Did you know that several factors can affect the battery life of your sound processor? And the duration of your battery life varies depending on which sound processor you have? For some, you can set it to switch off automatically after you take them off to save battery life? Find out what to expect from your Cochlear™ Sound Processor with this guide to battery life.
What factors impact battery life?
Daily battery life varies for every sound processor user and is dependent on a variety of factors. Some of these factors include the programs and sound processor functions you use every day, your sound environment or volume levels. The size and type of battery has an impact as well as the thickness of your skin where it covers your implant.
Streaming from compatible Apple®1 or Android™2 devices and using Cochlear True Wireless™ devices can also have an impact on your sound processor’s battery life.
Here’s a quick guide as to what you can expect from your sound processor’s batteries and practical tips to help extend your processor’s battery life.3
Cochlear sound processor battery guide
A quick battery guide for Cochlear sound processors:
First, it’s beneficial to understand the difference between battery life and battery lifespan. “Battery life” is the amount of time your device runs before it needs to be recharged. “Battery lifespan” is how long your battery lasts until it needs to be replaced.
Nucleus® Kanso® Sound Processor
Your Kanso Sound Processor uses zinc air disposable batteries, which give you about 16 hours of battery life for typical daily use.
Nucleus Kanso 2 Sound Processor
The Kanso 2 Sound Processor has a built-in, rechargeable battery with an expected battery life of up to 18 hours. The Kanso 2 Sound Processor uses a new all-in-one home charger that charges, stores and dries your device at the same time. A portable charger is also available.
Nucleus 7 Sound Processor
You can use disposable or rechargeable batteries for your Nucleus 7 Sound Processor. It offers up to 80 hours using zinc air disposable batteries. The Nucleus 7 Standard Rechargeable Battery Module offers up to 40 hours of battery life. A completely empty rechargeable battery will take approximately four hours to recharge but they may take longer to fully recharge with age. The Nucleus 7 Sound Processor also offers a Compact Rechargeable battery that offers up to 19 hours of battery life.
Nucleus 8 Sound Processor
You can use disposable or rechargeable batteries with the Nucleus 8 Sound Processor. It offers a typical battery life of 35 hours using zinc air disposable batteries. For the rechargeable options, the Nucleus 8 Sound Processor has a Compact Battery Module which offers a typical battery life of 10 hours and a Power Extend Battery Module which offers a typical battery life of 20 hours.
Baha® 6 Max Sound Processor
The Baha 6 Max Sound Processor uses disposable zinc air batteries, which offer an average battery lifespan of 69 – 136 hours, depending on how you use your processor.
Osia® 2 Sound Processor
The Osia 2 Sound Processor use high-powered 675 (PR44) zinc air disposable batteries, which offer an average battery lifespan of 22 – 35 hours, depending on how you use your processor^. It will automatically go into sleep mode after you remove it from your head (~30 seconds). When it is attached again, it will automatically turn on again within a few seconds. As sleep mode will still consume some power, the device should be turned off when not in use.
6 tips to get more out of your battery life
1. Don’t let your battery completely run down without recharging
In the past, rechargeable batteries needed to be fully run down before recharging. But the newer lithium ion batteries used with Cochlear sound processors will actually have a shorter lifespan if you let them become completely flat before recharging.
2. Fully charge the battery with each charging cycle
Charge your batteries to their maximum capacity and remember to fully charge your batteries before storing them.
3. Store batteries at room temperature if possible
Don’t leave your batteries in a hot car or in direct sunlight; they really do not fair well in excessive heat or cold.
4. Rotate your batteries daily if you have several of them
Don’t use one battery and store the others for later. It’s better to rotate each battery every time you use it.
5. Replace your batteries when needed
All batteries will degrade as they age, so when your battery no longer provides you with enough power for your daily needs, it’s time to replace the battery. Your sound processor will alert you to a low battery status.
6. Set your sound processor to turn off when you remove it
To save battery life, some processors, such as the Nucleus 7 and 8 sound processors, allow your clinician to set the processor to turn off two minutes after you take them off, and the Osia 2 automatically goes into sleep mode about 30 seconds after you remove it. Ask your clinician for advice.
Does your sound processor help you save battery life? If not, it might be time for an upgrade! Learn more about the latest models:
- Apple and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
- Android, Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.
- Cochlear’s range of Smart Apps and Support Apps are available on App Store and/or Google Play. For information regarding the sound processors, operating systems and devices that are compatible with the Cochlear’s range of Smart Apps and Support Apps, visit www.cochlear.com/compatibility.
