Hearing Aid Battery Acid Burns Anyone?
The next thing she did was head to an emergency room. The E.R. confirmed she had "severe acid" burns from the hearing aid batteries. They sent her to a burn unit. The burns were so bad that they could not heal, and an operation was necessary.
I found her experience frightening, to say the least. I shot back in an e-mail: "I have never heard of that happening!! Hearing aid batteries are supposed to be kept in a compartment in the hearing aid or cochlear implant. HOW in the world did the battery acid leak out and touch your skin?? I am totally mystified."
She wrote in a response e-mail: "I'm as mystified as you are,as to how this could happen. The battery is in a compartment at the base of the hearing aid and therefore has no direct contact with my skin. I can put a new battery into my aid and within 10 minutes it starts to leak a yellowish coloured liquid, and then I get the burning sensation, and my skin behind my ear literally just starts dropping off."
On top of all that, the operation to try to heal her burns has failed. AND when she contacted the hearing aid battery maker, she was told that hearing aid batteries do not have any acid.
Have any About.com readers had any similar experiences? This woman is in pain and desperately needs to know if the problem is a unique experience that only she has had. If hearing aid batteries do not have any acid, how in the world did she get these acid burns?
Comments
Berke,
I looked up the info for hearing aid batteries and they’re generally maed of “Zinc Air” and according to wikipedia: “Particles of zinc are mixed with an electrolyte (usually potassium hydroxide solution).” The potassium hydroxide solution itself is similar to lye.
Perhaps that was the cause of the corrosive nature on the skin? When that solution is put in water, it will heat water up to boiling point and since skin is made mostly of water–it would be fair to assume that the solution leaked and burned the hearing aid user.
must be a defective product.
-ben
Wow, I sympathize with her for what she’s been through…I’ve never heard of this happening before…it’s a first! Ben is making sense in what he shared…I think she needs to speak with a lawyer and see if she has a case which I think she does because the maker of her hearing aid isn’t helping her.
Am wondering if she sweats easily…as sometimes it does for me, in the heat of summer. If she sweats…like Ben said…mixing water (or maybe in this case, sweat) with potassium hydroxide solution is a problem…it’s MOST likely that the hearing aid is defective! I hope this British lady heals completely.
It makes sense that hearing aid batteries should be held to a higher standard of manufacture than other types of batteries. However, batteries often leak in time.
When my baby was using them, sometimes I would see residue from batteries and have to clean it off the aids. It never occurred to me that it might be acid, good grief. Come to think of it, I’m going to inspect my cameras right now!
Wondering if the lady was sleeping with her aids on or leaving them with dead, old or often-charged batteries instead of removing them nights? Did the aids have a short in them causing batteries to overheat? Hopefully this makes people more vigilant about them.
I am the Lady from England with the battery acid burns. Many Thanks to you for responding to my problem.
Deafwoman, mentioned perhaps I sweat a lot, I’m afraid I don’t, and given the the British weather it’s highly unlikely.
Danrez. said about the age of the batteries, the batteries are brand new’ the expiry date is April 2012.I always take my hearing aid out at bedtime.
I was given a new hearing aid and batteries and I hadn’t even left the Hospital grounds when it started leaking.
I will keep looking for any more comments, I really do appreciate any feedback.
My hearing aid has bee
That’s a first that I’ve ever heard. I’ve worn hearing aids for many years and have had all kinds of problems with aids, but not that one.
Think it may be that the hearing aid itself has a faulty part, either wire shorting or the battery compartment. Also wonder if the audie matched the right battery for this person’s hearing aid or not. Should have the manufacturer check this aid out to verify if the aid or the battery is the culprit.
Put the battery in the instrument and watch to see if it leaks without wearing the aid. If it leaks see if it is warm. If so, it is most likely shorted by the hearing aid. Ann_c suggestion that it might be the instrument makes sense to me.
I have tried what Michael W suggests and the battery does not warm up.But it does still leak. I am in so much pain from the burns and the skin grafts that I can’t sleep at night, and, every day is a nightmare. I can’t wear either of my aids at the moment, so I am still seeking ANY advice. I’m living in a world of total silence.
Elaine,
First of all, I’m sorry to hear about the pain and the trouble you’ve had to go thru with the additional graft treatments for the burns.
