Hearing aid batteries
Hearing aid batteries are zinc-air cells — activated by removing a colored tab that exposes air holes. There are four standard sizes, each assigned a universal color code by IEC 60086-3.
| Size | Tab color | Diameter | Height | Capacity | Typical aid style |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size 10 | Yellow | 5.8 mm | 3.6 mm | ~90 mAh | ITC, CIC, IIC |
| Size 312 | Brown | 7.9 mm | 3.6 mm | ~175 mAh | RIC, RITE, mini BTE |
| Size 13 | Orange | 7.9 mm | 5.4 mm | ~310 mAh | BTE, full-shell ITE |
| Size 675 | Blue | 11.6 mm | 5.4 mm | ~600 mAh | Power BTE, cochlear implant |
Comparisons
Key notes for all zinc-air batteries
- Remove the tab and wait 1–2 minutes before inserting — this activates the cell and extends runtime.
- Never peel the tab until ready to use. Shelf life once removed is measured in days, not months.
- Sealed in packaging, shelf life is 3–4 years from manufacture date.
- All four sizes share the same 1.45V nominal voltage.
- Do not use in sealed or airtight environments — they require oxygen to function.