Size 312 Hearing Aid Batteries: How Long They Last and How to Make Them Last Longer
Size 312 is one of the most common hearing aid batteries. It has a brown tab and usually lasts 3 to 10 days. Here is how the battery sizes compare, why some batteries die early, and how to get the most from each one.
If your hearing aid uses a size 312 battery, you are in good company. It is one of the most common sizes made. But it is also small, and it can feel like you are changing it all the time. Here is what to expect from a 312 battery and how to stretch its life.
Hearing aid battery sizes at a glance
Disposable hearing aid batteries come in four standard sizes. Each one has a colored tab so you can tell them apart in the store:
- Size 10, yellow tab. The smallest. Used in tiny in-canal aids. Usually lasts about 3 to 7 days.
- Size 312, brown tab. Used in many receiver-in-canal and in-the-ear aids. Usually lasts about 3 to 10 days.
- Size 13, orange tab. Larger. Used in many behind-the-ear aids. Usually lasts about 6 to 14 days.
- Size 675, blue tab. The largest. Used in power behind-the-ear aids for severe hearing loss. Usually lasts about 9 to 20 days.
Battery sizes are not interchangeable. Always use the size your hearing aid was built for. The size is usually printed on the hearing aid's battery door or in its manual.
Why some 312 batteries die faster
The range of 3 to 10 days is wide because battery life depends on how you use your hearing aids:
- Streaming. Phone calls, music and TV streamed by Bluetooth use far more power than ordinary listening.
- Hours of wear. Sixteen hours a day uses more than eight.
- Your hearing loss. More amplification takes more power.
- Weather. These are zinc-air batteries, which run on air. Very dry air, high humidity and cold can all shorten their life.
How to make 312 batteries last longer
Wondering how this applies to your hearing?
A free 30-minute evaluation at our Wichita Falls clinic gives you clear answers — no pressure, no obligation. Most patients leave with a plan they can act on the same day.
- Wait after pulling the tab. Peel the tab off and let the battery sit in the open air for a minute or two before you put it in. This lets air activate it fully.
- Keep the tab on until you need it. Once the tab comes off, the battery starts working whether it is in your hearing aid or not.
- Open the battery door at night. This turns the hearing aid off, saves power and lets moisture escape.
- Store them at room temperature. Do not keep batteries in the refrigerator. Cold and condensation shorten their life.
- Keep them away from coins and keys. Metal can short them out in a pocket or purse.
- Use fresh stock. Check the date on the pack and buy what you will use in the next year or so.
Keep batteries away from children and pets. Swallowing a button battery is a medical emergency. If it happens, get help right away.
Where to buy 312 batteries in Wichita Falls
We sell hearing aid batteries, including size 312, at our Wichita Falls office at 2327 Kell East Blvd. You can pick up a supply at any visit or stop in during office hours, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 (we close 12 to 1 for lunch).
Tired of changing batteries?
Many hearing aids today are rechargeable. You set them in a charger at night, like a phone, and they last a full day. If small batteries are hard for your fingers, or you go through a lot of them because you stream, rechargeable may be worth a look. Read our guide to rechargeable hearing aids, or see the options on our hearing aids page.
If your batteries suddenly start dying much faster than usual, the hearing aid may need a check. Our repair lab is on site. Call 940-264-4327.
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Ready to take the next step?
Your first hearing evaluation at Wichita Falls Hearing is free and takes about 30 minutes. We'll give you straight answers about your hearing and walk through your options together — no obligation to buy anything.
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