IMHO this should not have happened but it did. Is it possible to get an independent source to evaluate the hearing aid and batteries that you have used? The manufacturer may very well say nothing is wrong with the aid, if indeed that may be the case, to ward off liability issues. Don’t have anything done such as repairs to the aids until they’ve been evaluated. I suspect that you may have gotten a “lemon”.
I have NEVER heard of this problem! May I ask what brand hearing aid this is? I have been wearing BTE aids for over 50 years and luckily have never had this problem. Perhaps put the aid in one of those moisture containers with the crystals in it overnight. It absorbs all the moisture from the hearing aid. Make sure you leave the battery out and the battery compartment door wide open. Personally, I’d move on to a new hearing aid. 2 x’s times now and STILL having the same problem… I have digital Siemens and LOVE them both! Oticon is another wonderful product. As far as your skin problems – try some of those wonderful “essential oil” products. Many people have wonderful results with them! Good luck!
I have worn BTE aids for 50 years and never seen nor heard of that problem and I have worked in vocational rehab too, so knew of other problems. If this has never happened with other aids before, is this your first pair of BTE aids? I would run to the nearest lawyer, even if you don’t want big bucks if you can trace the problem and the lawyer should help, you can at least get your medical bills paid. Vendors will NEVER admit anything that could lead to liability. If they leak without even your wearing them, it sounds like the aids are the problem. Have you been to a good plastic surgeon about the skin behind your ears? I have gotten enough sores over the years to know how painful and hard to heal it has to be for you. Keep posting so we know how you are as we do care about you!!
Elaine, like others here, I am very sorry to hear of the problems you’ve been having. Whilst batteries can start to leak if exposed to water (I have seen hearing aid batteries leak after being accidentally put through the washing machine for example!) it seems unlikely to be the source of the problem in this instance, as you say the aid is not getting wet, and you have experienced the problem with multiple batteries. An alternative possibility is skin irritation due to an allergic reaction to the material of the hearing aid itself. All the parts of a BTE aid (the aid, tubing, ear mould etc) are made from hypoallergenic materials, but in very rare cases an individual may experience sensitivity to a particular material used. It may be that simply swapping to an alternative type of BTE would solve the problem, but you should not wear anything that touches the damaged skin until it has fully healed, or it may become infected and could lead to scarring and further complications, so in the mean time you might want to ask your audiologist if they can supply a body-worn or CIC type aid that would not touch the affected area. Once the damage has healed, if you did want to return to using exactly the same BTE as before, you could try using a BTE cover (e.g: http://www.connevans.co.uk/store/viewCategory.do?id=1233614) to keep the aid away from your skin. Hope some of this helps!
Hi Ann C. thanks for that info. I am wary about what I say to the medical services as they can use it against you, should the worst come to the worst. Elaine x
Hi Lulu. I am using Siemens BTE aids, as I’ve mentioned before the battery can leak within minutes of being put inthe aid. In England we do not have the choices of hearing aid that you have. We are more like a third World Country when it comes to Hearing Problems.My skin problems are caused through Acid from the battery. Elaine x
Hi KarenEloise, The latter part of your letter touched me more than anything, I just sat and cried, do you know it was lovely for somebody to say they actually Cared. Here in England I am left in limbo, at the moment I am now Totally deaf, with not being able to wear Either of my hearing aids. I do have a good Plastic Surgeon, She is in another City but it is worth the travel just to see her.I hope I hear from you again. Elaine. xx
Hi Liz, thanks for your reply. Having worn hearing aids for 24 years, I am not allergic to them,As I’ve mentioned in a previous letter, to another friend on About.com I am unable to switch to an alternative aid , as there are none available to me.at the present moment I am living in a World of Silence. And there seems to be nothing I can do about it. Elaine.. x
Hello from Minnesota again! I am in the process of pursuing an answer for you from my EXTREMELY caring hearing aid dispenser. WE ALL care about you Elaine. This is the very first time I have ever felt moved to even comment to another person online. Hope to have an answer for you very soon! I LOVE this site.
Elaine,
Have you tried the products made to keep the aid dry? There is a product called Super Seals that is like a rubber to encase the aid in. It keeps the moisture away from the aid.
Elaine,
You may want to try a product like Super Seals http://www.justbekuz.com/. It is like a rubber to protect the aid from moisture.
