Hearing First Blog

Listening & Spoken Language

LSL Strategies

Grow Listening and Talking Skills for Preschoolers with Hearing Loss: Ideas for Playtime

Hearing First

Playtime is perfect for teaching preschoolers to listen and talk. Find common playtime activities for preschoolers who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Dec 18, 2024
An LSL Strategy to Get Started

Hearing First

When teaching your baby to listen, you can use this LSL strategy.
- Sep 26, 2024
Should Parents Use Baby Talk?

Hearing First

Have you ever seen a baby and changed the tone of your voice or the way you say a sentence? Believe it or not, that’s not baby talk - it’s parentese!
- Feb 8, 2024

LSL Journey

How to Get Family Members Involved in Your Child’s Journey

Hearing First

Whether or not you realize it now, family members and friends can be a part of your LSL journey with your child who is deaf or hard of hearing. Read how to include them and increase your community of support below.

Your extended family and close friends…
- Dec 14, 2018
The Unlimited Potential of the LSL Life

Hearing First

We at Hearing First believe that children who are deaf or hard of hearing have the potential to be whatever they want to be. We're delighted to share the stories and accomplishments of our community members thriving with Listening and Spoken Language…
- Oct 23, 2018
Ever Wondered How to Test a Baby’s Hearing? Find Out!

Hearing First

If you’ve ever asked the question ‘How in the world do you test a baby’s hearing?’, we have a must-watch video for you! Read about our recent Facebook Live “Ask Me Anything” with Dr. Jace Wolfe, prominent researcher in pediatric audiology and Director…
- May 25, 2018

Talk, Read, Sing, Play

Reading & Books

Cozy Up With a Book: Reading Recommendations for Kids

Hearing First

Winter books for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Families can help grow listening and talking skills with these books recommended by professionals.
- Jun 7, 2024
Speech Language Pathologists' Favorite Books to Build Math Skills

Hearing First

These specially curated children’s books were chosen by Speech Language Pathologists, to promote reading skills and math concepts for double the learning!
- May 9, 2024
10 Reasons to Create an Experience Book with Your Child

Hearing First

Experience books help your child with hearing loss practice important skills they need to be a great conversationalist.
- Apr 11, 2022

Playtime

Purposeful Playtime for Babies with Hearing Loss

Hearing First

Playtime is the perfect time for teaching and growing a baby’s brain for listening and talking. Use common playtime activities to help babies who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Jun 10, 2024
The Power of LSL Learning Through Play

Hearing First

Playing the LSL way is about using LSL strategies and engaging with your child to create meaningful interactions. It’s not about the toy, it’s about creating ways to talk and play together and tuning into what your child wants to do.
- Jan 26, 2024
Development of Humor

Hearing First

Every parent knows the utter sense of joy when you hear your baby’s laugh for the first time. A four-month-old’s laugh may be inspired by something as simple as seeing mom make a face they’ve never seen before or by a glance at the ...
- Apr 5, 2016

Routines & Activities

Grow Listening and Talking Skills for Preschoolers with Hearing Loss: Ideas for Playtime

Hearing First

Playtime is perfect for teaching preschoolers to listen and talk. Find common playtime activities for preschoolers who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Dec 18, 2024
What “Eyes Open, Ears On” Really Looks Like

Hearing First

Advice for parents! Hear from a mom about a Listening and Spoken Language routine in the mornings and how many hours a baby should wear their hearing devices.
- Apr 10, 2023
Why the Ling Six Sound Test Matters (and What It Can Tell You)

Hearing First

Make sure your baby with hearing loss can hear everything happening with an easy daily listening check. Learn why the Ling Six Sounds Test matters and what it can tell you.
- Dec 28, 2022

What To Do

Your First Step Starts with First LSL Lessons

Hearing First

First LSL Lessons offers practical resources for parents of children with hearing loss to build listening and talking skills through everyday routines.
- May 5, 2025
Grow Listening and Talking Skills for Preschoolers with Hearing Loss: Ideas for Playtime

Hearing First

Playtime is perfect for teaching preschoolers to listen and talk. Find common playtime activities for preschoolers who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Dec 18, 2024
An LSL Strategy to Get Started

Hearing First

When teaching your baby to listen, you can use this LSL strategy.
- Sep 26, 2024

Pediatric Audiology

Audiology

Pediatric Audiology Appointment Schedule Recommendations

Hearing First

How often should you schedule audiology appointments for your child? Get guidelines for how often to take your baby and when you should call with concerns.
- Apr 15, 2022
Four Common Audiology Questions That Families Ask

Hearing First

Have pediatric audiology questions? Find audiologist-approved answers to some of the most common questions they get asked.
- Oct 4, 2021
Eyes Open, Ears On!

Hearing First

Wondering how long your baby needs to wear their hearing devices? Learn more about eyes open, ears on and what it means!
- Jan 16, 2021

Hearing Devices

What “Eyes Open, Ears On” Really Looks Like

Hearing First

Advice for parents! Hear from a mom about a Listening and Spoken Language routine in the mornings and how many hours a baby should wear their hearing devices.
- Apr 10, 2023
Choosing Which Cochlear Implant is Right for Your Child

Hearing First

Choosing a cochlear implant for your child? Learn more about types of CIs and get tips for how to decide which cochlear implant to choose.
- Feb 13, 2023
Why You CAN’T Get OTC Hearing Aids For Kids

Hearing First

The FDA has approved OTC hearing aids for adults but children can’t use OTC hearing aids for several reasons. Read why your child needs a professional.
- Sep 14, 2022

Hearing Testing

Can My Baby Hear Me?

