Celebrate Better Hearing and Speech Month in May
May is Better Hearing & Speech Month. Image courtesy of American Speech-Hearing-Language Association
Let’s celebrate Better Hearing and Speech month! We at Speech Buddies celebrate this month as an excellent opportunity to raise awareness about speech, hearing and communication disorders, and to explore treatment and speech therapy options. Ever since 1927, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has celebrated Better Hearing and Speech Month (BHSM) by providing opportunities that raise awareness about communication disorders and promote treatments that can improve the quality of life for those who experience problems with speaking, understanding, or hearing.
Let’s Raise Awareness Together
Did you know that more than 5 million children in the United States have a speech, language and hearing disorder? Many parents and caregivers are often uninformed and unsure about what to do when they suspect their child may have one of these disorders. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders reports that nearly 43,000,000 people in the United States suffer from some form of speech, voice, language or hearing impairment.
This year, the ASHA has chosen the theme “Identify the Signs” and throughout the month of May, will seek to offer resources for parents to learn about speech, hearing and communication disorders and explore treatment options. Early detection is a major factor in prevention of speech and language disorders. Without early detection, treatments take longer and can be more expensive. For people with communication disorders, those closest to them are often their biggest asset. Unfortunately, many parents and caregivers are unable to identify the warning signs or dismiss them too readily.
How Can You Help Promote Better Hearing and Speech?
You can take an active role in promoting the Identify the Signs campaign by informing your friends and family about the warning signs of communication disorders. Lack of information is a significant barrier to prevention and treatment. Look for detailed information about how to detect a hearing, speech or language disorder and possible therapy solutions in upcoming blogs.
Use your Social Media tools to spread the word. The early stages of communication disorders are easier to spot when you know the signs. Personal experiences, thoughts and ideas may be shared via Twitter at #identifythesigns, or share your story on Facebook, Identify the Signs.
For more more information about how you can help spread awareness and take part in this special month, check out ASHA’s detailed website for details. Thank you!
