By David Bryce on 14th February 2017

Rechargeable hearing aids really are big news in the hearing aid world. Since their introduction late last year they have caught the buying publics' imagination. The introduction of Lithium-ion also ensured that professionals felt confident providing the devices for the first time. The latest to announce their intention to introduce them is Starkey. 

They recently announced that they had entered a new partnership with ZPower to bring their own rechargeable option to the market. ZPower systems are not Lithium-ion based though, they use a different technology based on Silver-Zinc. This doesn't mean that the system will be any less interesting than the Lithium-ion ones introduced up to now. Silver-zinc has advantages and disadvantages over Lithium-ion let us explain.

Pros of Silver-zinc Versus Lithium-ion Rechargeable Hearing Aids

1. Silver-Zinc systems from ZPower use a rechargeable battery that is in fact easily replaceable, so if you forget to charge it, you can simply slip in a disposablel hearing aid battery. All Lithium-ion systems up to now are sealed in the aids.

2. Because of its power density, Slver-Zinc batteries are smaller than the Lithium-ion packs while holding the same or more energy. This means smaller hearing aids.

3. Silver-Zinc is more stable than Lithium-ion and will not catch fire if ruptured or damaged. 

Cons of Silver-Zinc Versus Lithium-ion

1. Silver-Zinc batteries will need to be replaced once a year, this is an added cost although they are relatively inexpensive. However, not all is bad, you can replace Silver-Zinc systems yourself. 

2. Lithium-Ion may only need to be replaced once every five years. However, replacement of Lithium-Ion means you will have to send the hearing aids back to the factory.

So, you can see that Silver-Zinc systems definitely have some advantages and disadvantages. Overall though, they may actually be a better system. I suppose that probably depends on how often you change your hearing aids and how forgetful you are. If you never forget to charge your hearing aids and you buy new ones every five years, then there is no disadvantage to Lithium-Ion. Either way, let's look at the Micro RIC 312t. 

The Muse™ micro RIC 312t is Starkey’s® “made for music” hearing aid. The power pack is ZPower’s silver-zinc battery technology. Which is used with their charger to give give 24 hours of use, there is no word yet on what streaming will do to that time. This option will allow Starkey customers to switch to normal disposable batteries if they forget to charge their aids or are caught out in some way without the charger. The Muse micro RIC 312t rechargeable will be available in the full three levels of technology. That's i2400, i2000 and i1600.  

Key features

• Rechargeable silver-zinc power cell
• 24 hours continuous use,  no word on streaming yet
• Available in all levels of technology
• Easy to replace battery pack
• Can use normal batteries in an emergency

We think that this has to be seen as a really strong rechargeable hearing aid option. We are hoping to have the hearing aids for order late this month, but we are unsure on the exact release date in the UK. As more information becomes available, I will of course let you know, if you have any questions on hearing aids, hearing loss or hearing healthcare, don't hesitate to give us a call on 01224 637255 or book an appointment online now.