http://hearing-aids-santa-fe-nm.com Generally, zinc air hearing aid batteries are considered environmentally friendly.

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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
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