Hearing Aid Batteries & Accessories: What OTC Benefits Cover
Hearing Aid Batteries Are OTC-Eligible
If you wear hearing aids, you know batteries are an ongoing expense. The good news: most Medicare Advantage OTC benefits cover hearing aid batteries, potentially saving you $50-100+ per year. Here's what you need to know.
Battery Types
- Size 10 (yellow): Smallest size, used in completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids. Lasts 3-5 days. Most expensive per-day of all sizes
- Size 312 (brown): Common for in-the-canal and receiver-in-canal styles. Lasts 5-7 days. Good balance of size and battery life
- Size 13 (orange): Used in behind-the-ear models. Lasts 7-10 days. More affordable per-day than smaller sizes
- Size 675 (blue): Largest size, for powerful behind-the-ear aids. Lasts 10-14 days. Best value if your hearing aid uses them
Accessories That May Be Covered
- Cleaning kits: Wax removal tools, brushes, and drying containers. Regular cleaning extends hearing aid life and maintains sound quality
- Drying containers: Moisture is the enemy of hearing aids. Desiccant-based drying jars remove moisture overnight. Many OTC plans cover these
- Wax guards: Replacement wax guards prevent cerumen from blocking the speaker. These are consumable and often OTC-eligible
Where to Buy
- CVS/Walgreens: Both carry hearing aid batteries in all four sizes. Use your OTC benefit card at checkout. Store brands cost 30-40% less than Rayovac or Duracell
- Online catalogs: Many plans offer online ordering through their OTC catalog. Batteries ship to your door at no cost
- Buy in bulk: Hearing aid batteries have a 3-4 year shelf life sealed. Use your quarterly benefit to stock up
Tips for Battery Life
- Let batteries breathe: After removing the tab, wait 5 minutes before inserting. This activates the zinc-air chemistry and can extend battery life by 10-20%
- Open the battery door at night: When you take out your hearing aids, open the battery compartment. This prevents power drain and allows moisture to escape
- Store at room temperature: Don't refrigerate hearing aid batteries. Room temperature storage is optimal for zinc-air batteries