Hearing Aid Batteries Safety Alert

Hearing aid batteries are toxic if swallowed. 

They have the potential to cause serious harm and life changing injuries if they are swallowed or put into an ear or nostril.

Who is most at risk?

• Children under five years of age.
• Any adult or child over the age of five with a learning disability, dementia or other cognitive or sensory impairment.

What are we doing to reduce the risk in hospital?

The Audiology Department is providing lockable battery drawers to those most at risk.

Lockable battery drawers are also available for patients who feel that their hearing aid batteries may be a risk to others.

If you are a hearing aid wearer and would like to have your battery drawer replaced by a lockable drawer, please contact the Audiology Department on 01782 674727 and we will be happy to arrange this for you. 

Please be aware that to operate a lockable drawer requires a special tool and good dexterity.

Spare batteries

Spare batteries should be:

• Stored in a cool dry place.
• Kept out of reach of children under five.
• Kept out of reach of those who are at risk of swallowing a battery or putting it in an ear or nostril.

Used batteries

Used batteries should be disposed of using your local recycling facilities.

If you are unsure where to recycle your batteries, please visit www.recyclenow.com for a list of facilities local to you.

What if I suspect someone has swallowed a hearing aid battery?

• Take them straight to the A&E department at your local hospital or dial 999 for an ambulance.
• Tell the doctorthat you think  they have swallowed a button battery.
• If you have the battery packaging or the product powered by the battery, take it with you. This will help the doctor identify the type of battery and make treatment easier.
• Do notlet the person eat or drink.
• Do notmake them sick.

Trust your instincts and act fast. Do not wait to see if any symptoms develop.

If you need more information please contact:

Audiology Department

Hearing and Balance Centre

Royal Stoke Hospital

01782 674727

audiologydepartment.uhns@nhs.net

Please speak to a member of staff if you need this information in large print, braille, audio or another language