Support AG Bell Today
Support AG Bell Today
In the US, 3 out of every 1000 children is born deaf or hard of hearing. Did you know there are actually 5 different types of hearing loss? In infants, the most common types are conductive or sensorineural.
Did you just discover your child is deaf or hard of hearing? You are not alone. The first steps can feel daunting—let us guide you!
We’ve got you covered!
Give us a call and speak with Marti Bledit, a parent and an educator of the deaf & parent of deaf children, now-grown, successful adults. Learn more about her story in our upcoming Volta Voices feature!
Support when you need it. Schedule a call with Marti by phone or zoom Monday-Friday.
All parents are welcome!
AG Bell hosts Parent Chats several times a year. Each Chat has a featured topic and presenter followed by an opportunity to chat with our AG Bell Parent Consultant and other parents on the same journey.
Sign up below to be notified about our next Parent Chat!
Connect, share insights, and learn from other parents. Sign up and be notified when the next Parent Chat is scheduled.
All parents are welcome!
AG Bell hosts Parent Chats several times a year. Each Chat has a featured topic and presenter followed by an opportunity to chat with our AG Bell Parent Consultant and other parents on the same journey.
Many parents tell us they feel scared and confused in these early days, especially if they don’t know anyone else who is deaf or hard of hearing. That’s where we come in—a life with hearing loss can be rich, fun and fulfilling and even better in our community!
About 60% of infants who fail a newborn hearing screening have middle ear fluid to blame. This may clear with time or tubes, but it’s important to follow up with an audiologist to confirm. If your child fails a hearing test with an audiologist, they will then be seen by a pediatric ENT, who can discuss their type of hearing loss and communication options with you. If hearing loss is suspected in an older child, an appointment with an audiologist should be made as soon as possible.
Hearing loss does NOT mean your child will miss out on life or be unable to communicate with the rest of your family. Sign language is an option, but so is hearing and speaking! With the right hearing technology and support, your child can learn to hear and speak in the language of your choice, alongside their peers.
All states offer early intervention services and should connect you with a group of professionals to get the services and support you need. Your team can include an audiologist, a speech-language pathologist, your child’s pediatrician, an otolaryngologist (ENT) and, in some cases, a pediatric geneticist, If you would like your child to hear and speak, consulting with a certified Listening and Spoken Language Specialist (LSLS) is a great first step
The human brain is programmed to learn language during the first six years of life—with the first three-and-a-half years being the most critical. If you choose hearing and spoken language to communicate, getting your child access to sound by being fitted with hearing aids or cochlear implants as soon as possible will be the most impactful. Why? Because sound stimulates development of the brain’s auditory cortex, and lack of stimulation can lead to auditory underdevelopment, making it harder to learn to speak.
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