Hearing First

As a parent, you know your baby best! But how can you tell if your baby can hear you? Read about when you should make an appointment for a hearing test.
- Sep 16, 2024
Tips to Prepare for Your Baby’s Hearing Evaluation

Hearing First

Learn about your baby’s hearing evaluation and what you can do to prepare for it. This infant hearing test will confirm if your baby has hearing loss.
- Jan 19, 2021
The Results Are In: What to Do After a Newborn Hearing Screening

Hearing First

Most parents don’t know about the newborn hearing screening or how important it is to their baby’s future. Learn what to do if your baby failed the screening.
- Nov 5, 2015

Hear What's Possible

Hear what's possible with Listening and Spoken Language.

Your First Step Starts with First LSL Lessons

Your journey begins with First LSL Lessons – designed to equip parents with the knowledge and confidence...

Article 4 min read

Grow Listening and Talking Skills for Preschoolers with Hearing Loss: Ideas for Playtime

Download a printable version of this resource here . Playtime opens up a world of opportunities for...

Article 5 min read

Talk, Read, Sing, & Play Every Day

The best way to grow your baby’s brain and get them ready for school, friends, and life is YOU! The meaningful...

Article 4 min read

Playtime Ideas for Toddlers with Hearing Loss

Download a printable version of this resource here . Playtime is how little ones learn, grow, and develop...

Article 5 min read

How Many Hours A Day Should My Child Wear Hearing Devices?

Your child’s hearing devices are brain access devices! They give your little one’s brain access to all...

Article 2 min read

A+ Back-to-School Guide for Children with Hearing Loss

Let's make this school year an A+ experience! Hearing First wants to help you and your little learner...

Article 4 min read

Spring Into Reading: Book Ideas for Kids

The blossoms all around mean more than spring’s arrival – they also mark the perfect time to explore...

Article 4 min read

Purposeful Playtime for Babies with Hearing Loss

Playtime with your little one is so much more than just giggles and fun — it’s also how babies learn...

Article 4 min read

Cozy Up With a Book: Reading Recommendations for Kids

Winter is here! Temperatures are dropping and snow is falling. Make it your goal this winter to snuggle...

Article 4 min read

How One Foundation Changed Listening and Spoken Language Opportunities for Families and Children

Today, the possibilities for children with hearing loss are endless. With early identification through...

Article 4 min read

All Articles

Your First Step Starts with First LSL Lessons

Hearing First

First LSL Lessons offers practical resources for parents of children with hearing loss to build listening and talking skills through everyday routines.
- May 5, 2025
Grow Listening and Talking Skills for Preschoolers with Hearing Loss: Ideas for Playtime

Hearing First

Playtime is perfect for teaching preschoolers to listen and talk. Find common playtime activities for preschoolers who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Dec 18, 2024
Talk, Read, Sing, & Play Every Day

Hearing First

Infant brain development is influenced by simple daily activities like talking, reading, singing, and playing. Find helpful tips to help babies with hearing loss learn to talk.
- Nov 18, 2024
Why Learn with Hearing First?

Hearing First

Professional learning improves spoken language outcomes for children with hearing loss. Discover free state-of-the-art courses with Hearing First.
- Oct 29, 2024
Fall Into a Book: Reading Ideas for Kids

Hearing First

Book ideas to read aloud with children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Help grow their literacy, learning, listening and language skills with these books.
- Oct 1, 2024
An LSL Strategy to Get Started

Hearing First

When teaching your baby to listen, you can use this LSL strategy.
- Sep 26, 2024
Can My Baby Hear Me?

Hearing First

As a parent, you know your baby best! But how can you tell if your baby can hear you? Read about when you should make an appointment for a hearing test.
- Sep 16, 2024
Playtime Ideas for Toddlers with Hearing Loss

Hearing First

Playtime is the perfect opportunity for teaching and growing a toddler’s brain for listening and talking. Use common playtime activities to help toddlers who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Sep 6, 2024
How Many Hours A Day Should My Child Wear Hearing Devices?

Hearing First

Learn how many hours a child who is deaf or hard of hearing needs to wear their devices and why it’s so critically important!
- Aug 5, 2024
A+ Back-to-School Guide for Children with Hearing Loss

Hearing First

Learn everything you and your child with hearing loss need to succeed this back-to-school season. And find the best hearing loss back-to-school tips.
- Aug 2, 2024

Articles

The Latest from Hearing First

Your First Step Starts with First LSL Lessons

Grow Listening and Talking Skills for Preschoolers with Hearing Loss: Ideas for Playtime

Talk, Read, Sing, & Play Every Day

Why Learn with Hearing First?

Familiar Sounds Audiogram eBook

Listening & Spoken Language

Talk, Read, Sing, Play

Pediatric Audiology

Hear What's Possible

Your First Step Starts with First LSL Lessons

Grow Listening and Talking Skills for Preschoolers with Hearing Loss: Ideas for Playtime

Talk, Read, Sing, & Play Every Day

Playtime Ideas for Toddlers with Hearing Loss

How Many Hours A Day Should My Child Wear Hearing Devices?

A+ Back-to-School Guide for Children with Hearing Loss

Spring Into Reading: Book Ideas for Kids

Purposeful Playtime for Babies with Hearing Loss

Cozy Up With a Book: Reading Recommendations for Kids

How One Foundation Changed Listening and Spoken Language Opportunities for Families and Children

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