Ears For Years is working to provide solar powered hearing aids for kids in developing countries – and the person behind the program is just 18 years old.
Grace O’Brien found inspiration after volunteering with children inflicted with varying degrees of hearing loss who received hearing devices.
“I watched as the children gained self-confidence in themselves as they developed listening and speaking skills needed to assimilate with their peers, and be successful in school and life. The transformations were nothing less than miraculous,” says Ms. O’Brien.
“These children inspired me to establish the 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization Ears for Years, Inc. whose mission is to supply environmentally friendly solar powered hearing aids to underprivileged deaf children in developing countries around the world.”
According to the World Health Organisation, 32 million children globally suffer disabling hearing loss; with many of these kids in developing countries. There simply aren’t enough affordable hearing aids to go around and in these countries; children with hearing loss and deafness rarely receive any schooling. Even with the affordability issue aside, supply is still an issue with only 10 million hearing aids being produced globally each year.
Ms. O’Brien has been raising funds to supply Solar Ear devices.
The Solar Ear uses rechargeable batteries with a lifespan of two to three years versus standard batteries that have a life of just days. There’s an environmental impact of all these disposable batteries – it’s estimated around 175 million of types #13 and #675 batteries are discarded each year globally.
As well as using the included solar charger, which can also work with ambient light, the Solar Ear devices can be recharged via mains power.
The Solar Ear is at least 75 percent cheaper than comparable products and additionally, all the hearing aids are manufactured by deaf people; with 100% of the profits reinvested in the company.
A $100 donation to Ears for Years, Inc. buys one Solar Ear Kit including a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid, rechargeable batteries and solar charger.
Solar Ear has been approved by WHO and UNICEF.
It’s always great seeing solar being used in such applications – and even more heart-warming to see young people embracing solar technologies to create positive change in the world.
