Why does my hearing aid battery have a tab?

Zinc air hearing aid batteries use outside air as a source of power. The tab seals the zinc in the battery from exposure to air, ensuring freshness when purchased. After you remove the tab, the battery takes about a minute to charge fully and be ready for use. Do not remove the tab until you are ready to use the battery. Once the tab is pulled and the zinc is exposed to air, replacing the tab will not extend the battery life.

The Energizer_® EZ Change^® dispenser completely eliminates the need to handle tabs.