Gary
Elaine,
I’ve worn aids for 40 plus years and at present I wear an analog Siemens BTE that is several years old. Didn’t like the digital version but found the analog version more suitable.
You have the attention of several commenters here, and I’m sure it helps you to have this connection. Just want to say, hang in there!
There are some people who care and the internet can be an amazing resource.
Is it possible to get a substitute temporary (”borrower”)body aid to help you hear in the meantime, while the problem aid is being looked into? Know it means probably another earmold fitting, while your graft skin is trying to heal. But this may tide you over the time it takes for the skin to heal and obtain another BTE aid. Dunno about the British medical system of doing things, I wouldn’t be much help here, since I’m American. But doing this will probably help you communicate better your problems to other sources (medical, legal, whatever).
I’m surprised to hear the digital BTE that may be the source of the problem is a Siemens. They’re a pretty reputable manufacturer. If I were you, and I know you’re dealing with multiple things right now which can make it difficult, I’d start researching the Siemens website (Europe)and then “google” battery acid burn and Siemens. See what you get.
Let me know what you turn up online over there. I’m still here.
Ann_C
Hi from Canada. I’m so sorry you are going through all of this Elaine. My heart goes out to you…truly it does. What I have to say may not be the answer but it might be something to consider. I lost my hearing 7 years ago and the first aids I got I wore them and the pain and burning in my ear was unbearable. Nobody could figure out why at first. We finally determined that I was allergic to the colour stuff they put in the mould so now I have to wear a clear colourless mould. I also came to find out that I’m allergic to latex products too. Until then I was never aware I had any allegies. Also, for whatever reason my blood (I assume) seems to be very acidic in nature. When I wear any kind of metal…usually gold it turns my skin black underneath it as you would expect a cheap costume jewelry ring might do. If I eat tomatoes I’m guaranteed to have my fingers under my rings turn black. It’s very pronounced and noticeable and I’m forever wiping the black off my fingers under my rings. I keep my rings sparkling clean at all times and hands clean so it’s not dirt, it’s a direct reaction from skin to metal and the black is easily washed off my fingers but it’s a reaction between the gold (usually) and my skin that creates this and it always occurs after I’ve eaten anything acidic. I’m wondering if you have an allergy to something within or around the area you are getting burned. Have you considered having detailed allergy testing done to be tested for allergies to the products that make up not only the batteries but the hearing aid unit itself? OR do you find you have more problems with this leaking when you eat acidic foods. I know this may sound stupid and I’m sure you’ve guessed by now that I’m no doctor. I’ can only tell of my own experiences. My situation turned out to be allergies and too much acid in my diet that caused me problems on my skin and with my hearing aid. Something to think about.
Elaine,
I did some research here on battery acid burn and much of the info online relates to older folks putting in-the-ear or canal type hearing aids or actual button batteries themselves, often mistaken for the aids. But nothing on BTE battery acid burns, unusual.
Still checking here, hope something turns up. Have you matched compatibility of those batteries with the hearing aid in question? If the batts are compatible, then we’re looking at hearing aid fault possibly.
I’m allergic to latex products myself and hence why I use a colorless, harder mold that is made of a plastic that I’m not allergic to. Is there a possibility of skin allergy to an earmold in combo with reacting to a battery’s production of a weak electric current? Just speculating, ’tis may be nothing to be concerned about.
Hi Everybody, Sorry for not replying sooner , but there has been massive Electrical Storms in the North East Of England, I have to turn my computer off during lightening Storms, as I have twice been hit through the telephone line, that has totally ruined my home telephones and Computer. I am registered disabled, and cannot afford another computer, I am insured but the Insurance company will Not pay out for an “Act of God”, I live alone (apart from my dog).
I am really moved that everyone has taken time out, to try and help me. It is Not like that in England.
I am going back (again) this morning to Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary, England.
But I will answer everybody’s letter today. So Many Thanks to everyone for their replies, I still look forward for any possibilities.I will send all my messages roughly about 12.00 Noon today. (English Time). Thanks for now.. Love Elaine xxx
Hi,The storms have eased for now, so I can now safely use my computer.So here goes.
