Solar Ear Hearing Aid HD-USB-43

Target SDGs

Market Suggested Retail Price

$100.00

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Household, Community

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

Solar Ear

Manufacturing/Building Method

Solar Ear manufactures all of their products in their factories in Brazil, Botswana, and China.

Intellectural Property Type

Open-source

User Provision Model

Solar Ear hearing aids are sold by distributors in 40 countries. Contacts for these distributors are listed here.

Distributions to Date Status

Unknown

Design Specifications

The Solar Ear USB-HD-43 is a behind the ear hearing aid designed for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. The device is powered by a lithium polymer battery which requires two hours of charging to last 16-20 hours. The aid can be charged from any USB port. The USB-HD-43 can store two listening programs using the memory switch.

Product Schematics

Technical Support

The first line of support for the USB-HD-43 is this user manual. The hearing programs must be set by a healthcare professional.

Replacement Components

While the product is under warranty it can be sent to Solar Ear for repair. Replacement batteries are also available.

Lifecycle

The battery can be charged 500 times without degradation.

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

• Requires only 2 hours charging for 16 hours of use
• Charging chip minimizes heat produced
• 2 channels
• Noise reduction
• Convenient to use and charge

Vetted Performance Status

Solar Ear ran a clinical trial on their behind the ear aid with Bispebjerg Hospital which showed that participants had increased hearing in the desired frequency range.

Safety

Patients with a middle-ear infection are cautioned not to use this product until cured, unless instructed otherwise by a doctor.

Complementary Technical Systems

USB charging ports are needed to receive the device.

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

The Solar Ear USB-HD-43 bears the CE mark and is FDA approved.

Evaluation methods

The hearing aid was evaluated using the IOI-HA form. This form has 7 questions about product satisfaction and limitations in activity. The responses are graded on a scale of 1-5, where 5 is the maximum score. At the end of testing the subject marks a preference for the test-hearing aid or the previously fitted hearing aid.

Other Information

None