You purchase a new device, unwrap the fancy packaging, and then, see the phrase dreaded by many: Batteries not included.
The use of disposable battery technology in any gadget- from your television remote or your camera- can cause anyone aggravation. No one enjoys running out of power in any device. However for users dependent on medical devices like hearing aids the stakes are much higher as power loss of this type of equipment can actually be dangerous.
To this day, most hearing aids operate off disposable batteries. The lifespan of a hearing aid battery can greatly vary depending on what type aid and size battery is used, but can be as low as 4 days. This forces users to be extremely diligent in making sure they always have access to a spare. For those with significant hearing loss, this is even more crucial. Any delay between replacements can be uncomfortable or even dangerous if users are not able to hear properly. The frequency of discarding is also not very eco-friendly. Though they can be recycled, over millions of hearing aid batteries end up in landfills each year. Of more direct consequence to the user, disposable batteries can cause physical damage to the often-expensive device. Replacing batteries requires opening and closing a very small and frail battery door and commands good dexterity to do so. Since many hearing aid users are older, this can be challenging for them. Repeatedly opening and closing the battery compartment door can cause it to eventually break. Worse yet, corrosion from oxygen exposure can also occur, leading to intermittent failures of the device.
HPM10
HPM10 is a high-performance Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC) which enables rechargeable battery technology to be used in hearing aids and cochlear implants. It supports and manages a number of different battery chemistries, including Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) and Silver-Zinc (AgZn). It is also able to detect Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-Mh) and disposable Zinc-Air (Zn-Air) batteries and operates with those accordingly.
Using an automatic detection system, HPM10 immediately recognizes whatever battery chemistry is used within the device which provides for a very versatile solution. It then operates as a high-efficiency regulator to provide the supply voltage required by the hearing aid while minimizing the amount of any dissipated power. HPM10 is designed to provide the flexibility needed to support multiple battery types or sizes. Its charging parameters can be updated accordingly and stored in the ICs’ non volatile memory. With a Deep Sleep current consumption rate of only 15 nA, HPM10 also helps to maximize the shelf life of a hearing aid with a sealed, rechargeable battery. Hearing aid manufacturers who design in HPM10 can now make completely sealed aids, which will perform more reliably over time given battery doors may not break and there won’t be any corrosion inside due to humidity or sweat.