

Also, corrosive materials and heavy metals are commonly found in many hearing aid batteries because of the battery production process. The casing can disintegrate if the batteries are not properly disposed of, causing these harmful substances to leak into the environment. This can lead to soil and water contamination and can negatively affect animals as well as humans.

3.  Better for the less dextrous

You don't have to mess with small batteries every few days with rechargeable hearing aid batteries. If someone has visual or dexterity issues, the small size of conventional disposable hearing aid batteries and hearing aids themselves can be tricky to replace.

4.  No need to compromise on features

Batteries did not need to be replaced often with older hearing aid models because they had no wireless and digital functionality. But traditional zinc-air batteries do not last as long as they once did with newer hearing aid models, because of today's more advanced technology. You could have to switch the batteries a few times a week, instead of once a month.

But lithium-ion rechargeable hearing aid batteries can keep up with all the power needs of today's digital technology while maintaining enough charge for an entire day of the hearing.

The Best Rechargeable Hearing Aids UK 2022

Here are our rechargeable hearing aids reviews from our audiologists

Rechargeable hearing aids best buy for consumers

Below is what we believe to be the best rechargeable hearing aids and examples of this type of technology on the market.  This list will change throughout the year to reflect new hearing aid launches, advanced technology and if we feel there is a better alternative.

Best Oticon Rechargeable Hearing Aids

Oticon More rechargeable hearing aids

The Oticon More miniRITE R is one of the industry's discreet lithium-ion rechargeable hearing aid featuring seamless Bluetooth technology to pair to both Apple and Android and all your at-home devices.

What is interesting here, is with this Oticon hearing aid, you can get the convenience of a full day of hearing and streaming in just 3 hours charge.  Plus, six hours of power in only 30 minutes charge.  Quite a handy function if you find yourself low in battery and need a quick boost (depending on streaming usage).

Charger Accessory:  Oticon Charger.

Why Buy?:  A full day's worth of power and a bonus quick charge option for when you need a quick boost in real-time.

Best Phonak Rechargeable Hearing Aids

Phonak Paradise rechargeable hearing aids

Phonak Paradise is their flagship product on the market today, including 2nd generation Made for All Bluetooth connectivity to both iOS and Android devices.  This Phonak model is one of the first to take advantage of digital solutions and universal Bluetooth connectivity.  It offers up to eight paired devices, as well as two to be connected at the same time.

Charger Accessory:  Mini Charger Case (standard desktop charger available).

Why Buy?:  Ideal if you use and want the convenience of being connected to several Bluetooth devices.

Best Signia Rechargeable Hearing Aids

Signia Styletto AX rechargeable hearing aids

Signia Styletto AX hearing aids come with a portable Qi charger, which is ideal if you travel.  The pocket-sized charging case is said to give you three full charges without having to plug the charger in.  To use the Signia Qi charging pad, you simply put your case on top of the mat and benefit from 17 hours of power in one charge.

Charger Accessory:  Signia Portable Case with Qi Charging Pad (additional).

Why Buy?:  An attractive and great Bluetooth hearing aid that you can charge on the go.

Best Resound Rechargeable Hearing Aids

Resound ONE rechargeable hearing aids

Resound ONE rechargeable hearing aids sit comfortably behind the ear and have more space for extra power and features - even though they are small and discreet.  Giving wearers the freedom of a high-quality sound experience without the worries of losing power or carrying spare batteries. 

This model gives you connectivity to both Android and Apple, so you can listen to audio and calls, as well as connect to your TV using a Resound TV Streamer.

These digital hearing aids come with a modern and premium power bank with up to three weeks of quick charging on the go.  An ideal functionality when you are going away for the weekend, as there's no power outlet needed. 

Resound also state that you can get 30 hours of power in one charge depending on lifestyle, streaming, loss and sound environment.

Charger Accessory:  Resound Premium Charger (standard desktop charger also available).

Why buy?:  Premium sound and 30 hours of battery life.

Best Bernafon Rechargeable Hearing Aids

Bernafon Alpha rechargeable hearing Aids

The Bernafon Alpha rechargeable miniRITE T R hearing aids connect to both Apple and Android and incorporates advanced Hybrid Technology.  These Bernafon hearing aids offer power for a full day of use - including sound streaming and phone calls.

The lithium-ion batteries are fast charging in the portable Charger Plus power bank - giving you three complete charges without a power source.  Allowing you to focus on everything but your hearing aids. 

 Charger Accessory:  Bernafon Charger Plus (also Plug & Play for standard desktop charger).

Why Buy?:  Full day power and convenient charging away from home.

