9 Ways To Save Cash When Your Child Has Hearing Loss (Because This All Seems… Expensive)

You may be wondering: Are all these toys and gear really necessary? 

Our answer: Nope! We're just sharing what's working for us. You may have different items that work just as well for you, without having to buy anything new.

At its core, the LSL Lifestyle isn't about buying lots of new things. It's about how we engage with our baby to have the maximum impact!

At its core, the LSL Lifestyle isn't about buying lots of new things. It's about how we engage with our baby to have the maximum impact!

Each baby is unique. The professionals (and you) know best what will work for your family.

Before shopping, talk with your team to guide what you need to help your baby thrive!

Here are some tips for making it easier on your wallet.

9 Budget-Friendly Ways To Score LSL Toys and Gear

1 ~ Shop What You've Got

Early intervention teachers are pros at working with what families already have!  Chances are, you might just have something that will get the job done. This is doubly true for parents with multiple kids.

If you want to modify a toy to make it more ideal, we have some ideas for that too!

2 ~ Shop Second Hand

Second hand shops and online market places are an excellent resource. We found some of our favorite wooden toys on eBay and Poshmark.

3 ~ Use Gift Wish Lists

When holidays and birthdays roll around, we can find ourselves swimming in new things. What a great opportunity to acquire some useful LSL toys, books, and gear! When someone asks for gift guidance, we try to point them towards LSL-friendly gifts.

Some family members prefer a list of specific items. Others want to pick out their own gift using some general guidelines. Both are so helpful for filling our toolbox.

4 ~ Shop Discount & Dollar Stores

Sometimes the discount stores have just the thing. This can result in serendipitous surprises and fresh ideas. It doesn't have to be expensive to be useful.

5 ~ Ask A Friendly Librarian

While LSL books can be pretty niche, some of them have gone more mainstream (El Deafo, Rally Caps, etc.) and may be available at your local library. If it's not on the shelves, interlibrary loan can do the trick! Interlibrary loan means the library can get the book from any location in their network.

If not, librarians refresh their book collections periodically. Letting them know about your child's challenges, and providing them with the name and author of the book you're interested in, gives them the opportunity to add it to the collection.

6 ~ What Insurance Covers  

Insurance coverage can differ wildly based on location and plan. Some cover more than you think, and can help fill the gaps on gear.

7 ~ Ask What EI Covers

Where we live, we also get services through Early Intervention (EI), which is separate from insurance. Early Intervention differs from state to state. Talk with your audiologist about EI coverage, especially for gear. They've covered more than we expected.

8 ~ Ask What's Tax Deductible

Even if you have to shell out the cash, you might be able to make some back during tax season. Tax attorneys and accountants can guide you on how to maximize any tax benefit.  

9 ~ DIY

Sometimes hobbies and LSL toys overlap! 

If you enjoy sewing, crafting, photography, wood working, music, and more, go for it. A relaxing project with materials on hand can result in an extra special LSL tool.

Plus, it's a great opportunity to take a little restorative time for yourself.

For some inspiration, check out our DIY projects here!