Back in June we reported on Marvel’s newest addition to their superheros, “Blue Ear,” the hero who used the power of his hearing aids to detect crime. Over the past month we’ve seen other companies follow-suite, bringing hearing instruments into the limelight of pop culture.
The American Girl collection has taken a step towards diversity with the launch of dolls with hearing aids, personalizing the doll experience for children of all ability levels. Any 18-inch My American Girl doll can be fitted with one or two hearing aids to make her hard of hearing or deaf, whichever her owner desires. All it takes is a visit to the doll hospital, where a doctor will perform a permanent piercing behind one or both ears for a $14 fee (for existing dolls), or new dolls can be ordered with hearing aids already installed.
We also couldn’t help falling in love with their adorable service dog-in-training, “chocolate chip” for dolls who are blind or in need of assistance. We can’t help but think of our own therapy dog in training Ritter when we see this adorable little guy.
Not only are dolls getting hearing aids, but bears too! The Build-a-Bear franchise has recently launched their “plush hearing aids” that can be added to any of their unique creations.
We are thrilled to see more and more companies involving hearing aids in their toys and characters, empowering children everywhere.