SOLAR EAR

A HOLISTIC SOLUTION FOR HEARING LOSS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

“To hear again means to transform dreams into sounds, which translates into more education and work opportunities.”

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.

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.

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’S STRATEGY

Even with its low price, many roadblocks still exist. At $100, it is still too expensive, due to a lack of audiologists, costs of testing equipment, and variable import regulations.

Alexander Graham Bell invented the first telephone thinking of his mother, who was deaf. Solar Ear is bringing his invention forward by 125 years. We are developing five different professional grade hearing tests, including inventing the first one for newborns! The consumer’s or hospital’s Android phone is the platform. Our apps will range from being free to $1.50. We are developing our diagnostic products for secondary healthcare workers, which are therefore simple to use.

With test results, we will be able to remotely programme the user’s phone (using ear buds) to become a hearing aid. A cell phone is like a hearing aid, as it has a built-in microphone and receiver. This app will also include speech language therapy exercises. We will share the Big Data from test results with the Ministries of Health, with the goal of making newborn screening part of public policy. Given that 50% of hearing loss can be prevented, and 80% occurs after birth, we will have a free maternal hearing loss prevention app. To close the loop, we will tie into global teleaudiology networks, offering help in real time, solving the mother’s worry of, “What Next?”.

HOWARD WEINSTEIN

Founder of Solar Ear