A Step Forward for Hearing Aid Battery Packaging

Industry is Listening to Consumers

Many members of our community have told us the same thing: safer battery packaging for children is important, but should minimize the impact on usability for older adults. Some manufacturers have begun trying to address this issue.

At the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) convention in April, Energizer’s Rayovac brand showcased new hearing aid battery packaging designed to be “senior-friendly.” Although cutting is still required, the update shows that manufacturers and companies respond when customers speak up.

A selection of Rayovac’s redesigned, senior-friendly child resistant hearing aid battery packages. Image credit: Rayovac

Why Hearing Aid Battery Packaging Changed

Child-resistant packaging for zinc-air button cell hearing aid batteries became a requirement in March 2024. The goal was to prevent ingestion by children and to meet federal safety requirements from the Consumer Product Safety Commission under Reese’s Law.

A key provision in this law states: “battery compartments containing replaceable button cell or coin batteries must be secured such that they require the use of a tool or at least two independent and simultaneous hand movements to open.”

However, many hearing aid users, particularly older adults, people with arthritis, tremors, neuropathy, low vision or limited hand strength, struggle with battery packaging meeting those requirements.

What’s in the New Packaging

Labeling shows how to open new, senior-friendly hearing aid battery packaging. Image credit: Rayovac

HLAA representatives who attended the AAA convention observed that Rayovac’s updated packaging includes:

• A redesigned method of opening battery compartments with scissor slots
• Clearer, more visual instructions on the package to guide users through the opening process
• Continued child-resistant certification in independent testing

That combination of safety, clarity and iteration suggests that industry is paying attention to real-life experience, not just compliance with checkboxes.

Tool-Free Packaging is Easier to Use

Tool-dependent packaging is not a small inconvenience for users with dexterity issues. It may:

• Limit independence
• Create a risk of cuts
• Reduce hearing access by discouraging battery changes
• Impact air travel, as some scissors are not permitted in carry-ons
• Lead to improper storage of unused batteries when removed

The redesigned packaging from Rayovac is intended to address most of those issues. HLAA celebrates this advance as progress toward the goal of child-resistant packaging that doesn’t restrict access to people who need them for assistive devices. We look forward to seeing industry and regulators continue to work on this issue together.

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