The Hearing Care Centers At SouthWestern Ear, Nose & Throat Call Us Now: (505) 819-0617 For Physician Appointments or Medical Records Please Call (505) 982-4848 M-Th 8:00am – 5:00pm F 8:00am – 4:00pm

Mercury-free: Hearing aid batteries are going

green

WHEN: June 30, 2011. Today is the day.

Manufacturers of hearing aid batteries can

no longer sell or distribute “button cell”

batteries that contain mercury, including

zinc air hearing aid batteries.

SAYS WHO? In May 1996, President Clinton signed The Mercury-

Containing and Rechargeable Battery Act. The act stipulates two

main points:

Title I: To facilitate the recycling of nickel-cadmium and some

types of small lead-acid rechargeable batteries

Title II: To phase out the use of mercury in batteries

Button cells initially were exempt for a few reasons including the

technology to create a mercury-free design was not available. As

a result, the industry negotiated the June 2011 deadline for

compliance with the new act.

HOW THEY WORK: Zinc air hearing aid batteries use the zinc as

a “fuel,” which is activated by oxygen from the air, after you pull

the tab off the back. These batteries have a high capacity and a flat discharge profile – meaning they’re strong enough to power a

high-energy device like a hearing aid while maintaining constant

power so that sounds don’t get weaker as the battery is used.

The Hearing Care Centers At SouthWestern Ear, Nose & Throat Call Us Now: (505) 819-0617 For Physician Appointments or Medical Records Please Call (505) 982-4848 M-Th 8:00am – 5:00pm F 8:00am – 4:00pm

Mercury-Free Hearing Aid Batteries

WHY CHANGE? Generally, zinc air hearing aid batteries are

considered environmentally friendly. The amount of added zinc in

each battery is only about 1% by cell weight. Also, the tiny holes

on the flat (positive) side of the battery are vents that allow

gasses to escape, suppressing cell rupture or explosion.

However, the concern about zinc seeping into the ground or

water supplies as the batteries decay is not completely

eliminated.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: Hearing aid battery manufacturers

are in various stages of research to develop the best formulations

for a reliable, long-lasting mercury-free battery. Rayovac©, one

brand we use at SWENT, has released its second generation of

mercury-free batteries. At this time, it appears that the

environmentally friendly cells are not quite comparable to their

mercury counterparts.

A few things you may notice when you start using mercury-free

batteries:

1) Mercury-free batteries may not last as long as the mercury version. Expect them to last about one day less, give or take.

2) It may take more time for the battery to activate after you

remove the tab, so wait an additional 10 seconds to let the

battery “breathe.”

The Hearing Care Centers At SouthWestern Ear, Nose & Throat Call Us Now: (505) 819-0617 For Physician Appointments or Medical Records Please Call (505) 982-4848 M-Th 8:00am – 5:00pm F 8:00am – 4:00pm

The good news is that as technology improves, the battery

reliability will continue to improve. In the meantime, we can

enjoy knowing that we’re moving a step closer to environmental

sustainability. The next time you’re shopping for batteries, look

for the “mercury-free” labeling on the packages. Some are even

boxed in recycled materials.

For More Information Call Us Today at (505) 819-0617

Or Visit Our Website at http://hearing-aids-santa-fe-nm.com and

also at YouTube