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

2. 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

3. 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

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

5. 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

6. SolarEar in 10 Years
Solar Ear
Projected SolarEar sites

7. 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

8. 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