How to Buy Solar-Powered Hearing Aids

Solar-powered hearing aids were originally designed to help hearing-impaired people in poor regions of Africa, so they didn't have to worry about continuously buying new batteries to run their hearing aids. But a solar-powered hearing aid also makes sense for anyone who would rather keep the same batteries without the hassle of replacing the old ones. Since solar-powered hearing aids are a relatively new technology, buying them will depend on what type of hearing aid you need and if it is being made with solar-powered batteries yet. Follows these steps and ask your ENT (ear, nose and throat specialist) for help.

Instructions

• 1

  Make an appointment with your physician. If she decides that you might need a hearing aid, or if you already have one, you will need to make an appointment with an ENT. The ENT will conduct tests to determine if you need a hearing aid. If you already have a hearing aid, she will determine if the hearing aid you have still is working properly.

• 2

  Ask the ENT about different hearing-aid styles. Some styles include "in canal," "behind the ear" and "half shell." The best style for you may depend on the severity of your hearing loss or the comfort of that particular style of hearing aid. Pick the style that best suits you.

• 3

  Ask the ENT for a list of solar-powered hearing aids available in the style that suits you. If the style you prefer does not have solar-power capabilities, but another style does, determine whether having a solar-powered hearing aid is more important than the style itself. Remember that solar-powered hearing aids were designed to cut costs for poor individuals, so if money is not a problem, you may be best served by sticking to the style that works best for you.

• 4

  Consider searching online for solar-powered hearing aids. Your ENT may only purchase hearing aids through a company that does not incorporate solar power. More options may be available online. Consult your ENT, or another ENT, about these options.