What Happens When Your Child is Diagnosed as Deaf or Hard of Hearing?

YES! With Listening and Spoken Language (LSL), there is a research-backed way for children with hearing loss to reach age-appropriate listening and talking milestones. With early identification, the hearing devices, and early intervention, children with hearing loss are learning to listen, talk, read, and thrive.

Listening and Spoken Language, or LSL, is an approach to help children who are deaf or hard of hearing learn to listen, talk, and read just like children without hearing loss. The LSL approach involves getting your child fitted for appropriate hearing technology, working with an early intervention provider, and back-and-forth interactions with you as you talk, read, sing, and play together! LSL allows your child to speak the same language as your family and community.

Talk to your pediatrician or pediatric audiologist. Let them know you want your child to listen and talk. You can also use early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) programs.

Hearing First is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families who have a child with hearing loss so they can learn to listen, talk, read, and thrive — just like kids with typical hearing. Hearing First empowers families and professionals on the Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) journey.