Prolonging the life of your hearing aid batteries can save you both time and money. If you can get a few extra days out of each battery, that’s a good amount saved through the course of a year.

Luckily, there are a handful of things you can do to optimize the life of your hearing aid batteries. If you can convert these eight recommendations into habits, you should notice a difference immediately.

The following are eight ways to optimize the life of your hearing aid batteries.

1. Purchase new hearing aid batteries

Hearing aid batteries unopened in the package can last for years. Unfortunately, just like all batteries, power is diminished as each year passes, so it’s always better to purchase the newer package.

2. Don’t remove the tab until you’re ready to use the batteries

Hearing aids take a unique kind of battery known as a zinc-air battery. Each one has a plastic tab covering tiny holes on the top of the battery. After the tab is removed, air enters the holes and activates the zinc.

Once this happens, the battery is active and the power will begin depleting (reapplying the tab has no effect). That’s why you should remove the tab only if you plan on using the battery right away.

3. Employ the five-minute rule

Immediately after removing the tab, don’t insert the battery into the hearing aid immediately. Instead, wait around 5-7 minutes. This will permit the air to properly activate the battery, increasing its life by as much as three days.

4. Store at room temperature

You may have heard that you can prolong the life of your batteries by storing them in your refrigerator. The frigid temperature decreases the release of power, or so the reasoning goes.

The issue is that the opposite happens. Zinc-air batteries and moisture do not mix, and the condensation that occurs from the refrigerator causes corrosion and an enhanced risk of early failure.

Simply store your batteries at room temperature for the best results.

5. Leave the hearing aid battery door open when not in use

If you’re not using your hearing aid, turn it off and open the battery door. This inhibits drain and blocks corrosion. But keep in mind, don’t store your hearing aids in the bathroom; moisture and temperature changes are hazardous to the batteries. Your bedroom side-table is probably the best place.

6. Purchase a hearing aid dehumidifier

With a hearing aid dehumidifier, you won’t have to worry about where to keep your hearing aids. Each night, put your hearing aids in the dehumidifier to remove moisture and to provide a secure place for storage.

7. Remove the batteries if you won’t be using your hearing aids for prolonged periods

If you don’t intend on using your hearing aids for some time, taking out the batteries entirely will help protect against corrosion from collected moisture within the hearing aid.

8. Wash your hands before changing the batteries

You should always keep in mind that dirt, grime, and moisture are harmful for both the hearing aid batteries and the hearing aids themselves. That’s the reason it’s crucial to wash your hands before changing the batteries.