Hearing First, an initiative of the Oberkotter Foundation, shares step-by-step LSL lessons designed by certified Listening and Spoken Language specialists to deliver key, research-backed information to build confidence in families of children with hearing loss.
Hearing First — an initiative of the Oberkotter Foundation dedicated to supporting families and professionals so children with hearing loss have the opportunity to listen, talk, read, and thrive — has launched First LSL Lessons. Designed to help families get started on the Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) path right away after learning their child is deaf or hard of hearing, First LSL Lessons empowers families with clear, sequential steps they can take to develop their child’s listening, talking, and literacy skills – at no cost to the families.
With 94% of babies with hearing loss born to hearing parents, many families report feeling overwhelmed or unsure about the next steps after their child has been identified as deaf or hard or hearing. Families are left to navigate new information, a range of emotions, and added responsibilities, all while determining how to move forward. Common questions parents face often include what hearing loss means for their child’s future and how they can best support their child’s development from the very beginning. means for their child’s future and how they can best support their child’s development from the very beginning.
“We’ve heard first-hand from families that the early days of navigating their child’s hearing loss journey are ones of uncertainty. Parents are eager for guidance on what to do next. First LSL Lessons is the first tool of its kind to break down the foundations of Listening and Spoken Language into easy-to-understand, ready-to-use steps in one place,” said Teresa Caraway, PhD, CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT, CEO, Oberkotter Foundation. “So no matter where a family lives, whether in an urban or rural location, families are empowered to take the first steps to teach their child who is deaf or hard of hearing to listen and talk by taking consistent, daily action.”
First LSL Lessons is designed to fit into the busy lives of families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing. A 2023 Pew Research study found that 84% of families report feeling rushed for time, and between work, commutes, parenting, and complex family schedules, it can be difficult for parents to find time for an additional commitment.
Each lesson inside First LSL Lessons takes less than 20 minutes to complete, allowing parents to learn at their own pace – whether completing the lessons all at once or gradually over time. By removing barriers to accessing qualified services, First LSL Lessons fills a critical gap – delivering trusted, expert Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) guidance to families wherever they are, on any device. guidance to families wherever they are, on any device.
Backed by evidence-based LSL principles, strategies, and techniques, the 12 curated lessons build upon each other to deepen parents’ knowledge and skills in supporting their child’s journey to listening and talking. The lessons are available at no cost and can be easily implemented into the daily routines of families by accessing real examples of LSL strategies in action, videos, printable handouts and checklists, and helpful visuals.
The lessons cover key areas of focus, including:
- Hearing Devices and Wear Time
- How to Talk and Read to Baby
- Building Language
- Understanding an Audiogram
- LSL Strategies
- And More
The release of First LSL Lessons aligns with the Oberkotter Foundation’s strategic plan for Hearing First to continue to equip families and caregivers with the right information at the right time to help their child with hearing loss thrive, while supporting the professionals who partner with them. To learn more about how Hearing First supports families and First LSL Lessons, visit HearingFirst.org/Lessons.
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