Better Hearing and Speech Month brings light to activities for children and adults affected by speech and language disorders.
To commemorate Better Hearing and Speech Month, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) runs a variety of online activities. Better Hearing and Speech Month (BHSM) is an opportunity to share information on common communication disorders.
Blogs and videos about the ASHA website also raise awareness for the organization.
Help build awareness of BHSM by sharing content about ASHA and speech and language disorders on your social media!
To help you learn more about BHSM and Speech-Language Pathology, let’s explore these key topics:
- Spreading the Word
- What is an SLP
- Benefits of SLPs
- Who can Benefit from SLP
- How to Find and SLP
Spreading the Word about Better Hearing and Speech Month
Every May, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) sponsors Better Hearing and Speech Month, which brings awareness to communication disorders and the various treatments available.
ASHA provides free resources and templates for creating posters, websites, and videos that educate patients and caregivers. The website features a series of helpful resources for those who suffer from communication disorders, including audiology and speech pathology.
You can also find information on how to participate in contests, access free graphics, and more.
Throughout the year, ASHA and other nonprofit organizations promote Better Hearing and Speech Month.
A free toolkit, conversation cards, posters, and calendars provide tips on how to promote awareness and encourage people to seek evaluation and treatment for these disorders.
Many people are unaware that they have a communication disorder. Building awareness can help people improve their quality of life through specialized health care services.
For example, ASHA promotes awareness of communication disorders in schools. They urge educators and staff to recognize SLPs and audiologists for their contributions to education and patient care.
About Speech Language Pathologists
This May, celebrate the profession by learning more about speech language pathologists (SLPs).
As part of ASHA’s awareness initiative, they conduct a national poll to raise public awareness about speech-language disorders. Their goal is to help others learn about the importance of an SLP, how to find an SLP, and how to access treatment plans.
Communication is a human right, and we use it every minute of our lives. People with speech and hearing problems often struggle to communicate with others, so finding the best speech-language pathologist is critical.
There is an estimated 40 million people with some type of communication disorder. By identifying the cause of a communication disorder early on, SLPs can help individuals with these disabilities get back on their feet.
If you are concerned about your or a loved one’s cognition, it’s best to seek the advice of an SLP. An SLP can assess, diagnose, and then offer treatment options for you.
Benefits of Speech Language Pathologists
In addition to treating communication disorders, speech language pathologists can also help prevent these issues from occurring in the first place.
With improved education, parents and pediatricians can better identify speech and hearing problems in children. Speech language pathologists can also help prevent sports injuries or other situations that can cause hearing or speech loss.
Many children and adults experience communication disorders, including difficulty speaking or swallowing.
Early intervention programs provide therapy to children as young as 0-3 years old. Similarly, adults can develop speech-language disorders, including swallowing and language disorders, due to injury or disease.
As we age, we gradually lose our ability to speak, understand our surroundings, and swallow safely. Speech therapy can address all of these issues and more.
Who can benefit from Speech Language Pathology
While many people think of BHSM as an educational and advocacy month, the importance of this profession is actually year-round.
Speech-language pathologists evaluate children with various types of communication disorders. These professionals can help individuals of all ages with their communication problems. They can provide activities to improve speech and language skills in others.
Listed below are just a few of the ways in which your child or loved one could benefit from speech language pathology.
A speech-language pathologist holds a state licensure and certification. SLPs will typically pursue continuing education in the field of communication sciences and disorders.
Disorders include;
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty with vocabulary
They also help people cope with the effects of these disorders and help them improve their quality of life. In addition to helping people understand speech disorders, SLPs educate others about how to deal with them.
How to Find a Speech Language Pathologist
May is the perfect time to seek out a qualified speech language pathologist.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) designates this month as Better Hearing and Speech Month to raise public awareness about the importance of speech disorders. These professionals evaluate, treat, and even cure speech and language problems.
ASHA’s ProFind tool is a great way to find a qualified speech language pathologist. It showcases the benefits of speech-language pathology and audiology, and encourages everyone to find a speech-language pathologist.
You can also research SLP provider websites like CORA to learn more or schedule your complimentary assessment from a licensed therapist today.