Hi, Lulu,
Once again, Many Thanks, I only found this site by accident,I cannot help but Marvel at the response I have received so far. When or If my problems are sorted out, I will always check on this website, One Day I might be able to help somebody…. I would be interested to know if you Do find anything out from your
hearing aid dispenser.I look forward to hearing from you. Elaine.xx
Hi,Gary, Thanks for the advice but I cannot use ANY rubber or Latex materials, as I am allergic to them. Elaine.x
Hi Ann-C.
Ifound your letter Very interesting, Up until 6 months ago I have been wearing the Siemens Analogue hearing aids,and, after The burns started behind my right ear (not the left ear),I asked my Audiologist if it was possible to go back to the Analogue heaing aids, but He informed me that the only aids available were the Siemens digital aids,So once again I have no option open to me,apart from being totally deaf, which I am if I have no aids available. In England ther is no such thing as a borrower temporary (”borrower”) aid.
I’ve tried googling companies all over the world, and even telephoning some that are not contactable over the internet. NOBODY has heard of my sort of problem. Like you I am allergic to Latex, but my problem comes from the part of the aid that goes BEHIND your ear. That is where I have the burns. I’ve already checked out the electric current that you mentioned, but it’s not that either. appreciate it if you can keep on looking. Many Thanks..Elaine xxx
Hi Christine, Thank You for taking time out to contact me.You don’t say how old you are but to lose your hearing at ANY age is hard, I lost my hearing because of the operations that have been carried (over 40, but that started from about the age of 4 years old.
The burns I received were actually Behind the ear, therefore there was no jewellery or anything else touching the skin behind the ears.I have worn hearing aids for over 24 years now.(I am 49 years old I will be 50 on 15th of August), but I won’t be celebrating it. I was supposed to be going to Scotland for
my birthday, but with hospital appointments and having both ears bandaged up, I will just stay at home.The American company that supplies the batteries to the U.K, state that it could be a chemical imbalance between my right ear and the battery in my right hearing aid, but if that was the case, Why is the Left hearing aid Okay? You see there are so many questions, but No answers. Please keep in touch… Elaine
Hi Elaine:
I am 42 years old and have worn a hearing aid since I was 35. I wear an over the ear hearing aid which is plastic (I assume) on the part that goes over the ear and the battery is contained in the bottom part of the plastic part which ends just above the ear lobe on the back of my ear. Not sure what the mould part that goes in my ear is made of that the aid connects to but I’m allergic to the colour they usually use in the mould part. My suggestion was that perhaps you were allergic to the contents of the battery eventhough it doesn’t touch the skin but may be close enough to you that it creates a reaction much like some people can be highly allergic to perfumes or peanuts and can react just being around them. They don’t necessarily have to be touching them. Anyway, it was just a thought.
Elaine,
I know, I know, Siemens stopped producing any analog aids a while ago. Crap! Dunno what I’ll do when I have to get the one I’m wearing replaced. That does worry me, as digitals cut out way too much background noise to suit me. I go nuts if I can’t hear the car engine running, while somebody is talking to me in the car. That can be a distraction by itself.
So it’s only your right ear H.A. that is causing the burns behind the ear? I still think you got a ‘lemon’ hearing aid, but anything is possible.
Did you trade your old analogs for the newer digital ones or did you keep the old ones for spares? If you kept them and if they still work with new batts, perhaps you can find some “sleeves” to slip over the bodies to protect your ears from any battery corrosion. It’s possible to re-use the earmolds on the older aids. Just thinking of temporary back-up’s to fill in while you find out about the battery burn problem.
Again, don’t know your situation, maybe all this is moot! Will continue to do more research.
Someone mentioned a short in the battery compartment. They could easily be correct. Either that or something within the hearing aid is taking too much current/power and the battery can’t keep up with it.
Case in point; Someone I knew had a costume head which had a fan. Somehow a bad connection or wiring within the battery area caused it to heat up, smoke, and spit stuff. It was still smoking when he removed it from the compartment. I think he replaced the compartment or holder and battery, and everything was fine.
I have also seen examples of bad wiring within a device causing the unit to malfunction in various ways. Even I’ve caused a battery to heat up when I did an intentional miswire.
I’d say it’s your hearing aid that needs a good checking internally. Giving it to your lawyer can help in forcing the vendor and/or manufacturer to take a closer look at it. The audiologist seems to be shirking their responsibility in terms of sending it in for repairs/checkups. Same with the manufacturer, in terms of those guesses and not asking it to be sent in for checkups.
