May is Better Hearing and Speech Month!

For the public good 

Every year since 1927, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) dedicates the month of May to promote public awareness regarding hearing and speech disorders.  This year’s theme is “Communication for All.”

Although the efforts of highlighting these two communication issues are mostly geared at children, adults also suffer from the fallout of hearing and speech challenges.  Social, educational, emotional and economic implications affect every aspect of life.

Get help: A call to action for all 

During May, people are encouraged to park their denials and doubts. They are urged to follow up on suspicions of a possible hearing loss and/or speech difficulty. Underlying issues can often be alleviated or even corrected—but they must be diagnosed and evaluated first, in children as well as in adults.  

For children even a slight hearing loss can deeply affect speech development, language and reading skills. Education invariably suffers. The earlier they get help, the better the outcomes will be.  

Then, might May be the month that a loved one can be motivated to seek a professional opinion at last? 

So, don’t procrastinate. Learn about hearing loss and speech-related issues. There are many ASHA resources available for parents and adults.  Also, check out the website of the HLAA (Hearing Loss Association of America) 

Get on board

So, for those who have concerns regarding a hearing or speech issue for themselves, a child or a loved one, make this the time to take action. Get on board and check it out – for it is May and it is OK.   

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For presentations or for Hearing Safety Training, please contact me through this website or email [email protected]

To learn more about hearing loss, see my book “What Did You Say?” now in its second, updated edition. Sharing my story and what I had to learn the hard way.