The Toronto Star has an article about Godisa Technologies, a company from Botswana that has developed and is manufacturing the SolarAid, the world’s first and only light-powered hearing aid. For many people in this world, purchasing batteries for a hearing aid is a major expense and hasle, hence the sunlight-powered system. According to the article, the company “is the only manufacturer of hearing aids in Africa and the only one in the world that involves deaf people in the manufacturing process.”
The company explains:
In 1992 the Solar Aid Workshop was started in collaboration with the Botswana Technology Centre to manufacture solar rechargeable hearing aids that could be used by hearing-impaired people living in Africa and other parts of the developing world. Recently Solar Aid changed its name to Godisa in line with the broadening of its product base. Godisa means to do something that is helping others to grow. Its objective is to develop practical technologies for developing countries and to create employment and training opportunities for hearing disabled people.
We manufacture three hearing aids; these use regular zinc air or rechargeable batteries. We’ve developed a solar power battery recharger and the first No. 13 and low-cost No. 675 rechargable button-cell batteries. The latter can be charged up to 300 times over its two-year lifespan and sells for less than US$1.50.
We meet our mission of lowering the cost of hearing aids and maintenance for everyone.
The firm is also asking for your donations to offer free hearing aids to children of Africa (write to: content AT godisa DOT org).
Godisa Technologies website…