Another method of protection would be to tear up part of a napkin or cloth and wrap it around the hearing aid. I tried this and saw a kid whose hearing aid was wrapped like this and it works quite nicely. Wrap it just enough so that you can check the hearing aid now and then. A little clear tape can help in keeping it all on.
Hi Christine,
The Digital Aids have to be placed higher up behind the ear compared to the analogue BTE aids, I don’t use a coloured mould, just the bog standard colour I have used since I started Wearing Aids in 1983. I should have started wearing them well before 1983 but, Vanity got in the way. I am allergic to perfume anyway, and, I don’t eat anything with peanuts in, (even though I am not allergic them) I just don’t like them.
And as I am allergic to perfume, I say to people, that only smelly people have to use it.But that is only because I am jealous that I can’t use it.
I did actually think about the allergy part of your letter,but with regards to these batteries, it is only since the U.K decided to buy in a cheaper version of batteries,that is Only! since March of this year (2008)that I started to receive the burns. Thanks again, but could you PLEASE keep on looking to see if you can find out anything else…Elaine..xxx
ANN C.
Hi Ann the Siemens Digital aids do cut out a lot of background noise, but, it depends on how your Audiologist sets your hearing aid.
For example: I specifically asked for the sounds of Emergency Vehicles to be toned down. A lot of people think that because you are deaf Noise dose’nt bother you, I find it very painful.
My Analogue Hearing Aids were taken away from me at the time the Hospital gave me the Digital Aids, so I am left with no other choice. I’m still trawling the Internet looking for ANY explanation to my plight. There are So many sites to look at but this is the ONLY site I have found where I find People who are willing to try and help me. I look forward to hearing from you again..Elaine…xxx
Drat, Elaine!
No spares to fall back on? How come these older aids were taken from you? As partial payment for the newer digitals you got? Again, don’t know your situation, so I don’t want to miscontrue what really happened.
I have a family emergency right now, but will try to keep up research when I return home in another week, ok? I’m not giving up on you.
I have to get a new earmold in late Aug. soon, and my audie, who once trained with House Ear Institute in Los Angeles, may or may not know some info regarding battery acid burn when I next see her. I will certainly ask her about this BTE battery acid burn, with a Siemens digital aid, and see what she knows. So, hang in there! And I hope you heal behind the ear where the burns have been in the meantime. How are the grafts doing?
Is it possible to check out the source from where you got the batteries placed in your aid that caused the acid burns? Never know, cheap batteries may the culprit– but I would check on where the batts you got were made, USA, Europe, China, Timbuktu, wherever, and start a research on the batts. You may have more links in this area of research than I would have possibly. As Ben Vess mentioned, it’s an electrolyte reaction rather than an actual acid or lye reaction in zinc air batts, totally different reaction. If these batts are zinc airs, this is where you have to focus on for European batt prob’s.
I’ll be in touch with you later. In the meantime, try to heal first and do some research online whenever you can. Try to find some temp aids to work for you, I know this part may be hard for you, are there any charities that can help you with this? My sympathies, I can see how difficult it can be not being able to hear anything.
Off the subject, but I wonder if MM of “At the Rim” blog can help you. He’s a UK blogger and you can get his blog off DeafRead here where Berke’s About.com:Deafness blog is as well. Good luck and I’ll check in with you soon.
> from overseas.
Hi, Rob,
The sound of the smoking coming from that costume head sounds absolutely terrifying.
With regards to youe letter, I have had my hearing aid replaced 3 times, and each time the aid has still leaked Acid.
So is it a fault on behalf of the Hearing manufacturers (Siemens)or the Battery supplier, (RAY-O-VAC), I suppose ultimately it comes down to my Audiogist, whom supplied both Hearing Aids And Batteries.
I ahve tried wrapping the Aid in a covering of cloth but the Acid still leaks through.
Elaine xxx
Gosh, I have been following your story and I wish that I had answers for you! I have been wearing hearing-aids since I was about 4 or 5 years old. I have never heard of your situation either, but I sure wish for a solution for you & a speedy recovery. My husband says it sounds like you are using a low quality of battery and that may be your problem. Good luck to you and I hope you find a solution soon. You are in my prayers.
