Hearing Aid Battery Cross Reference & Specification Chart
Hearing aid batteries come in four standard sizes: 10, 13, 312, and 675. Every major brand uses those same four numbers, and each size has a universal color-coded pull tab so you can identify it at a glance. Yellow marks size 10, orange marks size 13, brown marks size 312, and blue marks size 675. The chart below maps brand model numbers to each size, with IEC codes, dimensions, and specs so you can confirm the match before buying.
Sizes 312 and 13 share the same 7.9mm diameter and look nearly identical sitting side by side. They don't fit each other's compartments: size 312 is 3.6mm tall, size 13 is 5.4mm tall, and forcing the wrong one into a battery door can bend the contacts or break the hinge. If you have no battery to reference, measure the compartment opening and compare it to the dimensions in the chart. Size 5 (red tab) and 675 HP (gray tab) are specialty sizes included for reference.
PRO TIP: Pull-tab color is the fastest ID — yellow = 10, orange = 13, brown = 312, blue = 675. If the tab is already off, measure the diameter: 5.8mm is size 10, 7.9mm is either 13 or 312 (check height to tell them apart), and 11.6mm is size 675. A digital caliper is more reliable than a ruler for this.
| Battery Size & Color Code | 13 | 312 |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
|
| IEC Number | PR48 | PR41 |
| Voltage (V) | 1.4 | 1.4 |
| Capacity (mAh)** | ~300 | ~170 |
| Diameter (mm) | 7.9 | 7.9 |
| Height (mm) | 5.4 | 3.6 |
| Weight (grams) | 0.80 | 0.49 |
| AARP | B013 | B312 |
| Audibel | A13 | A312 |
| Beltone | B26PA | B347PA |
| Duracell | 13HP / DA13N | 312HP / DA312N |
| Energizer | AC13E AC13EZ / AC13 |
AC312E AC312EZ / AC312 |
| Kirkland Signature | 13SA | 312SA |
| Magnus | ME8Z | ME7Z |
| Philips | PR13H | PR312H |
| Phonak | 13 | 312 |
| Power One | P13 | P312 |
| Rayovac | A13 | A312 |
| Rexton | ZA13 | ZA312 |
| Siemens / Signia | 13AE L13ZA / 13A |
312AE L312ZA / 312A |
| Sonic | S13A | S312A |
| Starkey | 13DS | 312DS |
| Unitron | 13 | 312 |
| Widex | W13ZA | W312ZA |
| ZeniPower | ZA13 | ZA312 |
** Capacity values are estimates and vary by brand and production batch. This chart is for reference only; verify compatibility with your device or consult a hearing care professional before purchasing. Model numbers and product lines are subject to change without notice.
How the Hearing Aid Battery Color Code System Works
The color-coded pull tab on every zinc-air hearing aid battery identifies the size. Duracell brown-tab and Rayovac brown-tab are both size 312 — the brand name changes, the size number and tab color don't. This standard applies in the United States, Europe, and most markets worldwide, which is why the chart above works for batteries purchased anywhere.
Size depends on the hearing aid model. Behind-the-ear (BTE) aids take size 13 or 675. Receiver-in-canal (RIC) and mini-BTE models most commonly use size 312. In-the-canal (ITC) and invisible-in-canal (IIC) aids almost always take size 10 because of the smaller compartment. Your hearing aid manual lists the correct size, and it's usually embossed on the battery door itself.
Zinc-Air Batteries: What the Pull Tab Does
All standard hearing aid sizes use zinc-air chemistry. Small vent holes in the casing draw oxygen from the air, which reacts with a zinc anode inside to produce current. The pull tab covers those holes with a foil seal, keeping the cell dormant until you need it. Remove the tab, and the battery activates immediately.
After pulling the tab, wait 60 seconds before dropping the battery in. That pause gives oxygen time to distribute evenly throughout the cell and typically adds measurable runtime compared to inserting it immediately. Don't blow on it, because the moisture shortens battery life. For storage, leave the tab on and keep batteries at room temperature in a dry spot. The refrigerator causes condensation when the battery warms back up, and that moisture enters the vent holes and corrodes the cell.
How Long Hearing Aid Batteries Last by Size
Larger batteries hold more zinc and absorb more oxygen, so they run longer. The estimates below assume 16 hours of daily use under typical listening conditions. Bluetooth streaming can cut these numbers in half because it draws far more current than standard amplification.
| Size | Capacity (est.) | Typical Life (16 hr/day) | Common Device Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | ~75 mAh | 3–7 days | IIC, CIC, mini ITE |
| 312 | ~170 mAh | 3–10 days | RIC, mini BTE, ITC |
| 13 | ~300 mAh | 5–14 days | Standard BTE, ITE |
| 675 | ~605 mAh | 9–20 days | High-power BTE, cochlear implant |
Cold weather is the other main variable. Zinc-air cells lose available capacity below 50°F (10°C), so a battery that runs 7 days indoors might give you 4 or 5 on a cold winter day. High-volume programs and tinnitus management features also increase current draw. If your batteries run shorter than expected without any change in habits, check whether a new hearing aid program was turned on at your last fitting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hearing Aid Batteries
What size hearing aid battery do I need?