Best Starkey Rechargeable Hearing Aids

Starkey Livio Edge AI rechargeable hearing aids and rechargeable in the ear hearing aids

In brief, the ITE Edge is the most recent offering from the Starkey Livio hearing aids range and (at launch) introduced the first custom-made in ear rechargeable hearing aids to the industry.  It comes with a pocket-sized wireless charger, which is ideal for travel and on the go charging - giving you a quick boost when you need it the most. 

The easy-to-use Starkey Mini Turbo charging system gives upto 24 hours of power in one charge and you can charge upto four times without needing a power source.

Charger Accessory:  Starkey Mini Turbo Charger.

Why Buy?:  A custom-made and discreet rechargeable in ear hearing aids.

Rechargeable Hearing Aids UK

All About Rechargeable Hearing Aids Batteries

Do rechargeable hearing aids have batteries?

The batteries are built into the rechargeable hearing aids and they don't need to be changed or removed like disposable battery-operated devices.  Instead, you simply put your hearing aids in the charging system overnight, like you would do your mobile, and have a fully charged hearing solution to wake up to.

Rechargeable Batteries for Hearing Aids

Are rechargeable hearing aids better than a tradional battery?  Successive iterations of rechargeable digital hearing aid technology were subsequently developed, each improving on the last. But the latest development, called lithium-ion technology, maybe the best yet. This game-changing technology is the first to achieve full days worth of power on one charge.

Digital Rechargeable Hearing Aids UK

Other common questions about rechargeable hearing aids devices

What do rechargeable hearing aids look like?

Rechargeable hearing aids generally look the same as the ones that require you to change the battery.  In some cases, the shape might be more slim-lined or shorter, as the model doesn't have a battery compartment door.

Rechargeable hearing aids prices - How much are they?

So, are rechargeable hearing aids more expensive?  If you are wondering how much rechargeable hearing aids cost - expect to pay slightly more for these types of devices.  Rechargeable hearing aids are generally premium products from the industry's top hearing aid brands, so as a rough guide - a pair usually starts from around £1,095. 

However, it really depends on what features and functions they have as well as the hearing aid manufacturer.

Is there such thing as cheap rechargeable hearing aids?

We know that 'cheap' is subjective and what one person thinks is expensive differs from another.  However, a great example of an affordable hearing aid that is rechargeable is the Resound's Key essentials hearing aid.  There are also various models in the range to choose from, so there will be a hearing solution that suits everyone.

This Resound Key range will give those with hearing loss a chance to experience clear and natural sound, advanced Bluetooth connectivity and convenient rechargeability at a great price point.  So you are not paying for more than you need - just a great hearing solution with all the important features you need everyday with the extra convenience of the charging capabilities.

You can also look forward to:

• Clear sound with less effort.
• User-friendly rechargeability (upto 30 hours in a single charge - depending on your streaming usage).
• Direct streaming.
• Great access to personalisation within the Resound Smart app.

Rechargeable hearing aids battery life

How long do the batteries in rechargeable hearing aids last?  Pretty much all rechargeable hearing aid manufacturers state that their ranges offer a full day of power in one single charge, then you can recharge them while you sleep.  The duration of battery life depends on how you use your hearing aids.  For instance, if you stream quite a lot in the day - the batteries won't last as long.

Rechargeable hearing aids Bluetooth

Looking for rechargeable hearing aids with Bluetooth?  All rechargeable hearing aids have Bluetooth connectivity within and this technology will only become more advanced, more efficient and faster in the future.  The hearing aids on the market are either Made for iPhone or Made for Any Phone / Android.  To find out more about these types of hearing aids - please visit our Bluetooth information page here

Rechargeable Digital Hearing Aids

The consumer rechargeable hearing aid tick list

Here is our consumer tick list for those who are thinking about rechargeable hearing aids and some ideas of questions you might want to ask your audiologist.  We hope you find this criterion useful:

• Longest-lasting Battery:  Which hearing aid offers the highest number of hours battery life when the hearing aid is fully charged?
• Fastest Charging:  What hearing aid devices charge the fastest?
• Replacing Batteries:  How often do the batteries need replacing?  What is the process for this?
• Charging Station:  Are they small and portable?  Do they offer a charging boost on the go?

Looking for rechargeable hearing aids near me and would you like more support?

There are various factors to take into consideration when purchasing a hearing aid and it is important to speak to an audiologist.  They can help support your decision-making and help steer the way to choosing the right hearing aids for you - whether that be rechargeable hearing aids or not.

Want to know more about rechargeable digital hearing aids and how they can benefit your hearing?  Fill out the contact form below or call us free on 0800 567 7621 for support and advice, as well as putting you in touch with your local audiologist for your future hearing healthcare needs.

More information about digital hearing aids

• Digital hearing aids with Bluetooth
• Digital hearing aids for tinnitus
• How do digital hearing aids work?
• Digital hearing aid accessories