SolarEar : Affordable hearing aids for all. Modesta Nyirenda SolarEar Global Zero Impact Transfer Forum February 20th, 2019

The Scale of Silence Average starting prices of hearing aid is $1,500 624 million people with hearing loss, 66% in developing countries 10 million sold, only 12% in developing countries Average starting prices of hearing aid is $1,500 Price of one battery is $2 and need is 1 a week $300 per aid per ear over life of aid Lack of employment opportunities for people with a disability 80% of hearing loss occurs after birth

The Problem The cost of a hearing aid battery is prohibitive, starting at $2 a piece for one hearing aid – the need is at least 2 units a week Hearing aid battery chargers on the market require the use of electricity Discontinued use of a hearing aid leads to limited or no access to information and access to basic human rights such as education and health Exclusion from meaningful economic, political and cultural participation INCREASED POVERTY

Our solution a sustainable social business a solar-powered hearing aids reducing the cost of continued hearing made by people who are deaf

Hearing Aid & Battery Recharger Maintains recharge capacity for 2-3 years. Can be used in 80% of hearing aids on the market today. Can be charged with sun and household light Three month break-even for consumer. Environmental best practice : minimize the number of disposable batteries thrown out per year. 5

SolarEar in 10 Years Solar Ear Projected SolarEar sites

Partners we are looking for: Franchisees - assembly and distribution of SolarEar Strategic Partners - Existing retail and commercial outlets for hearing aids and hearing aid batteries Development Organizations – subsidizing end costs to the hearing aid user Policy makers and governments to enhance the provision of hearing health care

How we want to do this: Targeting 60 countries of the 140 developing countries . Generate over $1.2 million in revenues per year via franchise program SolarEar franchise investment requirement: from $ 25,000 Grants and Donations – to support the social mission