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What’s the scoop on batteries? Learn about what affects battery life and what Cochlear’s battery options are.
What affects your battery life?There are a variety of things that can affect how long your batteries will last. Processing rates, program selection, use of FM, and environmental noise all affect your battery life.
Processing rates – Depending on how fast your processor is sending signals will determine how long your batteries will last. It is very individual what processing speed you prefer. A study was done by Cochlear and found that most people preferred 900hz. I, on the other hand, prefer 2400hz. So my battery life does not last quite as long, but I hear better at that rate. In a future memo we will discuss processing rates in further detail.
Program selection – SmartSound programs (BEAM, ASC, Whisper, ADRO) do use more power than your standard map. If you know your battery life is running low, you might switch your program to a standard map to allow you more time to replace your batteries.
FM systems – FM systems are great listening tools for many environments such as schools, meetings, and lectures. Adding this accessory will drain your batteries faster though. This is similar to using the back light or listening to music on your cell phone. The more you use the added features the sooner you will have to replace or recharge your battery.
Noise in your environment – The amount of noise you are exposed to will affect how long your batteries will last. If you work in a noisy restaurant all day your battery will not last as long as if you worked at a quiet library.
When do I use disposable or rechargeable batteries?Take advantage of the interchangeability between the disposable Zinc Air and Rechargeable Lithium Ion battery. There are advantages to using each type of battery. Depending on your “hearing fingerprint”, your life style and even where you live could have an affect on which type of battery best suits you.
Rechargeable batteriesOffer a higher degree of water resistance than disposables. This is because Rechargeable do not need air to work. Sometimes while working out, running through the sprinkler, or getting caught in a downpour, the gortex lining on the bottom of the disposable battery rack will get soaked. This obstructs airflow into the battery chamber and causes the battery to work improperly. With rechargeables you do not need to worry about this.
You don’t have to constantly remember to buy batteries
It is easier to change a rechargeable battery.
Disposable Zinc Air BatteriesYou can buy replacements at many convenient locations.
You don’t have to remember to charge at night or pack your charger when you go on trips. This is especially helpful on long backpacking trips where electrical outlets aren’t available or in natural disaster situations like Hurricane Katrina.
Change your battery less often than rechargeables.
Don’t have a rechargeable option for your current processor? Cochlear has tested a variety of CI Zinc Air batteries on the market and recommends the PowerOne Implant Plus 675 zinc air battery. You can purchase them by following this link: http://store.cochlearproducts.com/freedom--batteries.html .
Remember that if you have a N24 implant you are eligible to upgrade to the Freedom processor. If you are a N22 recipient, our engineers are hard at work designing Freedom for N22. What is the estimated lifetime of a rechargeable battery?
The charge cycle is the number of times rechargeable batteries are charged. Each time a charge cycle is completed, battery capacity is slightly diminished. After your battery is charged 365 times, validation testing indicates it should retain at least 80% of its original battery capacity. I’ll put this in terms of hours. If you start with 20 hours of battery life, after 365 charges your battery should get at least 16 hours. Eventually, your rechargeable battery will wear out and will need to be replaced.
Do not store your battery without use for long periods of time. If the rechargeable battery is not charged for approximately one year, it will begin to lose its charge and its ability to be recharged. What is the warranty for Rechargeable batteries?
The warranty for rechargeable batteries is 1 year. The warranty starts 2 weeks after the rechargeable battery has shipped. All rechargeable battery accessories such as the charger, power supply, car charger, etc., all have a warranty of 90 days. My audiologist says the dry and store won't hurt either disposable or rechargeable batteries. Is this true?
This is true. If you get caught out in the rain and your processor gets wet it is not a bad idea to pull the battery or battery rack out of the processor to allow the dry&store to access the inside of the controller.
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