World’s First Solar Powered Rechargeable Hearing Aid

According to WHO statistics close to 300 million people worldwide have moderate to profound hearing loss in both ears. And further, fewer than 1 in 40 people in developing countries who would benefit from a hearing aid have one. A collaborated effort from Brazil however, has produced a relatively cheaper solution: the world’s first digital rechargeable hearing aid that can be charged using only sunlight!

Who?

A Brazilian Foundation called Instituto CEFAC, a social marketing organization called Legar, and several University stakeholders in collaboration with deaf youths from an NGO in Africa called Solar Ear Brazil have come together in this venture.

How?

To charge the Solar Ear hearing aid and the rechargeable battery, users’ place the batteries into a palm sized charger which recharges in sunlight or household light, taking 6 to 8 hours to fully charge. The two rechargeable AA batteries can then keep their power for a week. The batteries have a two to three year lifespan, unlike traditional hearing aid batteries which need to be replaced each week.

The solar element of the hearing aid…

Means that those communities without electricity also have access to this device. The project will therefore ultimately help less advantaged children get low cost hearing aids. Truly a solar boost to your ‘green’ conscience!