Risk of harm to babies and children from coin/button batteries in hearing aids and other hearing devices

National Patient Safety Alert

Babies and young children (under five years) or children with additional needs, vulnerable adults and pets can suffer serious injury if they ingest coin/button batteries or poke them into their nostrils or ears. The zinc–air batteries, used in hearing aids, cochlear implants, bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA) and similar equipment, present a significant risk due to harmful substances present in them.

Batteries if ingested can become lodged in the oesophagus and cause rapid tissue
necrosis, perforation, and haemorrhage.

• For babies and children under 5 years, a tamperproof battery door will be fitted.
• If your child is over 5 years but there are younger siblings at home, please let us know and we will ensure a tamperproof battery door is fitted.
• If your child has a health condition or disability that may put them at increased risk of swallowing a battery coin/button, a tamperproof door will be fitted.
• Batteries can be recycled for free at Royal National Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital. Please hand any old batteries to your Audiologist/ reception.

If you suspect an individual has swallowed a battery, or put a battery in their nose or ear ACT IMMEDIATELY. They should be taken to the nearest Accident and Emergency (A&E) department as soon as possible.

Please ensure that hearing aid batteries are stored safely, away from the reach of young babies, children, pets and those at risk.