Hearts for Hearing
A baby born deaf can learn to listen and talk.
More than 90% of babies born with hearing loss are born to two hearing parents with no family history of hearing loss. Hearts for Hearing exists because more than 95% of these parents are choosing a listening and spoken language outcome for their baby born deaf. We provide advanced hearing technology, audiology and specialized speech therapy to children with hearing loss in Oklahoma.
EVERY COUNTY, EVERY FAMILY
Approximately 48,000 babies are born in Oklahoma each year, and we can expect at least 144 to be born with significant hearing loss. With locations in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Norman, Hearts for Hearing serves families across all 77 counties, extending our services and support to rural communities through our Mobile Care Clinic. We believe every child, in every zip code, deserves the same access and opportunity to learn to listen and talk.
Beyond our borders, in FY26 we welcomed families from 30 states to receive our comprehensive hearing healthcare.
LISTENING AND LANGUAGE LEADS TO LITERACY
Across the United States, about one-third of 12th-grade students demonstrates reading proficiency at the NAEP Proficient level. Oklahoma faces a similar challenge, with reading proficiency remaining a statewide priority. Hearts for Hearing’s patients are graduating high school with literacy and language levels at or above grade level. For children born deaf or with profound hearing loss, these outcomes demonstrate the impact of early access to hearing technology and Listening and Spoken Language therapy.
LISTENING AND SPOKEN LANGUAGE OUTCOMES
Our collaborative care model brings audiology, Listening and Spoken Language therapy and family support together under one roof. From birth to age 3, we provide advanced hearing technology, audiology and specialized speech therapy services at no cost to families. After age 3, Hearts for Hearing offers financial assistance to ensure every child has access to our services and support. Children with hearing loss who receive early identification and intervention enter their neighborhood classroom on par with their hearing peers.
A SUSTAINABLE MODEL
Hearts for Hearing serves patients of all ages. When an adult purchases hearing technology at Heart for Hearing, a portion of that purchase helps provide a child’s first set of hearing technology at no cost to their family.
PREPARING FOR THE SILVER TSUNAMI
Nearly 40 million Americans currently live with hearing loss that affects their daily lives, a number projected to double by 2050. Adults over 65 will make up the majority of this increase, and the need for comprehensive, accessible hearing care has never been more urgent. Our recently expanded adult clinic positions us to meet this moment and ensure Oklahomans age with connection, independence, and improved cognitive health.
Communication is a fundamental human right – essential to all interpersonal connections.
CLOSING THE RESEARCH-TO-PRACTICE GAP
On average, it takes 17 years for scientific breakthroughs to become routine clinical practice. This delay is devastating for children with hearing loss, for whom early auditory access is essential for learning to talk, socialize , and succeed academically. Hearts for Hearing is disrupting this model by integrating new scientific findings into routine clinical practice daily. Hearts for Hearing is positioned to bring Oklahoma families access to the next generation of hearing care, including gene therapy clinical trials and fully implantable cochlear implants.
LISTEN FOR A LIFETIME
From a baby’s first sounds to hearing care later in life, Hearts for Hearing is uniquely positioned to serve Oklahomans at every age.
“Oklahomans at every age. At only six weeks old, Harper was diagnosed with significant hearing loss, and her parents made the choice to pursue Listening and Spoken Language. “We knew that Harper would most likely be the only child in her class, and possibly her school, with hearing loss. After much prayer and consideration, we decided that it would it be best for her to be able to listen and speak to her classmates and friends.” – Harper from Cherokee, OK
Newborns hearing-screened statewide
Children served
Of children served, number with hearing loss*
Families are choosing Listening & Spoken Language for their child with hearing loss.
| Deaf | Hearts for Hearing | OK School for the Deaf |
|---|---|---|
|
Annual funding from the state** |
$4,450,800 |
$11,305,047 |
|
Children with hearing loss served |
2,780 |
~100 |
|
State funding per child served |
~$1,600 |
~$113,000 |
2,780
Number of children with hearing loss served by Hearts for Hearing
~$1,600 VS. ~$113,000
State cost per child: Hearts for Hearing vs. OS
Kris Hopper, Chief External Affairs Officer – kris.hopper@heartsforhearing.org
Sources
*Hearts for Hearing data, FY26.
**Hearts for Hearing and Oklahoma School for the Deaf state appropriations and enrollment figures, FY26.
