What Batteries Are Used In OTC Hearing Aids?

Nowadays most of us have heard of hearing aids in our daily lives and know what they are used for, but how about OTC hearing aids? Maybe many people do not know about it.

A. What is the meaning of OTC hearing aids?

　　OTC hearing aids are over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, also known as Direct-to-Consumer Hearing Aids (DTC hearing aids). These hearing aids are purchased and used directly by the consumer without a doctor's prescription. In contrast, traditional hearing aids need to be customized and adjusted under the guidance of a doctor or audiologist. In recent years, with the advancement of technology and market demand, new OTC hearing aids have become more and more common. OTC hearing aids are a new type of hearing aid that can be bought directly from pharmacies, supermarkets or online without the need for hearing tests or fitting by a dispenser, so they are usually cheaper than traditional hearing aids.

B. HOW do OTC hearing aids come out?

　　According to data, about 15% of American adults (37.5 million) have hearing problems. Yet, despite the high prevalence and public health impact of hearing loss, only about one in five people could benefit from hearing aids. One of the main reasons for the low wear rate is the high price, with the official price of high-end hearing aids on the market at roughly $40,000/unit and the basic grade costing about $7,000/unit. In addition, it is not easy for hearing patients in some areas to get professional hearing tests, fitting and commissioning, which often takes more time and money.

　　In October 2021, the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) officially proposed the creation of a new OTC hearing aid category that would allow hearing aids to be sold directly to consumers in stores or online without a hearing test or audiologist's fitting. The purpose of this move is to increase competition in the hearing aid market and to enable hearing aids to benefit more people with hearing problems.

C. What kind of batteries are used in OTC hearing aids?

　　The most common type is the rechargeable lithium-ion button cell battery; these rechargeable lithium-ion button batteries are small, usually round, about 10 to 12 mm in diameter and 3 to 6 mm thick, similar to the size of a coin. Depending on the model of the new OTC hearing aid and the size of the battery, the battery model may vary. Some of the common battery models include 1054, 1254, 1154, etc. These numbers represent different battery sizes and battery capacities, and below are the common models and specifications of OTC hearing aid batteries.

　　1、1054 OTC hearing aid battery specifications

　　Type: Rechargeable lithium-ion button battery

　　Voltage: 3.7V, 3.8V, 3.85V

　　Capacity: 46mAh to 52mAh

　　Size: 10mm(diameter)* 5.4mm(height)

　　Internal Resistance(IR): <0.26 @1kHz

　　Max. charging current: 138~156mA (3C)

　　Max. continuous discharge current: 92~104mA (2C)

　　Operating temperature: charging 0℃~45℃, discharging -20℃~60℃

　　2、1254 OTC hearing aid battery specifications

　　Type: Rechargeable lithium-ion button battery

　　Voltage: 3.7V, 3.8V, 3.85V

　　Capacity: 68mAh to 77mAh

　　Size: 12mm(diameter)*5.4mm(height)

　　Internal resistance (IR): <0.18@1kHz

　　Max. charging current: 210~225mA

　　Max. continuous discharge current: 140~150mA

　　Operating temperature: charging 0℃~45℃, discharging -20℃~60℃

　　The above is the introduction of what OTC hearing aids are and what batteries are used in OTC hearing aids. With the continuous progress and development of science, audio technology improvement and progress, with the support of major hearing aid manufacturers, there will be more OTC hearing aid products on the market, and I believe that OTC hearing aids will have a more exciting performance in the market in the future!