Deaf and poor, but smart and generous. People from Botswana-based Godisa Technologies have created what would probably be the cheapest hearing aid system in the world. Plus their device can be recharged with a solar charger at least 300 times, lasting from two to three years. The SolarAid system is sold for less than 90 euros ($100), far (far) less than a standard hearing aid usually around 400 euros ($500).
Highly efficient. “A study conducted by University of Copenhagen audiologist Dr. Agnette Parving concluded that the SolarAid was comparable in performance to the much higher-priced, digital hearing aids produced in Europe,” appended David Wightman from the Toronto Star.
Open source. So far, Godisa have shipped 4,000 SolarAids to more than 30 countries. Mainly developing countries. But that’s not enough. Open source! The company is sharing its manufacturing plans with the planet. Creating a community of active developers and improving their existing device.
“Because this is a 100 per cent Botswana product, the government would like to see it patented. This has to do with pride more than anything else,” explains Godisa general manager Modesta Nyirenda to the Toronto Star. “The objective of Godisa remains to lower the barriers to better hearing for economically disadvantaged people.”
If you want to give them a boost, you can make a donation. I bet they won’t deceive you.
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