The size number is usually printed or embossed on the battery door of your hearing aid. If it's not there, check the battery you're replacing. The number is on the label or stamped into the metal. Pull-tab color is the fastest shortcut: yellow = 10, orange = 13, brown = 312, blue = 675. If you're starting from scratch with no battery to reference, your hearing care provider can confirm the size, or look it up by device model number in the manufacturer's documentation.
Can I use a size 13 battery instead of a size 312?
No. Both are 7.9mm in diameter, which is why they look similar, but size 13 is 5.4mm tall and size 312 is only 3.6mm tall. Size 13 is too thick for a 312 compartment and forcing it damages the battery door hinge or contacts. A 312 battery in a 13 size battery compartment sits loose and may not make proper electrical contact. Match the size number exactly.
Are Rayovac, Energizer, and Duracell hearing aid batteries interchangeable?
Yes, within the same size number. Rayovac A312, Energizer AC312E, and Duracell DA312N are all size 312 / IEC PR41 and fit the same hearing aids. The ANSI size number and IEC code define the physical dimensions and voltage (1.4V for all zinc-air hearing aid cells). Capacity ratings vary slightly between brands, which affects how many days you get per battery, but fit and voltage are identical.
How long do hearing aid batteries last?
At 16 hours of daily use: size 10 averages 3 to 7 days, size 312 averages 3 to 10 days, size 13 averages 5 to 14 days, and size 675 averages 9 to 20 days. These are averages based on standard amplification. Bluetooth audio streaming, high-volume programs, and tinnitus management all draw more current and reduce these figures, sometimes substantially.
Why is my hearing aid battery draining faster than usual?
Bluetooth streaming is the most common cause. Connecting to a phone or TV can double or triple the current draw. High humidity lets moisture into the cell through the vent holes and degrades the zinc. Batteries near loose metal objects (keys, coins) can partially self-discharge before use. Old stock from the back of a drawer also runs shorter than fresh stock. If the drain increased without any obvious change in usage, check whether a hearing aid setting was adjusted at your last fitting appointment.
What is the difference between a size 675 and a 675 HP battery?
The 675 HP (gray tab, IEC PR675HP) is built for cochlear implant processors and high-drain implant-compatible devices. The dimensions match the standard 675 (11.6mm x 5.4mm), but the internal construction is different and optimized for the higher, more consistent current those processors require. Don't use 675 HP cells as a substitute in standard behind-the-ear hearing aids. The discharge curve differs from a regular 675 and can cause inconsistent amplification or trigger low-battery warnings.
Should I wait before inserting a new hearing aid battery?
Yes. Pull the tab and wait at least 60 seconds before putting the battery in. Zinc-air cells need that time for oxygen to reach the cathode through the vent holes. Inserting it immediately reduces the oxygen available for the initial reaction and shortens overall runtime. Once the tab is off, the battery is active. Only remove it when you're ready to use it.
How should I store hearing aid batteries to extend their life?
Store at room temperature (50–77°F / 10–25°C) in a dry location with the tab intact. Sealed batteries in original packaging last several years. Do not store batteries in the refrigerator, condensation forms when the battery comes back to room temperature, and that moisture enters the vent holes and corrodes the cell from the inside. Keep them away from metal objects in purses or pockets, and out of humid rooms like bathrooms. Once the tab is removed, use the battery the same day.
Disclaimer
Trademarks & Brand Names: All battery manufacturer names, logos, trademarks, and brand names mentioned on this page—including but not limited to Energizer, Rayovac, Duracell, Power One, Phonak, Siemens, Signia, Beltone, Starkey, Widex, ZeniPower, Rexton, Audibel, Kirkland Signature, Unitron, Philips, Sonic, and Magnus—are the property of their respective owners. Batteries In A Flash is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any of these manufacturers or hearing aid brands. This page is provided for informational and educational purposes only.
Accuracy & Updates: While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date cross-reference data, manufacturers may change part numbers, discontinue product lines, or revise specifications without notice. Cross-reference matches are based on IEC size standards and physical dimensions. Verify compatibility with your hearing care professional or device documentation before purchasing.
Found an Error? If you notice any inaccuracies, outdated part numbers, or missing equivalents, please let us know. Visit our contact page to report errors or suggest improvements. We regularly update this chart to keep it current.