ZPower rechargeable hearing aid batteries discontinued – what are your options?

Many hearing aid users experience that their ZPower rechargeable batteries or charger suddenly stop working. In most cases, this happens after the system has been unused for a longer period, or when replacement batteries are no longer available.

If you are using ZPower (sometimes labeled as Oticon RC or ReSound ZPower), this page explains what ZPower was, why the system is no longer supported, and which reliable alternatives are available today.

Summary – the short answer

ZPower is discontinued. Original ZPower rechargeable batteries and chargers are no longer manufactured or supported. However, hearing aids that previously used ZPower are usually not locked to that system and can be used with other power solutions.

What was ZPower?

ZPower was a rechargeable hearing aid battery system based on silver-zinc technology. It was developed as an alternative to disposable zinc-air batteries, most commonly in size 312 format.

Unlike modern hearing aids with built-in lithium-ion batteries, ZPower used removable rechargeable batteries. These were charged overnight in a dedicated ZPower charger and could be swapped for disposable batteries if needed.

ZPower systems were offered for selected hearing aid models across several manufacturers, including Oticon, ReSound (and Beltone equivalents), Widex, Unitron, Starkey, and Signia/Rexton. Compatibility depended on the specific hearing aid model and the installation of a special rechargeable battery drawer.

What is a silver-zinc battery?

Silver-zinc is a rechargeable battery chemistry. In hearing aids, it was used because it can deliver relatively high energy output in a very small battery size.

Yes, silver-zinc batteries are rechargeable. However, they are not the same as lithium-ion batteries used in modern built-in rechargeable hearing aids.

Why ZPower is no longer available

The ZPower rechargeable hearing aid battery ecosystem has been discontinued, and the original supplier no longer manufactures or supports the system.

Rechargeable batteries degrade over time
Chargers fail with age
Replacement parts are no longer available

Common signs of ZPower failure

The charger lights up briefly and then turns off
Charging does not start or stops immediately
The rechargeable batteries no longer hold a charge
The charger fails with both hearing aids

Quick troubleshooting checklist

Have the rechargeable batteries been unused for weeks or months?
Does the charger briefly light up and then shut down?
Do the hearing aids work with disposable size 312 batteries?
Does the problem occur on both hearing aids?

Important: your hearing aids are not locked to ZPower

Hearing aids originally fitted with ZPower can usually be used with other battery solutions.

Recommended alternatives to ZPower

Option 1: Standard disposable size 312 batteries (recommended)

No charger required
Widely available
Stable performance

Option 2: Rechargeable AccuPlus batteries with external charger

Do not charge in ZPower chargers
Require a dedicated external charger

Helpful accessory: battery removal tool

A battery removal tool can make battery replacement easier.

Optional supporting products

Hearing aid cleaning wipes
Drying capsules or drying boxes
Battery storage cases

FAQ – ZPower rechargeable hearing aid batteries

Did ZPower go bankrupt?

The ZPower hearing aid battery system has been discontinued, and original product support is no longer available.

Will my hearing aids stop working?

No. The hearing aids usually still work. The issue is the discontinued charging system.

Can I replace ZPower with another rechargeable battery?

No direct replacement is possible. Other rechargeable batteries require different chargers.

Can I use disposable batteries instead?

Yes. This is the most reliable solution.