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SOLAR EAR A HOLISTIC SOLUTION FOR HEARING LOSS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES The mission of those in humanitarian audiology is to get a child (0 to 3 years) a hearing aid so that she can learn to hear, develop speech which gives her the opportunity to attend a public school. Only through education that one can break the cycle of poverty. However, there are many roadblocks. Only 3% of the 624 million people (170 million children) who need a hearing aid can afford or gain access to required services. The World Health Organisation recommends the cost be no more than 3% of Gross National Income (GNI), meaning $960 in Australia but less than $90 in Cambodia. Today, the average starting price is $1500. Solar Ear’s aids start at $100.
SDGs
In developed countries, there is one audiologist for every 20,000 people. In developing countries, there is one for every 2-6 million people. Therefore, if there is no professional to help, the process stops. Some hospitals cannot afford to set up an audiology department as the equipment costs over $80,000.
Solar Ear - BBC World TV - Solar Powered Hearing Aids in Brazil Their components come from the same suppliers as the major manufacturers, and they work on a 100% mark-up versus 500 to 3000% from such manufacturers who have a 90%+ market share.