Karen (California)
Hi Karen,
I sure appreciate you getting in touch, I had never heard of this problem either, until it happened to me.(I suppose a problem has to start somewhere) Unfortunately that problem seems to have started with me.The Hearing Aids are supplied to the U.K by Siemens and the Batteries are supplied by Ray-o-Vac, you can look up Rayovac.com .( Rayovac are aware of the problem) and you will see that both companies are based in America. I get strength through people like yourself who are willing to try and help people like myself. In the U.K there is not any sort of Camaraderie for the deaf or hard of hearing as there is in the U.S.A. Although I am able to hear with the help of the Aids, I am left in A World of Silence without any aid. I know it’s a sad thing to say, but we come in at the bottom of the pecking order when it comes to how seriously it affects your life.England has no qualms about putting you out to rot. We are a drain on their resources. At least that is how it is in the North East of England,(Sunderland, Tyne & Wear), I am becoming very upset at the fact that people from All over the U.S are looking out for me, whilst my own Hospital and my own Country are prepared to leave me in a world of Total Silence, rather than find the root of the cause. I Look Forward to hearing from you Again. Many Thanks ..Elaine.xxxxx
Hi Everybody,
There seems to be no more people coming through with any advice.
Have we run out of any possibilities.??? I am still left in silence here in England, I look forward to any news from anyone. Please get in touch…. Love Elaine (England)…xxxx
Oh my GOSH! You have to use Rayovac batteries?! I HATE those ones! I used to use them a long time ago, and they pretty much suck! I use either Duracell or Energizer brands. They seemed to be the ones that lasted the longest. Rayovac batteries here…are like a generic brand (and again, I HATE that brand!) I wonder if you can find a way to order them online? Okay, Duracell.com has a link for UK, maybe you can contact them. Energizer has a website too, and hearing-aid batteries on the front page. I didn’t see any obvious links for UK. Sorry it took me a day or so to get back to you again. I didn’t forget you!! ((hugs))
Hi Again Karen,
Many Thanks for coming back to me, You are so lucky over there, having different batteries to choose from, Here in England we have no other choice than the CRAPOVAC (that’s what they should be called), although I can think of quite a few choice names I could put to them, but I wouldn’t dare print them.
I am going to try your suggestion of Duracell, they Do have a good name here for household batteries, so as soon as I finish this letter, I am going to try and buy the hearing aid batteries from Duracell over the internet. I will let you know how I get on. Lots of love and kisses, Elaine xxx
Hello, Elaine,
Yep, it was a bit scary for the guy who wore it, as he was within a panel related to costuming and had to walk to a trashcan real fast. He said the batteries were quite hot, smoked some, and were spitting stuff.
You said earlier that they went to a cheaper version of a battery. This may be your problem. The battery may not be rated high enough to deal with the demands of your aid even though others have no problems.
Here’s something from my own experience… Several years ago, I had four rechargeable NiMH AAA batteries rated about 1200mah (milliampere hours) each, which took 15 hours to charge in this charger, but lasted less than an hour in my digicam. When I went up to a 2000-2500mah rating, battery life in the digicam lasted MUCH longer. I’ve gone to a better recharger since then.
It sounds like technical electronics speak, but it gets easier as you use it and see how it works. The cheapo stuff isn’t as quality and can give you trouble. If I may suggest, go to a place which is known to sell batteries that are a good brand name and try them. Ray-O-Vac may not be that great as Karen said. Energizer, Eveready and Duracell are known to be good.
I tried something from the grocery store earlier, a flat pack by Eveready. They didn’t last as long as the circular packages of the same name…
I can’t really give you a good answer of who is at fault.
Hi Rob,
Thanks for your reply.
Here in England we do Not have any choice of batteries, every hearing aid battery supplier only has Rayovac in store, I am trying to look through the internet to try and find the best deal with another company,
Karen mentionted Duracell, (they do have a good name here for household batteries, but they don’t seem to supply Hearing Aid batteries here). I will try to buy some on line if I can…. I will let you know what the outcome is… Love Elaine (England) xxx
Hi Again Rob,
I keep coming back to your letter about your friend,and him having smoke coming from the headset he was wearing, although I can see the serious side of this situation. I can also see the funny side of it.If my hearing aids started smoking, then I would be in serious trouble.
