title: Performance analysis of ten brands of batteries for hearing aids.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Comparison of the performance of hearing instrument batteries from various manufacturers can enable otologists, audiologists, or final consumers to select the best products, maximizing the use of these materials.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To analyze the performance of ten brands of batteries for hearing aids available in the Brazilian marketplace.
  
  
  METHODS
  Hearing aid batteries in four sizes were acquired from ten manufacturers and subjected to the same test conditions in an acoustic laboratory.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results obtained in the laboratory contrasted with the values reported by manufacturers highlighted significant discrepancies, besides the fact that certain brands in certain sizes perform better on some tests, but does not indicate which brand is the best in all sizes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It was possible to investigate the performance of ten brands of hearing aid batteries and describe the procedures to be followed for leakage, accidental intake, and disposal.
authors.affiliation: Electronic Engineer, PhD in Medical Science. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Silvio Pires
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Penteado
authors.affiliation: PhD, Professor, Chairman. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Ricardo Ferreira
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Bento
keywords: Batteries; Benchmarking; Hearing Aids; Laboratory Equipment; Performance Tests; Reference Standards