Swiss Companies to Develop Rechargeable Zinc-air Battery Technology

Editor: Remember 'C' Cells? How about 'D' Cells? We almost never see them anymore, because scientists are figuring out how to get more power out of ever smaller batteries. The next step for hearing aid batteries is likely to be the rechargeable zinc air battery, which has double the energy to weight ratio of the current Lithium Ion rechargeable batteries.

Here's the press release from thr folks at ReVolt

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November 2009

ReVolt Technology, Stafa, Switzerland, and Phonak AG, Zurich, Switzerland, have signed a collaboration agreement to design and develop a new generation of rechargeable zinc-air batteries for hearing aids. The scope of the agreement will include development and supply of prototype batteries based on ReVolt's rechargeable zinc-air battery technology.

The use of rechargeable batteries will help users by not having to replace the batteries every week, and contribute to the environmental cause, according to the companies. Initially ReVolt will develop one type of battery at their R&D center in Staefa. Phonak and ReVolt agreed to collaborate on design and development of batteries for next generation of innovative hearing aids.

"We are excited to have ReVolt as a development partner for our power sources and in our endeavor to innovate the hearing instrument industry with products that deliver superior end-user performance whilst increasing acceptance and usability of our advanced technology, " says Valentin Chapero, CEO of Phonak AG. "We are also very pleased to contribute with this rechargeable battery technology to more environmental friendly product."