****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
I have purchased a variety of "premium" batteries for my hearing aids. I have been as pleased with these as any of the others so this is the battery that I'll be buying regularly.So far these batteries have been quite good, giving around 5 days of full day wear on a pair of Oticon Deltas. I made the mistake on the second morning of discarding one of the batteries after the unit did not activate, thinking that the battery was a dud after just one day, but it seems that they do take a short while to get up to speed before the unit will activate - you just have to be a little bit patient.When I remove the batteries to place the units in the de-humidifier (it is very humid where I live at the moment), it can sometimes take a couple of minutes before the batteries start working once I've placed them back in the units (which I find a bit strange).If it was not for the delay in powering up, I probably would have given it 5 stars, especially considering the price. My comparison is with the Oticon and Siemens batteries that has immediate power and last up to 6 days.Despite others claims I find the battery life extremely poor. I have to change batteries after 4-5 HOURS of use where I was accustomed to getting 4-5 Days of use from name brand. An email tom the company suggests I need to allow the batteries to be exposed to air for at least 1 minute before using. In examining the package I did see that suggestion on the back in very small print and in several languages. I know it is cost effective to have multiple uses for the same packaging but for older people, like me, with less than ideal sight small print does get ignored. I will follow their suggestion and if battery life improves I will revisit my rating. I changed this rating after following the advice of the manufacturer. The battery life has improved significantly and based on cost vs other brands it is a value. I stand corrected and apologize. I still believe the suggestion for use should be printed larger.I have used this brand for several years now. They are great batteries! My Starkey SoundLenses only get 3 1/2 days out of a number 10 battery, no matter which brand I use. So I get the same amount of juice out of these as I would from any other brand, and I've tried a bunch of them.You want to be careful to follow the directions, and let the batteries have a good minute or two to "activate" once you remove the sticker seal. I've definitely had some duds here and there, but nothing extreme. And for the $.20-ish cents per battery, it can hardly be complained about. Number 10's are twice that much even at my local Sam's Club.Highly recommended.Source: Wikipedia (ZINC-AIR BATTERY)Why you have to wait several minutes BEFORE you turn on your hearing aids and AFTER you removed the small tab!Storage and operating lifeZinc-air cells have long shelf life if sealed to keep air out; even miniature button cells can be stored for up to 3 years at room temperature with little capacity loss if their seal is not removed. Industrial cells stored in a dry state have an indefinite storage life.The operating life of a zinc-air cell is a critical function of its interaction with its environment. The electrolyte loses more water in conditions of high temperature and low humidity. Because the potassium hydroxide electrolyte is deliquescent, in very humid conditions excess water accumulates in the cell, flooding the cathode and destroying its active properties. Potassium hydroxide also reacts with atmospheric carbon dioxide; carbonate formation eventually reduces electrolyte conductivity.Miniature cells have high self-discharge once opened to air; the cell's capacity is intended to be used within a few weeks.I have been using hearing aids for over 25 years and used icell batteries for about the last year and a half.....icell Tech batteries are some of the best batteries I have ever used and the price is right and delivery is spot on. I noticed some reviews said they had some batteries that didn't work, I have never had a bad battery from icell and they seem to last a bit longer than name brand bats. They are an air activated battery. Remove the sticker from the battery and lightly blow air into the small hole in the back of the battery (3 or 4 puffs) then let them set for a minute or two before you use them....it all comes down to reading the DIRECTIONS :)Very good QualityOur initial supply of batteries from the Audiologist were about exhausted so we ordered these ICell batteries. Since hearing aid batteries only last about a week in the digital aids, we were skeptical that "cheap" batteries would perform acceptably.We were pleasantly surprised about the lasting power of these batteries. They may be inexpensive, but are not cheap in quality.We have recommended them to friends and relatives with the proviso, "you can spend more if you want, up to $1 each in retail stores, but you won't get a better battery."We have just received our second order, double the quantity this time, because the shelf life is great.
