Supply Issues Varta Microbattery Gmbh Hearing Aid Batteries GHD3576, GHD3577, GHD3579 and GHD3580 (ICN 3102)

• The supply issue with Hearing Aid Batteries from Varta Microbattery Gmbh is continuing.
• One product is no longer subject to intermittent supply and is now suspended and unavailable to order:
  • GHD3580 – Hearing aid battery R44 zinc air size 675.
• One product remains suspended and unavailable to order:
  • GHD3577 – Hearing aid battery R41 zinc air size 312.
• Two products remain subject to intermittent supply:
  • GHD3576 – Hearing aid battery R48 zinc air size 13
  • GHD3579 – Hearing aid battery R44 cochlear implant zinc air battery size p675.
• Four products remain affected in total.
• Potential indirect alternative products are available to order through our online catalogue for the affected products. However, some of these products may also become subject to intermittent supply with the increase in demand.
• See our Downloads ▼ section to access the product listing for further information on the affected product codes and potential alternatives.
• We will continue to review the stock to minimise further disruption and will update this ICN as soon as we have further information.
• The supply issue is now anticipated to be resolved by 15 December 2025.

Change:

• The supplier Varta Microbattery Gmbh has informed us of a supply issue with its Hearing Aid Batteries.
• There are four products affected:
  • GHD3576 – Hearing aid battery R48 zinc air size 13
  • GHD3577 – Hearing aid battery R41 zinc air size 312
  • GHD3579 – Hearing aid battery R44 cochlear implant zinc air battery size p675
  • GHD3580 – Hearing aid battery R44 zinc air size 675.
• The supply issue is due to shipping delays.

Impact:          

• GHD3577 is currently suspended and unavailable to order.
• GHD3576, GHD3579 and GHD3580 are still available to order on intermittent supply basis.
• Potential indirect alternative products are available to order through our online catalogue.
• See our Downloads ▼ section to access the product listing for further information on the affected product codes and potential alternatives.
• Please note, the alternative for GHD3577 (GHD85530) is subject to Protect Demand Management. Updates for this product are communicated through ICN 3096, to view please see our Useful Links section.
• The supply issue is anticipated to be resolved by 20 November 2025.

Next Steps:              

• Customers are advised to log into our website to view the product listing for further information on the affected product codes and potential alternatives.
• The continuing supply issue is being monitored in conjunction with the supplier, and we will continue to review the stock situation to minimise further disruption and update this ICN with the latest information as it becomes available.
• However, as this is currently a disrupted market and supply is subject to rapid change, the alternatives offered may also be experiencing temporary supply issues and therefore, customers may need to consider clinically reviewing all additional alternatives provided.
• If you have any further questions, please contact your local NHS Supply Chain Customer Services Advisor.

Please note that due to the clinical nature of these alternative products, we advise you to consult your own clinical experts to ensure suitability for your organisations use of these products.