Hearing Habits to Optimize Device Wear Time Grant

The Oberkotter Foundation has issued a Request for Proposals titled "Hearing Habits to Optimize Device Wear Time" to fund initiatives that help families ensure consistent use of hearing devices in infants and young children who are deaf or hard of hearing. This initiative aligns with the Foundation’s mission to support listening and spoken language development among children with hearing loss. Since its founding in 1985 by Paul and Louise Oberkotter, the Foundation has distributed over $500 million in grants nationwide, targeting interventions that provide early and consistent access to audiological and language services for children. The RFP responds to extensive research showing that early and consistent hearing device use is crucial for age-appropriate language and literacy outcomes. Pediatric studies confirm that full-time device usage—defined as use during all waking hours—has a strong positive impact on speech and language development. Yet, data suggests that most young children wear devices for significantly fewer hours per day than recommended. Caregivers often overestimate device use, and full-time wear can take more than a year to achieve, especially in children with cochlear implants or those under age three. These discrepancies underscore a need for supportive interventions to help families improve consistency in device wear. Multiple barriers to device wear have been identified at both the child and caregiver level. Practical challenges such as device fit, feedback, and physical activity can reduce wear time for infants and toddlers. For caregivers, emotional stress, mental health conditions, and a lack of understanding or confidence in device management play significant roles. Socioeconomic factors, including access to private insurance and education levels, also correlate with reduced wear time. Additionally, systemic support—such as guidance from early intervention professionals or community organizations—is often insufficient or inconsistently applied. These insights point to the need for multi-faceted solutions that consider technical, emotional, and systemic aspects of device use. To address these challenges, the Oberkotter Foundation seeks proposals that implement, expand, or adapt family-centered interventions promoting hearing device use across all waking hours. Projects should articulate clear, measurable goals, with mechanisms for tracking progress, assessing impact, and addressing sustainability. While baseline data is not required, proposals should present a plan for monitoring wear time, such as through datalogging, surveys, or caregiver reports. The Foundation is especially interested in interventions targeting children from birth to three years of age, with a preference for serving underserved families. Selected proposals may receive funding for up to three years, and partnerships among organizations are allowed with a single lead applicant responsible for fund administration. Eligible applicants must be U.S.-based nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations, primarily 501(c)(3)s, with operational capacity to manage grant funds and deliver the proposed services. Applicants must also demonstrate experience in early childhood hearing loss and social drivers of health access. Proposals must be submitted through the Foundation’s Foundant platform by 11:59:59 PM EDT on May 29, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to review the full RFP and application preview materials prior to submission. Technical or clarifying questions can be submitted to the Foundation by May 11, 2026, though feedback on individual project designs will not be provided. Awards will be announced in September 2026, with an anticipated project start date of October 1, 2026. Grant funding will be distributed annually over a period of up to three years. The Foundation allows indirect costs of up to 25% for tax-exempt U.S. nonprofit organizations, and up to 15% for U.S. universities, colleges, hospitals, or health systems. For-profit organizations and government entities are ineligible for indirect cost recovery. Grantees will be required to submit annual and final reports, including outcome and financial data, to demonstrate project performance and impact.

Prioritize underserved children age 0–3; clearly define wear-time tracking methods; ensure project sustainability and measurable outcomes.