Many members of our community have told us the same thing: safer battery packaging for children is important, but should minimize the impact on ease of use for seniors. Some manufacturers are beginning to try to address this problem.
At the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) conference in April, Energizer’s Rayovac brand showed off new packaging for hearing aid batteries designed to be “senior-friendly.” Although parts are still required, the update shows that manufacturers and businesses respond when customers speak up.
A selection of redesigned, senior-friendly child-resistant hearing aid battery packs from Rayovac. Image credit: Rayovac
Why change the hearing aid battery packaging?
Child-resistant packaging for zinc-air hearing aid batteries became a requirement in March 2024. The goal was to prevent swallowing by children and meet their needs. Federal safety requirements From the Consumer Product Safety Commission under the Reese Act.
One of the key provisions of this law states: “Battery compartments containing button cells or replaceable metal batteries must be secured so as to require the use of a tool or at least two independent, simultaneous hand movements to open.”
However, many hearing aid users, especially older adults, and people with arthritis, tremors, neuropathy, poor vision or limited hand strength, have difficulty packing a battery that meets these requirements.
What’s in the new packaging?
The labels explain how to open a new senior-friendly hearing aid battery pack. Image credit: Rayovac
HLAA representatives attending the AAA conference noted that the updated packaging for Rayovac includes:
- Redesigned way to open battery compartments with scissor slots
- Clearer, visual instructions on packaging guide users through the opening process
- Child resistance certification continues in independent tests
This combination of safety, clarity and repeatability indicates that the industry is paying attention to real-life experiences, not just checkbox compliance.
Tool-free packaging is easier to use
Tool-based packaging is a minor inconvenience for users with dexterity issues. may:
- Limit independence
- Creating the risk of cuts
- Reduce access to hearing aids by discouraging battery changes
- Impact of air travel, as some scissors are not allowed in hand luggage
- It results in improper storage of unused batteries when removed
Rayovac’s redesigned packaging aims to address most of these issues. HLAA celebrates this progress as progress toward the goal of child-resistant packaging that does not restrict access to assistive devices for people who need them. We look forward to seeing the industry and regulators continue to work on this issue together.