As it is I have serious trouble without the smoking Issue .I’m sorry but if I don’t laugh I will cry. If you don’t have have a sense of humour in this Country, (England)then you get nowhere.
I have found that more people in the USA are more willing to help me than my own Country. I feel I have found more Friends within this site who truly understand what being deaf means,( that is without the Acid Burns.)
Love Elaine xxxx
Hello to all my friends that have being taking time Out to contact me. I reall do appreciate many of your suggestions, U nfortuately nothting seems to working.
I am going back into Hospital today August 12th 2008, to have another skin graft operation on my right ear, I have already had skin taken from behind the Left ear to cover the burns, and then my right Groin, to try and cover the burns site.
This time they are going to take grafts from the Left groin, but they don’t hold out much hope of it being a success as the burns have eaten away too much of the flesh and Cartlidge.
I will keep you updated as to what goes on.
Please Say a Little prayer for me…Love to You All….Elaine xxxxx
Oh dear. I sure hope you are doing okay. I wasn’t able to get back here to check on you (I didn’t forget about you, just so you know). I do hope you have luck with the Duracell. Please check out Energizer too. They are very good as well (as good or better than Duracell). I sure hope you can order them. If you are not able to online, maybe try looking on their websites for a way to contact them and explain to them what has been going on and why you need to try their batteries. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope your surgery turns out well for you.
Karen
Hey, I just had another thought. Do you only buy your batteries from where you get your hearing aids? I get mine at the drug store or department stores like Wal-Mart or Target or pharmacies. I don’t ever buy from where I got my hearing aids because 1) they charge to much and 2) they want to sell me the crappy batteries. Have you tried other stores to get your batteries? Good luck!
Hi Elaine,
Sorry to hear you have had to undergo another graft surgery, ugh.
I agree with Karen of Calif. that Ray-O-Vac batts are terrible batts, they’re the cheapo’s.
There are many online hearing aid battery resources online. Just make sure when you order the batts that they’re good quality, last a while, and match the spec’s for your aids. I use 675 zinc airs for my aid.
Wish we Yanks could do more for ya, Limey. Let us know how you do after surgery and with the new, better batts when you get around to using ‘em. My fingers are crossed, baby. We’ll be thinking of ya.
BTW Why don’tcha start your own blog as a way to form awareness of hearing aid and battery hazards? Who knows, you may find more answers that way.
Ann_C
Hi Elaine. I was hoping to see that there was an update on how you are doing and if you’ve been able to find out anything new on finding new batteries. I hope all is well with you and that you are healing up nicely. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen
Hi,again Karen,
Had the Operation and feeling very sore, but I will survive,I have had a look on the internet about the batteries, they work out very expensive to buy.
Here in England the ONLY batteries you can get, even under Hearing Outlets, the batteries name is RayOvac. So they have the monopoly here, where hearing aid batteries are concerned. Pharmacies do not sell any hearing aid batteries here, so you are tied to where you get them from. I will be in touch soon. Lots of Love As Always…Elaine
Hi again. I am glad to hear from you. I really wish I knew away of getting batteries to you or finding another way. How about asking a store there to special order them for you, like a drugstore or someplace where you said you saw Duracell before? Maybe the cost would be less expensive that way?? Good luck, and please keep us/me updated! If you don’t hear from me much in the next few weeks, it’s not because I lost interest or anything. I will be on vacation, and I don’t know how often I will be able to check back here. Just know I haven’t forgotten you. Karen
Hi Ann C_
Thanks for your message. I survived the second skin graft, but I am still unable to use my aids, (due to the dressings), and , the fact it is bloody sore. I can’t sleep at night, because of the operation,and dressings, I cannot lie on either side and have to stay on my back, WELL, you try sleeping with your head in one position, I find it impossible. I have taken Karen’s advice and ordered some Duracell batteries over the net. Just waiting for delivery. It can take several weeks before it reaches me.
I noted what you said about setting up my own Blog, but, I am not sure how you go about doing that! I haven’t been using a computer for very long, and, at the moment I just know the basics. Can You Help?
