.svg){kind=small}
Looking for Dolls and Toys With Hearing Devices? Here’s a Roundup
Because your child deserves to see themselves in their toys. Our roundup of dolls and playsets with hearing devices.
We believe it’s important for our daughter to grow up with hearing devices represented on her dolls and toys.
We love the creative work of parents, educators, nurses, and Etsy sellers, and we’re excited that toy brands are noticing our kids!
So, we’re rounding up some of our favorite options.
Handmade — Want to DIY Instead of Buy?
There’s so much value in adapting the “mainstream” toys, and modeling to our children that the world is their oyster.
Marker “Devices”
One educator we know uses a permanent marker to draw hearing aids and cochlear implant devices onto plastic dolls for use in the classroom. Marker withstands serious play, and prevents any issues when a glued piece inevitably pops off.
Added “Devices”
We’ve seen cute plush dolls and animals with felt patch “device” upgrades. We got inspired and found a 15-minute way to adapt a plush toy to wear a hearing device using felt.
And here’s how to add hearing aids to a doll or stuffed animal using our step-by-step bead method.
Etsy Options
Etsy sellers have stepped up to the plate! Some sellers offer dolls or stuffed animals with devices attached. Others sell stand alone devices (including customizable 3D printed ones) to fit popular dolls and toys.
Miniland Baby Dolls
For the 3+ crowd, Miniland offers baby dolls celebrating diversity, including dolls with hearing aids and cochlear implants. Some of the descriptions are a little confusing. They sometimes refer to both "hearing aid" and "hearing implant" for the same doll, and it's not entirely clear which it is from the photo.
Note: Some Miniland dolls are anatomically correct, which may not be every parent’s thing!
The Butterfly Pig
Founded by a Pediatric Oncology nurse, The Butterfly Pig offers a wide variety of inclusive accessories for dolls and stuffed animals for the 3+ group. They offer hearing aids, both off-the-ear and on-the-ear cochlear implants, and BAHAs!
And, we appreciate the sew-on options for stuffed animals, for children who prefer their cuddly friends to dolls.
The Butterfly Pig also offers mini hospital gowns, which would be helpful for MRIs and surgery day.
LEGO
We are thrilled that Lego has joined the party!
Certain LEGO sets include characters (minifigs) who sport colorful hearing devices. (We usually learn about these from other families who come across them by surprise!)
Check out the cochlear implant in this hilarious Burger Truck set!
The LEGO 60428 City Space Construction Set features a mini figure with a hearing device, and everything your child needs to build a space construction robot and planet scene with rock and crystal accessories.
PRO TIP: If you aren't looking for a whole new set, here's two great options.
- We've had good luck tracking them down on eBay.
- Check out LEGO's "Pick a Brick" website store. The search function isn't the easiest. We sifted through and found the following shortcut numbers:
- MINI HEAD, NO. 3769
- MINI HEAD, NO. 3269
- MINI HEAD, NO. 3862
- If you find more, let us know!
DUPLO
The little ones aren't left behind! Duplo's 3-in-1 Treehouse set is the treehouse of our dreams, and includes a minifig with a hearing device! Check out the cutie pushing the pumpkin wheelbarrow!
We actually acquired this set (via our extended family Christmas List) based solely on how cute and fun it looked. It has everything we ever wanted in a DUPLO set. The hearing device character was SUCH an amazing surprise!!
While pricey, we view this as a longer-term set than some of the other Duplo sets on the market. The pieces are compatible with LEGO, and can provide infinite inspiration for years to come.
Lottie Doll - Mia
Also for the 3+ crowd, Lottie dolls are adorable, and the award-winning Wildlife Photographer Mia doll has a cochlear implant!
I just love her ladybug outfit and wellies. And, the wildlife photography angle can inspire so much fun sound play.'
Mia Doll | Wildlife Photographer | 7" Doll with Cochlear Implants by Lottie
American Girl Doll - Joss Kendrick
Welcome, Joss! American Girl’s 2020 Girl of the Year is Joss Kendrick, whose hearing aid doesn’t slow her down.
I love that Joss is a surfer, and that she inspires kids to get out there and try new things. Her world includes a book and tons of accessories, all with the cute attention to detail that we expect from American Girl.
Joss is a great option for older kids (manufacturer’s recommended age 8+).
Joss Doll, Book & Accessories | American Girl
Looking to read more about Joss? Here's are two books from her series!
American Girl Doll Hospital - Add a Hearing Aid
American Girl's Doll Hospital can attach a hearing aid (or two) to AG's 18" dolls!
We don't know the price, but we are so intrigued!
Barbie with Hearing Aids
In 2022, Mattel announced the first ever Barbie with hearing aids! We love that they consulted with an audiologist to get the details right. And, that the hearing aids are hot pink!
And Ken too! Featuring an orange and yellow patterned shirt, blue shorts, and blue jelly sandals.
We are so excited to see what’s coming next!
(And, keep those devices tuned with a make believe audiologist set!)
