Hearing aid batteries are small enough to disappear in a pocket, trash bag, or child’s hand. Keep used cells contained, identify their chemistry, and use a battery collection route.
Do not assume every hearing aid uses the same battery. Some use removable zinc-air button cells, while newer devices may have built-in rechargeable lithium batteries.
Identify the Battery or Device
Check the hearing aid manual, battery package, or markings. Common removable sizes include 10, 13, 312, and 675, but size alone does not prove the chemistry.
| What You Have | Best First Route |
|---|---|
| Removable zinc-air button cells | Battery retailer, hearing provider, or local battery program |
| Lithium, silver-oxide, or unknown button cells | Battery recycler or household hazardous waste |
| Rechargeable hearing aid with built-in battery | Manufacturer, hearing provider, or electronics recycler |
| Recalled battery or device | Follow the recall remedy |
| Damaged, hot, swollen, or leaking battery | Call the manufacturer or local fire department before transport |
Use a Battery Collection Program
The EPA used-battery guide recommends taking button and coin batteries to a battery recycler, participating retailer, or local household hazardous waste program.
Ask your hearing care provider whether it collects the exact battery you use. A collection jar at one office does not mean every clinic or retailer participates.
When calling a local program, give the chemistry if known, size, quantity, and whether any cells are damaged.
Battery collection rules differ. Confirm whether each cell needs tape, a separate bag, or its original packaging before you arrive.
Prepare Removable Cells for Collection
Keep new and used batteries separate. Return used cells to their original package when its design safely holds them, or follow the collector’s individual-bagging instructions.
The EPA recommends placing each battery in a separate plastic bag or covering terminals with nonconductive tape. Do not cover damaged cells without first getting instructions.
Store the prepared cells in a closed container out of sight and reach of children and pets. Do not keep loose batteries in a pocket, purse, drawer, or coin jar.
Do not crush, puncture, burn, recharge a single-use cell, or test it against your tongue.
Recycle Rechargeable Hearing Aids as Devices
If a rechargeable battery is built into the hearing aid, do not pry the device open. Follow the manufacturer’s end-of-life instructions or return it through a hearing provider.
The EPA electronics guide recommends manufacturer, retailer, and local electronics programs as starting points for used electronics.
Ask whether the charger, charging case, and accessories can go with the device. Remove personal settings or paired-account information as the manufacturer directs.
Keep Button Batteries Out of Household Trash
Do not put button or coin batteries in household recycling. Sorting equipment is not designed to recover loose cells, and batteries can create fire risks.
EPA guidance recommends collection routes for button and coin cells instead of household trash. State or local rules may impose additional requirements.
Do not stockpile years of loose cells. Set a regular collection schedule and take them to a confirmed receiver.
Protect Children and Pets
A used hearing aid battery may still cause serious injury if swallowed. The CPSC button-battery FAQ says suspected ingestion requires immediate medical attention.
If a battery may have been swallowed or inserted into an ear or nose, seek emergency medical help immediately. Do not wait for symptoms.
Use secure packaging during storage and collection. A countertop bowl, open recycling box, or zippered purse is not secure child-resistant storage.
Do Not Change Battery Types on Your Own
Do not substitute lithium, rechargeable, or another chemistry because it appears to fit. Voltage, air access, dimensions, and device design matter.
Use only batteries approved by the hearing aid manufacturer or your hearing professional. An end-of-life disposal decision is separate from choosing a replacement.