Anyway I will keep you updated…..Love and Thanks from Elaine xxxx
You could try signing up for something like Myspace, Tagged or Facebook. There are places on those sites that allow you to blog. To be honest, I don’t know anything about Facebook (except my cousin in Wales keeps wanting me to join it and I haven’t just yet). I wish you luck with your new batteries. I sure hope that they solve your problem. Let me know when you get that blog going. I would sure like to keep in touch with you, so I can hear how you are doing and all that. Karen
Hi Again Karen,
I wish there was someway we could be in touch Without this site ,as it is not going to last forever. I have had some of the dressings removed my ears, And ,I tried to use the hearing aids again, but within 10 minutes I went through 5 of the Crap-O-vac batteries, and the Acid had started flowing again onto my Right ear. So roll on any other batteries that I have ordered.
I wonder if anyone who reads this letter to you, might be able to tell me how we can all keep in touch?
Love As Always
Elaine….xxx
Hi Elaine,
Hope at this note that you’re healing okay and trying to get some decent shut-eye. Had an ear infection once and could NOT sleep on the affected side, really annoying, so I understand something of what you’re going thru, not easy staying in one position all night!
There are several CI’ers who have great tips for sleeping without disturbing sore ears on DeafVillage.com, another deaf aggregator of deaf blogs. Look some of those blogs up for sore ear tips! One person used a small stuffed toy at the back of her head and the limbs of the toy created “holes” for her sore ears. The toy’s head peeked over her head as she slept, yes, slept without pressure on her ears.
Did you read the article about Apple looking into why some lithium-ion batts caused overheating in some early generation Ipods in Japan? It is in Time magazine online right now. Interesting, hmmm?
Don’t know what kind of blogger software is available in England, but there is ‘blogger’ and ‘wordpress’ here that are commonly used. It doesn’t take much time and effort to set up. You can add more features later on as you get more knowledgeable. I’d recommend a RSS feed on your blog so that the regulars can “bookmark” your blog and sound in easily. Of course, it means notifying those readers of your blog address first.
Meantime, you’re in my thoughts and prayers. I’ll keep on researching. I’ll be on vacation at the end of the month for a while but will be back soon. Hopefully the batts you’ve ordered will come in then and we’ll soon find out if it’s a battery prob or not.
Hi Elaine. Here is an email address that you can write to me on. It’s not my real email but once you go there and give me your email, then I will write to you from my other email: myspacemineemail@gmail.com
I sure hope those Duracell batteries solve your problems! Your poor ears. I hope your hearing aids will still work too, after all the leaks from those stupid batteries you are forced to use!! Write to me, okay!! Karen
Hi, Everyone,
This page seems to have gone awfully quiet,I just thought I’d let you know that I find out on 28-08-2008, if the operation has been a success this time.
I will be pleased just to get the dressings off and be able to wash my hair.
I hope Duracell dispatch my order soon, I’m looking forward to being able to hear again,(with luck).
But as least I have my computer, so I can still communicate with the outside World.
Love to You All…. Elaine xxxx
I thought some of you might want to keep in touch with me. Over the past few months I have looked upon all of you as my Friends, The Only Person who I have personal contact with is Karen from California.
If anybody else is interested in keeping in touch with me please contact me at e123gog@yahoo.co.uk.
Love Elaine (England) xxx
Hi Elaine. I don’t know if you are still checking on here, but I just wanted to let you know I have been trying to email you back, but I don’t think you are getting the emails. I got something from you once, on that one email I got you, but my computer crashed & the password was saved on my desktop (not as smart as I thought it was to do that). I got something from you once at my hotmail, but it was blank. I tried emailing the address you gave above, but it doesn’t work either. I hope all is well with you. Please let me know.
Karen
What a terrible problem. Doubt that it was just the batteries being bad though, as you’ve obviously gone through more than just one set. However, regarding buying batteries, have you tried Ebay? I’ve happily purchased my favorite brands, power one and icelltech, after running into corrosion problems with the brands you’ve mentioned. The corrosion actually broke a ITC aid I had once, but didn’t get to me…yikes. There are some sellers willing to ship to the UK, you just need to check each offer til you find one. The batteries are nice and new (watch for a date which should be given), shipping seems to be only about one or two dollars US. Most of my batteries come in at about 40cents US.
By the way, if the base (not acid) is actually getting outside your aids, it should be easy to test with a base/acid test strip, like the ones school labs use. Ask your druggest for a few. Oh and we are all thinking of you.