Children with hearing loss can learn to listen, talk, and belong.
Listening & spoken language (LSL) gives your child access to the language of home, school, and the wider world. We help turn sound into conversation, connection, and confidence with research-backed programs for deaf and hard-of-hearing children.
Have you been told “your baby didn’t pass the hearing test” or just received a diagnosis of hearing loss?
Take a breath—you don’t need to have it all figured out today. You just need a clear first step. That’s what The L is for: to walk with families from first questions to clear steps that help children listen and speak.
What happens first
We listen to your story.
We start with a short, friendly conversation to learn about your child, answer your questions and hear your concerns.
We explore what’s possible.
We’ll help you understand your options and what each path can offer, including how listening and spoken language can begin from day one.
We put a plan together.
We’ll create a clear, personalized path based on your child’s hearing, age, needs, and what’s best for your family
We give you a few simple things to try at home.
You’ll leave knowing exactly what to do next—small, practical steps you can use with your child today.
The best time is now
Early sound access trains the brain’s neural networks, allowing children to develop listening, spoken language, and broader cognitive skills. Consistent access to intelligible speech is crucial—starting early, ideally before devices, matters.
Best window
Early intervention, before 6 months (up to 18 months) delivers the strongest results.
Good news
If you missed the early window, it’s not too late. We help late-identified children make meaningful progress.
Why we focus on listening & spoken language
Communication looks different for every family. Some families choose American Sign Language; others combine signing and speech (Total Communication).
At The L, we focus on listening & spoken language (LSL) because research shows it gives children the strongest path to learn through sound — building the brain for listening, talking, reading, and learning.
of deaf or hearing-impaired children are born to hearing parents
of families choose LSL when educated about options
of our preschool graduates enter mainstream classrooms with age-level spoken language
LSL delivers stronger outcomes
Children immersed in spoken language reach higher levels of speech, language, and literacy than those using mixed sign-and-speech approaches.
With consistent hearing and coaching, kids can develop age-appropriate spoken language and thrive in mainstream classrooms.
Consistent hearing technology use makes a major difference
Children who wear their hearing aids or implants 10 + hours a day achieve near-typical language growth.
Every day of sound access matters — “eyes open, ears on” turns hearing devices into brain-building tools.
Family engagement matters
Progress accelerates when parents fill the day with descriptive talk, reading, and play.
LSL coaching empowers caregivers to use ordinary moments from diaper changes to meals andcar rides, as language lessons.
Support systems amplify success
When audiologists, LSL specialists, teachers, and other providers work together, children reach their goals faster.
Our team coordinates care so that everyone—from clinic to classroom—is supporting your child’s listening and language journey.
Our programs meet families where they are
Parent-infant LSL — Start as soon as hearing loss is suspected
For babies from birth to 3 years. Weekly, hands-on coaching that turns everyday moments into learning. Practical help with device wear, pointing out sounds, and easy games parents can use right away.
Preschool classroom — Practice listening with peers
A small auditory-verbal classroom with focused 1:1 sessions. Builds group listening, classroom routines, and school skills. All our preschool graduates move into mainstream classrooms using age-level spoken language.
Individual LSL therapy — Tailored for growing needs
One-to-one therapy for children with specific goals or needs. We focus on complex language, listening in groups and noisy places, early literacy, classroom participation, and independence. Includes caregiver coaching and clear progress targets.
Teletherapy — Full clinical care from home
Live sessions on phone, tablet, or computer that replace clinic visits when travel is a barrier. Parent coaching happens in the child’s real environment so skills generalize to daily life.
Stories from our families
Before being implanted, my son called me ‘ine.’ After being implanted, he started calling me ‘mom.’ Such a heartbreaking moment!
If you have a child with a hearing loss, you will be so happy that you came to The L. I spent countless hours traveling across the state, but it was worth it. My son is a brilliant, expressive, happy teenager. Without The L, I truly believe he wouldn’t be the same person he is today. I love everyone on the staff and am so grateful for them.
- Tia
- Participated in 1:1 coaching
The support I received from The L was amazing. The quality of the professionals there is outstanding. I have seen my son catch up with his peers in language and succeed at school. Knowing I had a professional, close to home, to help guide me to help my son made all the difference.
- S. B.
- Parent of a preschool graduate
In our first week at The L, the most helpful part was hearing our options—sign language, listening and spoken language, or total communication—and understanding the benefits of listening and spoken language. We began Parent-Infant sessions, and soon my daughter started to repeat sounds. We learned how to adapt our lives to help her listen and learn. I’ll never forget the kindergarten game where kids guessed a classmate’s name by voice only—I was worried she wouldn’t be able to do it, and I cried when she succeeded.
- Katie
- Parent of a PIP student
When our daughter was about 4 months old, we visited the “L,” and watching the preschool students playing and interacting like any other kids their age was the moment I first felt hope for Ella’s future. The Luke Lee Lab gave Ella the opportunity to listen and speak the language of our family and her friends. We are forever grateful to the “L” and all of the wonderful people there.
- Travis
- Parent of a preschool graduate
FAQ
Eligible West Virginia residents receive services at no charge thanks to state support. Teletherapy is available across WV, so care can happen at home on a phone, tablet, or computer. Families from Kentucky or Ohio may be seen for on-site visits in Huntington; out-of-state visits are scheduled by capacity and billed differently. Scholarships for some out-of-state families are available through the Scottish Rite Clinic—contact the team to confirm eligibility and next steps.
Yes. The L offers consults to SLPs, Teachers of the Deaf, and audiologists, plus in-service trainings and conference presentations. Contact the professional outreach line to schedule.
We contact caregivers within 1 business day. With caregiver consent, we share a brief summary of the initial consultation and provide concise progress updates at key intervals to the referring provider and care team. We’re available for quick case coordination by phone or email.
Infants/children with suspected or confirmed hearing loss, pre‑ and post‑amplification, whose families want listening & spoken‑language outcomes.
No. If hearing loss is suspected or confirmed, start now. Early steps give the biggest advantage, but it is never too late to make progress.
Confident listening, clear spoken language, and the skills to take part in family life, play, and school.
No. The L works with school teams and supports transition planning so services complement one another.
Tri-State families may come for on-site visits in Huntington. Teletherapy is limited to West Virginia by licensure. Out-of-state visits are scheduled by capacity and billed differently.
Eligible West Virginia residents receive services at no cost.
Options include parent-infant coaching, preschool (small group plus 1:1), individual LSL therapy, and teletherapy. A short consult will point to the best path for your child.
Often within weeks. Progress shows up in everyday moments — turning to a name, asking for something, following a simple direction, or joining play. Small, steady practice matters.
Yes. The L provides support before and after fittings and mappings for both devices.
A specialist will reply within one business day.
You’ll have a short, friendly conversation so the team can hear your story and what matters most. Expect a few clear next steps and one or two simple things to try at home that week.
Yes. Goals are tailored and the team coordinates with other specialists and school providers.
Most families start with one-hour weekly sessions. Intensity and duration change as goals are met and as your child grows.
Audiology and ENT handle fittings and technical care. The L focuses on turning device access into daily listening and language, and will coordinate with your audiologist.
A screen flags a possible issue. An ABR (or diagnostic test) confirms the type and degree of hearing loss, and helps shape next steps.
No. Parents can reach out directly. (Professionals: a 60-second referral form is available here.)
The earlier the better — especially in the first months. But progress happens at any age, and we work with late-identified children, too.
No! Parent coaching can start today. Guidance continues before and after any device fitting or mapping.
Call or message and share a little about your baby. A specialist will get back to you within 1 business day and give 1–2 simple things you can do right away, at home.