Hearing First

Try these activities to support the development of music milestones for newborns through age 3!

LSL Professional Highlight: Esther Armendariz (1) Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you became connected with Hearing First and the Professional Learning Community? I am a teacher of the deaf that works in a public school in El Paso, Texas. I work with the early childhood population and love to work with this age group. I first became aware of Hearing First through a colleague. My interest was piqued when I saw the variety of Learning Experiences. ... (2) You've participated in many of our Learning Experiences. What would you tell someone who's considering signing up for one? First and foremost, the presenters are phenomenal! They are experts that are working in the field and share their personal experiences. It is so impactful when a presenter can share real life experiences. I love the videos that show interactions with families and children; they really make me think about how I can use these skills in my own practice. (3) What has been one benefit for you of connecting with other members of the Professional Learning Community? One huge benefit of connecting with other members in the Professional Learning community is reading about ideas and strategies that others are using in their clinic or classroom. I was also able to begin my own journey to become a certified LSL. I have the support from two wonderful mentors and an awesome group of ladies. (4) Is there anything else you'd like to add about your experiences with Hearing First? The learning webinars are so practical. I find myself being able to apply what I am learning into practice the next day. We are truly fortunate to have such great resources. Find out more about Hearing First's Professional Learning Community: https://bit.ly/3jYsgB3

The number or words a child hears is directly related to their vocabulary. We know that both distance and noise will negatively effect what children hear. Even the best fit hearing aids do not solve the problems of distance and noise. No one questions the recommendation of remote microphones for school but school is not the only place that children need to learn. We need to recognize the need for listening at home, at sports, at dance class etc. Find out more about the benefits of remote microphones from Jane Madell via HearingHealthMatters.org:

Let’s hear it for professionals! Our birthday wouldn’t be complete without celebrating all the professionals who support families on their LSL journeys. Whether you’ve participated in Learning Experiences and webinars or shared your expertise in the Professional Learning Community, thank you for your dedication to helping children with hearing loss reach their potential!

PBS KIDS has spooktacular activities to try at home this Halloween, like a trick-or-treat scavenger hunt! Your child will have the opportunity to use deductive reasoning and solid language skills as they solve clues.

As your little one listens, learns, laughs, talks, and sings, there are so many small moments and major milestones worthy of celebration! What milestone are you celebrating this week?

The kitchen opens a whole world of listening, planning, & following directions! Have your child help make this Halloween Puppy Chow Mix and mix in some LSL fun this week.

One of the best habits a parent can teach a child with hearing loss is to be an active participant in a morning hearing check. We call it Take Five because it takes just five minutes to get your child's hearing technology ready for the day. Here’s what you do:

Brightly has a list of 13 Halloween books your little pumpkins are sure to love: https://bit.ly/3lJJ1Ap

As part of our 5th year celebration, we're doing a LSL Family Highlight! Andi Hill and her husband, Steve, were cochlear implant & LSL pioneers with their 3 children. Jessica, age 26, now has her doctorate of physical therapy and is in private practice. Jared, age 23, finished his degree in a specialized tradecraft and recently launched his own business. And Julianne, age 19, just started her sophomore year of college, where she is a presidential scholar and fellow. One of ...Andi’s favorite family memories is from Julianne’s 16 birthday celebration. Her family attended an outdoor concert together for the one band that keeps the entire family’s ears really happy, @NEEDTOBREATHE. Andi says, I’ll never forget looking down the row and seeing all 3 kids singing along to lyrics. I looked up at the stars, and with tears in my eyes, said a prayer of huge thanks. (Back: Andi, Steve, & Jared; Front: Julianne & Jessica.)

Check out these great ideas from Listen With Lindsay for celebrating World Audiologists Day!

Let’s hear it for families! We’re celebrating our birthday month and we want to take a moment to celebrate YOU! Parents like you offer inspiration and support to other families starting their LSL journey. Thank you for being part of a community that creates space to celebrate the highs and talk through the lows. We wouldn’t be where we are without families like yours. Read more about what else we’re celebrating: https://learn.hearingfirst.org/fifthbirthday

We love seeing these dolls sporting hearing aids and cochlear implants! Teacher Bridgette Campbell made them for her students using a Cricut machine and vinyl.