Legislation to Protect Children Has Had Some Unintended Results
Since 2024, hearing aid battery packages have become difficult for users to open, often requiring sharp scissors, strength and dexterity. Although frustrating, there are some valid reasons for the changes—mostly related to safety, longevity and regulatory concerns, although disagreement remains about implementation and unintentional adverse effects.
The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) represents millions of Americans with, and at risk of, hearing loss, and we’ve heard from many people negatively impacted by these new standards. It may help to understand what led to these protections.
Tragedy Leads to Child Safety Regulations
Enacted by Congress in 2022, Reese’s Law mandates safety standards for consumer products containing small round flat batteries—often called “button cell” or “coin” batteries, used in various electronics such as remotes, toys and key fobs—to prevent accidental ingestion by children. It requires secure battery compartments, warning labels on both the product and packaging, and specific performance requirements to minimize the risk of children accessing or swallowing these batteries.
This legislation was advocated by the parents of an 18-month-old toddler in Lubbock, Texas, Reese Hamsmith, who tragically died six weeks after ingesting a button battery from a television remote. She did not survive following surgeries to remove the battery and repair the internal damage to her throat and esophagus caused by electrical burning.
After the new law was passed, hearing aid manufacturers switched to child-resistant battery packaging standards to comply. Some argue this is an over-correction since most hearing aid batteries are zinc-air and non-toxic, and many argue that more specification is needed in the new regulation.
Beyond child-resistance, there are other reasons for the intense packaging.
Battery Preservation
The packaging is often airtight or moisture-resistant to preserve the batteries’ shelf life. Zinc-air batteries, which are common in hearing aids, begin to lose power as soon as they’re exposed to air. So, the packaging must ensure they are sealed tightly until use.
Tamper Evidence
To ensure safety and integrity, many battery packs are designed to show if they’ve been opened or tampered with. This means using durable, sometimes difficult-to-tear materials.
Cost and Standardization
Manufacturers tend to use standardized packaging, even if the result is not the most user-friendly. The industry prioritizes safety and cost over ease of use in many cases.
What Can You Do?
Hearing Aid Battery Packaging Tips
- Experts generally recommend scissors or heavy-duty shears to cut through the plastic on either side of the battery (“pie slice” cuts to center for easier access).
- DO NOT collect unused batteries in a pouch or bag, as they will discharge upon contact with each other and exposure to air. Use older dispensers or purchase a battery caddy to keep them separate.
- Tools like magnetic battery pens can make removing and placing batteries easier, especially for people with arthritis or reduced hand strength.
- Consider updating to rechargeable hearing aids when it’s time to replace your current devices.
