First, it will depend on the kind of battery that you are using. However, there is indeed a specified duration for a good battery. A rechargeable battery that is in normal condition lasts for 500-800 charge-discharge cycles. For an average user, if you will translate such, it will equate to one and a half to three years battery life.
Usually, if your three-hour battery only gives you an hour of service, it is high time that you change it with a new one.
--- permission must be obtained from author Bart Trevet to re-publish ---